Reflections on IUSA, after a year on the inside

One year ago, I was wandering around campus, presenting to student groups and hanging fliers and banners while talking to people about IU Student Association. Our campaign was different than any before, with stickers, sandwich boards and door hangers that flooded Bloomington with information about our "not another four letter word" ticket. We strived to be realistic in our approach and our goals -- and I would like to think we have been successful.\nThe greatest challenge in campaigning is balancing things in your life. You are forced to juggle school, campaign activities, staff meetings and your current commitments, along with occasional eating and sleeping. You are trying to perform at your maximum potential, while everything is being stretched and strained. Candidates work for the good of all members of the ticket, knowing these people care about each other and the ultimate outcome.\nThis year has brought about the unexpected. In my role, I have spent 10 months working on internal issues that are typical to the nature of the organization. I have been faced with many challenging situations University-wide that I could never have predicted. \nThe idea of representation was taken to a higher level, serving as a student representative on the chancellor and athletics director search and screen committees. My position requires membership on the athletics committee, the transportation committee and the Bloomington Faculty Council, in addition to other boards that have dealt with significant issues during my term. I am in the process as serving as chair of the student trustee search and of the fee committee -- making decisions that will affect students for the next two years. All of these things are a part of the job, and all are responsibilities of the presidents from the past and of those in the years to come.\nThe most important lesson I have learned is there is never enough time to give. If I worked 24 hours a day, I would never be able to complete everything I would like to accomplish. The success of the executive group is dependent upon delegation and surrounding itself with good people who are concerned with working to make a difference. I have had amazing experiences that have allowed me to meet exceptional people and see efforts produce change.\nPlatform ideas are often interesting, in the sense that a lot of things do sound wonderful. \nThe most difficult aspect of these efforts is figuring out the logistics of how to get them done. The improbability of changing an idea or policy in one IUSA term is difficult, especially if there are too many things "on the plate" and if there isn't previous knowledge of how to work within the system. \nSome things are nearly impossible, others are just unnecessary in priority. Our executive team has been able to accomplish a few initiatives and have laid the foundation for others, in the hopes that those who follow will continue to expand upon these plans. We plan to continue working until our term ends April 15, just as we were elected to do.\nFrom this perspective, I wish I could give the current candidates advice on how to deal with the reality of IUSA and this campus. Nothing can happen without the support of many groups and individuals, and typically the University administration. \nA positive working relationship and an open mind are the most important qualities IUSA executives can possess. Individuals who are interested in the position for personal gain will never survive. This position is not a resume filler. The amount of energy it takes is impossible to give unless you are truly passionate about the campus and the issues. An eye for the bigger picture, while paying attention to the details of the organization, is essential to get anything accomplished. A group of four individuals that acts as a cohesive unit is the greatest asset any executive team can bring. \nWhy vote in the election? Because these individuals are representing each and every student in Bloomington. They attend committee meetings (where all of the inner workings of the University occur), trustee sessions and other events as the figureheads and spokespersons for all campus issues. The president and vice presidents, chancellor, trustees and executive officials of other programs and departments know the IUSA president. This person enters a room and his or her words and ideas are taken as a student that is advocating for the best interests of everyone on campus. \nMake sure that when IUSA officers act as "student body" executives, they are acting on your behalf. Choosing one administrative group of four individuals, along with academic and residential representatives, to voice your concerns, is important for the future. Vote.