Andrea Hammack
Staff Writer
With all of the commotion and campaigning, it is easy to forget what the Student Government Association (SGA) is really here for — to represent Troy and to exemplify leadership.
Gus McKenzie, a senior communication major from Monroeville, currently serves as the president of SGA. This means that he is the direct form of communication from the student body to the administration.
McKenzie explained that he sits in at meetings and is able to give students a voice in determining what goes on with the university.
“I have been involved with SGA for three years and held positions in the Freshman Forum before that,” McKenzie said. “I joined because I wanted to be involved and to be able to represent my peers in conversation that will make a difference.”
Wanting to make a difference is a common thread among the members of SGA.
Adebimpe Adefolaju, a senior biomedical sciences major from Nigeria, holds the International Senate seat and is on the International Student Involvement Presidential Cabinet.
One of Adefolaju’s main goals is to encourage the participation of international students in campus activities.
“Right now I am working with the international office concerning some ideas that we think might work and really draw international students into enjoying their time in Troy even more than before,” Adefolaju said.
“I really enjoy seeing international students doing big things.”
Mackenzie Martin, a sophomore communication major from Pensacola, Florida, who serves as the College of Communication and Fine Arts senator and the sergeant-at-arms, is no stranger to student government.
“I was heavily involved with SGA when I was in high school and wanted to continue to do that while I was in college,” Martin said. “I love Troy so much, and I wanted to give back to the university in some way, so why not serve on SGA?
“I also love being able to plan events and see how impactful it can be on the students.”
SGA members also deal with difficult tasks on a day-to-day basis such as finding a balance between befriending everyone while maintaining a position of authority.
McKenzie said his biggest struggle was working to project his voice in meetings with his superiors.
“I have learned a great deal about respect, thinking before speaking and knowing when to say what,” he said. “It has helped me improve the position by always projecting my voice to those who need to hear it.”
Logan Wetzel, a junior criminal justice major from Moulton and senator representing Trojan Village, said his most difficult task started before he was elected into the organization.
“I have run five times and was unsuccessful the first four times,” Wetzel explained. “It inspired me to be dedicated to serving the students that wanted to see change but had no real knowledge of how the SGA senate works.”
Being a part of the SGA has given the students not just a voice but experience.
Though this organization may not be for everyone, it is something that is important in keeping the campus running smoothly.
“I can say that SGA has helped prepare me to enter the workforce confidently,” McKenzie said. “Meetings or deadlines don’t scare me because I see them daily.”
Being involved in SGA also allows students to be more connected to their campus.
“My presence in the SGA reminds other international students that it is possible to be a part of a greater cause,” Adefolaju said. “Troy is known all over as Alabama’s international university.
“I am trying my best to ensure that Troy University lives up to that name and embodies the diversity she professes.”
If you have a passion for serving the student body, Adefolaju encourages you to join the organization.
“Even if they cannot occupy a seat, they should make sure to vote for people that will voice their opinions and proffer solutions to the problems we deal with on a daily basis,” Adefolaju said.
