With multiple social, academic, and extracurricular opportunities presenting themselves, college can be a stressful time for anyone.
Finding balance can be a challenge for any college student and maintaining that balance once it’s found can be downright daunting.
When it does all come together, though, it feels like magic. And that’s when the most worthwhile of college experiences take shape.
It’s that balance of all her lives that Samantha Stewart attributes to her continuing collegiate success, both in and out of the classroom. Involved in a variety of organizations at SUNY Poly in Utica, she often finds herself shuttling from her responsibilities as a Student Ambassador for the Admissions Office or a Resident Advisor to being a Program Chair for the Campus Activities Board or keeping up with her team as pitcher on the SUNY Poly softball team.
“I have always had a passion for being a leader,” she says. “I really indulged myself in being involved with campus life. There were all these amazing leadership opportunities, but I wanted to go further, which led me to run for the position of Student Association President.”
Voted into the position for the 2016-2017 academic year, it is a role that Stewart says she hopes to use to further enhance student life on campus, including ensuring that the voice and needs of every student is heard, and making sure that everyone feels welcomed and at home in the Student Association.
“Everyone should have their place here at SUNY Poly and my goal is to make sure that everyone does,” she says. “I love this college and my goal is to help everyone find something they are passionate about while attending.”
This latest of hats she’ll be wearing comes with its own fair share of historical significance, as she is the Student Association’s first female president – a title she calls and honor and a blessing.
“I hope to do amazing things that will lead the way for other female student leaders who are ready to step up on campus,” she says. “I also hope to inspire any female leaders who are hesitant on using their leadership abilities.”
For Samantha, these are welcome opportunities to become a role model and leader within the SUNY Poly community both now and throughout the remainder of her college and professional career, hoping that both current and prospective students will step forward to take control of their collective destinies by getting involved in the organizations and decisions of their school.