Senate Superstar
Author: Carly N. / Editor: Ariana W. and Bella B. / Photos: Abby W.
Being a leader is no easy task and anyone who has experience would likely agree. Serving in an executive position comes with a plethora of responsibilities. Even though the obligations and authority that follows being a chairwomen may seem stressful, the most important quality of a good leader is the ability to enjoy their position. Regardless of the hard work that women put into anything, a true director does their job and still finds the experience rewarding.
This is exactly the type of leadership that Sarah N., a member of Zeta Tau Alpha (Zeta), emitted while holding the position of FSU’s Senate Pro Tempore in 2022. Senate Pro Tempore is responsible for presiding over the Senate and ensuring things run smoothly within student government. Sarah recalls her time serving in this position fondly. “My time as the Pro Tempore of the 74th Student Senate was easily the most rewarding and inspiring leadership experience I’ve had in my time at FSU.” The lessons Sarah retained will stay with her as she continues to exert leadership in other positions.
Originally, Sarah was inspired to run for the position of Pro Tempore to create a healthier environment within student government. She wanted to create an environment in which people felt comfortable and supported. Sarah explains, “I wanted to be the warm, approachable leader who people felt they could talk to and collaborate with.” She was luckily able to turn these hopes into reality as she entered the position, and describes the environment she and her leadership team created in the Senate as, “A place where people could be agents of change, explore themselves, and build friendships at the same time.” Her leadership philosophy most certainly improved and inspired the future of FSU’s student government.
During her time serving , Sarah collaborated with many other members of Student Government. She has had many positive influences within student government. Sarah has also worked closely with her fellow Senators, and in her own words says, “I had the honor of mentoring some of our brightest student leaders, as well as meeting my own biggest mentors, all while having a direct impact on our campus.” Sarah was inspired to mentor others within Student Government as she wanted to positively impact them the way her mentors impacted her. Sarah remarks that she’ll forever treasure and remember the relationships and interactions the organization has provided her with.
Today, Sarah works at FSU’s Center for the Advancement of Human Rights. According to Sarah, “The Center for the Advancement of Human Rights’ mission is to provide pro-bono legal services to immigrants, refugees, and victims of human rights abuses; as well as to inspire human rights advocacy through partnering with other non-governmental organizations and developing coursework at FSU.” Sarah’s experience as Pro Tempore ignited her passion for creating a supportive environment, which she exerts every day at work. She works directly with clients to help them satisfy their varying needs. She remarked how she loves her job because she is able to help her clients adjust to their new lifestyle; lifting whatever burden her clients may have been facing. “I am thankful to be able to serve our Tallahassee community and to learn from our inspiring clients and my fantastic colleagues.” During her time at The Center for the Advancement of Human Rights, Sarah’s leadership and her encouraging attitude most certainly left their mark on the organization.
The impact Sarah and her leadership has had on FSU’s student government will continue to inspire others for years to come. Her drive for creating an environment that provides a place for everyone’s voice has not gone unnoticed and set a precedent of respect within the Senate. Sarah’s passion will carry her far as she continues to tackle new opportunities that come her way.
Sarah’s sisters haven’t fallen short in supporting her and her accomplishments. She describes her sisters as welcoming, kind, and always in her corner. During her freshman year her sisters painted and hung a banner outside the Zeta chapter facility when she ran for her first position in Student Senate. Her sisters helped her apply for her job at The Center. Regardless of what type of involvement she finds herself a part of, her sisters continue to support her. Sarah says, “I couldn’t ask for a better support system or a more welcoming place to come home to every day.”