As the week  begins to unfold, I wanted to use my blog to reflect on my summer.

It has been an experience of a lifetime to say the least.

First and foremost, I have the privilege with being able to meet with administrators across campus and speak on behalf of 23,000 students....

Whether that means asking for healthier eating options at DXpress, making VT more sustainable, working to improve the Blacksburg transit, or even just the fact that we genuinely care about the students, it was an unforgettable summer.

It's easy to talk with administrators when what we are doing is something that I am so passionate about. It's easy to work until 3am when I know what I am doing is making a difference. I know that the people on our team are in this for the right reasons: the students. As a collective unit working for the same goal, which in this case is to make Virginia Tech the best that it can possibly be through the voice of the students, we have something special.

I have learned a lot. I have understood the importance of the legwork necessary to have things accomplished. Showing some empathy for one second, why should the administration trust what we are saying is important when a year later they may hear the exact opposite? I have to put myself in their shoes to explain the long-term significance of what I am presenting to them.

Also, when I present on behalf of the student body, how can I accurately portray a sample set? How can it be extrapolated to convey the opinion of the entire student body? In order for SGA to be respected on campus, we must put in the leg work to gather reliable data, as well as, the research in order for our ideas to have long-term significance.

I've learned a lot this summer. In a nutshell, you cannot substitute hard work. You cannot underestimate passion. I learn more by observing and actively listening than anything else.

SGA is going to accomplish some amazing things...not because of us..but because of the student body. It is going to be one helluva year and I am so excited to get it rolling.

If you or anyone you know has any questions or suggestions on ways to move Virginia Tech forward in a progressive, positive way, have them contact me.

E-mail: brandoncarroll@vt.edu
Phone Number: 540-2008-SGA