Although I doubt that I am the first person at UF that you have heard this from, I would like to welcome you to the University of Florida!
As the newest generation of Gators, you have four years of academics, athletics and achievement to look forward to. My first four years at UF were as fun as they were challenging, packed full of friends that will last me a lifetime, professors that I will always remember and organizations that gave me a purpose that was more than just earning good grades. Of those hundreds of organizations available at your fingertips, there is bound to be one area on campus that fits your interests.
To me, Student Government was the most interesting group on campus. This is because SG is involved in almost all parts of campus life. At the most simple level, SG allocates the activity and service fees that are included in your tuition to go toward different entertaining programs on campus. In the past few semesters, that has included things like funding student groups, presenting shows like Lupe Fiasco and Cartel, bringing the comedians Lewis Black and Bob Saget and providing controversial and informative speakers like Sen. John Kerry and former Attorney General Alberto Gonzalez.
But there are other things that most people don't realize SG provides. For example, a large part of the local Regional Transport Service bus system is funded by SG money in order help run the campus routes that lots of students use every day. Another large expense is the Division of Recreational Sports, which maintains all of the gyms and workout areas on campus and offers workout classes and intramural sports.
Most important, SG is the voice of the students.
My position allows me to be the only student representative on the highest governing body at UF, the Board of Trustees. On the board, it is my job to advocate on behalf of student interests for things like tuition and student fees. Whether you realize it or not, SG will affect some part of your life as a UF student in the next four years.
So why not get involved? One of the best things about SG is that you don't have to be a political science major to help make your campus a better place. Any student can apply for positions in one of our many cabinets that focus on a wide array of areas like housing, multicultural affairs, advertising or technology, just to name a few. Or if you are more interested in representing your college or residence area directly, you can get involved in Student Senate. It doesn't matter what college or background you are because you can always find some way to get active if you are interested in making a difference here at UF for everyone.
I'm sure that whatever path you take on your journey here at UF, you will gain experiences and knowledge that will be unique and valuable for each of you. I hope you enjoy every moment of it. But if you want a hand in how the campus really works, come by my office sometime. Enjoy your freshman year-it is sure to be unforgettable. And as always, go Gators!
Jordan Johnson is the Student Body president at UF.
