Why do you want to be in sga?

Not only do you get to advocate for your student body and pursue causes you’re passionate about, but you also get the chance to learn from others and develop skills that will help you in both university and on the job.

Below are the top five reasons why you should consider joining your high school’s student council.

Soft skills are one of the most valuable skills you can develop, especially when you go to university. Student council truly gives you the opportunity to foster skills like leadership, communication, teamwork, organization and public speaking – all of which you need in university. Not only do these skills help you in class but they’re also super valuable if you’re interested in co-op programs and job applications.

Student council also gives you the opportunity to focus on yourself. You get to decide how you choose to present yourself, what passions you wish to explore, what kind of leadership style you prefer, and learn what kind of university program or career you think you might enjoy.

Perhaps you’re looking for a part-time job, applying to university, or considering what a potential co-op job will require. In any case, you’ll need a résumé! Choosing what to include on your résumé can be difficult, especially if you don’t have a lot of work or volunteer experience. Lucky for you, a student council position looks great. It shows employers and universities that you’re passionate and take initiative.

Student council creates an environment where individuals from your high school meet regularly to collaborate on student-led initiatives. You’ll meet different folks with different sets of skills and opinions. You’ll learn how to effectively collaborate with others and use empathy to guide you in your decision making. This is what networking is all about – sharing your thoughts and opinions and learning from others.

By joining your high school’s student council, you’re elected by your fellow students to be their voice on a matter you’re passionate about. You have the chance to support different groups and give a voice to the voiceless. This is a great opportunity to better understand how inequalities affect different individuals and groups, and have a chance to do something about it.

So, there you have it! My top five reasons why you should join your student council. After all, high school is not always about the academics!

Participating in student government can teach you more about yourself, your goals and strengths, as well as how to use them. Student government also allows you to get practical experience while earning your degree.

Meeting new people and making new friends at college can sometimes be difficult at first if you aren't coming into a team or club. New college students often get homesick, especially if they aren’t met immediately with a support system as they enter their new home for the next few years. Student government might be a chance to change that.

Geneva College Freshman Class President, Curtis Thomas, was asked why he wanted to join student government. He was quick to answer, “I wanted to be the voice of the freshman class of Geneva College, and I thought it would be a great opportunity to get to know the people at my school.”

Make Connections and help the Community

Student government is a great opportunity to make connections with people who are motivated by service to others. Besides being a great social experience, nabbing a position in student government is a great extracurricular activity, and it also gives students an opportunity to serve the college and community and to bring new events to the college. This role is not a simple position used to boost a resume; it should be considered a duty and responsibility of those willing to represent the students of the college and in the community.

Help others become more social

Part of the student government’s job is to make starting college for new students a little less scary so they can open up, make friends, and feel like their college is their new home. Student government will often play a role in “breaking the shell” off the new freshmen, allowing them to be themselves at college. One way to make this happen is events. Some of these events happen during the first week, including fun games or activities that serve as ice-breakers for students to connect and form bonds.

Build your experience/resume

Participating in student government can teach you more about yourself, your goals and strengths, as well as how to use them. Student government also allows you to get practical experience while earning your degree. This preparation can give you an upper hand on other applicants when applying for jobs or graduate school. Finally, when you win a position for your student government, you are immediately accepted into a group of some of your college’s smartest and hardest working upperclassmen, who are willing to provide you with tips and experiences, allowing you to live up to your entire potential.

Learn Finances/ Real World Skills