When searching for a college, I cannot emphasize enough how important it is to find the right fit. Upon arriving in the heart of Millersville University, I was immediately captivated by its small-town charm and close-knit community. It didn’t take long to realize I had found my home away from home.

My time at Millersville has fostered a newfound sense of confidence and independence within me. While I enjoyed my time in the Yoga Club and exploring niche interests in the International Association of Emergency Managers, my academic path truly defined my direction. Through my major in Government, Law, and International Relations, I developed a genuine passion for the public sector. Inspired by my professors' real-world stories, I became determined to move beyond the textbook and gain firsthand knowledge of how government operates.

I took my first steps toward this goal within our own campus community, serving as the Student Government Association's (SGA) Student Lodging Representative. Advocating for off-campus students taught me the importance of giving every student a voice. This experience sparked a desire to do more, leading me to run for SGA President. Choosing to lead was one of the best decisions of my life; it allowed me to make a tangible, lasting impact on Millersville’s campus while sharpening the public speaking and networking skills I would eventually take to the state level.

These leadership foundations proved essential during my recent fellowship with the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. While working in Harrisburg, I got the chance to step directly into the legislative process by presenting a PASSHE and Community Colleges budget briefing to the House Appropriations Committee. I also drafted original legislation that I shared during my final presentation for the program. From identifying real-world problems to collaborating with stakeholders, the fellowship provided hands-on learning in technical writing and political strategy that I wouldn’t have been prepared for without what I learned in the classroom.

In fact, my time at the Capitol strengthened my perspective on student leadership. I returned to campus realizing that our work in the SGA closely mirrors the state legislature. This reinforced my commitment to our professional procedures, from how we run committee meetings to how we organize outreach.

This professional lens has been vital in my primary responsibility: representing the interests of our 7,000 students. Recently, I joined fellow Millersville SGA members in Harrisburg to advocate for continued investment in PASSHE universities. Meeting with representatives and senators taught me that the most valuable discussions happen when those directly affected by legislation have a seat at the table. Seeing my peers share their stories reminded me why we do this work—to ensure that students’ needs are not just heard, but understood.

As my presidency and my time at Millersville come to a close, I can state with confidence that we have built a collaborative, welcoming SGA that doesn’t just work for the student body, but with them. My journey from our student government to the halls of the Capitol has shown me that leadership is about being a bridge between people and their government. As I pass the leadership torch and look toward a future in public office, I am excited to see the next generation of leaders use this foundation to make a transformative impact here at Millersville, in Harrisburg, and beyond.