Written by Ella Duryea
Hello everyone! It’s your student body president, Ella Duryea. It was an honor to serve you for the first semester. I’ve been grateful to reflect on these past several months and ponder how the Student Government Association (SGA) can better support the student body going forward. Looking back, a favorite part of my role thus far was Table Talks with Ella. Getting to connect students with resources across campus and celebrate those who don’t normally get the spotlight was a treat for me. It is safe to say that Table Talks are still IN for the 2024 year. The best thing about this role has been working for and alongside people who constantly impress me, challenge me and make me glad to be here. Valuing the gift of receiving a college education from good people and alongside good people is IN.
Something new that will be introduced soon is office hours. In all honesty, last semester was a lot for me to handle as I am a very normal, very human gal. Office hours were something I wanted to give students but felt like I couldn’t balance. This semester, office hours are IN. I want students to recognize that I am available to meet with them to talk about concerns and questions or simply say “hi.” It is in fact my job to do so. To the students last semester who reached out to me by email, text or in person with your thoughts, thank you for trusting me. I’m so glad I got to meet you.
I want everyone to understand that the SGA is equipped with the money, resources and connections to help students enact the change they want to see. Dearest students, in 2024, complaining on social media about your environment is OUT. But stepping up and doing something about the things in the world that you don’t like is IN. If it’s not IN, Harding will never become what you wish it could be. At times, I sense a tinge of apathy among the student body that contributes to this subculture of complaining (and frankly laziness).This semester, I’m praying for a renewed spirit among students. One that recognizes the privilege and blessing of being here and is ready to become a leader that our student body needs.
I’m ready to make our last semester together a good one. There’s room for you at the table. Come sit with me, and let’s practice being good humans who can love Harding and call her higher at the same time.
