The end of the academic year is always a busy time for students. The weather is changing, finals are just around the corner, and summer is just around the corner. For many students, this means the end of their time at Colorado State University.
The end of a chapter is different for everyone, but for those who have spent years deeply involved in student government activities, it's a time to reflect on their efforts.
Associated students at Colorado State University don't often find themselves at the center of campus-wide conversations, even during the most high-profile times like the annual election. In the most recent election, only 11% of students voted.
But just because an organization operates under the radar doesn't mean no work is being done. For many alumni, tenure at ASCSU was more than just a checkbox on their college experience. It was an important part of their time at CSU that helped shape them into who they are today.
Even though they have spent so much time working on various projects and responsibilities, little is known about the actual people behind their events, campus initiatives, and legislative efforts.
ASCSU Director of Government Affairs Michael Stella is one such student. Throughout his year as Board Chair, Stella has been instrumental in authoring and advocating for several bills in the Colorado General Assembly aimed at addressing issues facing college students.
One of the bills is HB24-1018, If passed, the bill would exempt textbook purchases from state sales tax. Mr. Stella workshopped his initial idea and worked with Congressman Andrew Bosenecker to make it a reality.
“(I) had no idea what I was going to do in this role or the power this organization would have, but once you get into it and spend some time with it, you realize…” This organization the influence that can be exerted,” Stella said. “As a senior who just joined the company, I regret not having done it sooner, but I am satisfied with what I was able to accomplish this year.”
Stella said it was especially unique to be able to participate in the process and see how an idea evolved into actual law.
Although such a large-scale undertaking requires a lot of effort, the individuals involved in the effort make significant behind-the-scenes contributions that are up to the organization to recognize.
“The responsibility of people at ASCSU and student government is to make life better for people who are not interested in that,” Stella said. “I think we would be doing our students a disservice not to take this initiative seriously.”
ASCSU Director of Traditions and Programs Meron Siyoum said that during the fall semester, events such as Grill the Buffs, which brings students together before the Rocky Mountain Showdown football game between CSU and the University of Colorado Boulder, He was instrumental in reviving old CSU traditions.
“A lot of people know each other and talk to each other outside of the office,” Syoum said. “You end up having to be pretty close because you're working together on something like a very large project. And you want support and you want to be able to help other people too. is.”
Silloum said one of her main goals is to create a third space for students to go and connect with the community.
“I think events and third spaces are the way to do that,” Syoum said. “Because suddenly I feel like I have a community. I feel even more welcome at CSU.”
Finance Director Ashton Duffield used his position on the Student Body Funding Board to increase student body awareness of ASCSU's funding of CSU student clubs and organizations.
“One of the things I worked on this year was to get a lot of support,” Duffield said. “We held support events and invited a number of student organizations to inform them about the process, because that process actually has the power to obtain funding. Because it's really beneficial if you know how.”
Duffield described his time at ASCSU as “confusing but fun” due to the demands of the position, but he said the organization greatly helped him grow as a person. I did.
“Honestly, I like everyone,” Duffield said. “They all have strong beliefs about what they want. … Being around really motivated people all the time has made me a better person. … My experience has helped others It's not the same experience, but I think it's more similar than anyone realizes.”
In addition to his current position, ASCSU Vice President Alex Silverhart has held several positions within the organization, including senator and health director of the College of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences.
“It was a lot of fun,” Silverhart said. “It's been tough. I think most of the people who are involved in student organizations…I know this is going to get heated, but these are some of my closest friends. They're people I've known for decades. people who want to maintain connections and friendships.”
Silverheart, along with other departments at ASCSU, particularly the School of Health, has worked closely with sexual and reproductive health care education on campus. Silverheart organizes monthly blood drive events for ASCSU and hopes to parlay her passion for health and wellness into a career in the medical field.
Silverhart said he initially didn't know what he wanted to focus on at ASCSU. Silverheart wanted to help people and developed a passion for sexual and reproductive health through his work in various roles at ASCSU.
“I feel like I will continue to be grateful for ASCSU, student government, and CSU because this organization helped me understand that,” Silverhart said.
Contact Hannah Parcells at news@collegian.com or on Twitter. @hannahparcells.
