ëYou have the power to create necessary changeí

By Sarah Brakebill-Hacke

Student Senate president

Sarah.Brakebill-Hacke5761@mb.rctc.edu

ìA small body of determined spirits fired by an unquenchable faith in their mission can alter the course of historyî – Mahatama Gandhi

This school year has been filled with great accomplishments.

When my term began, almost a year ago, my only set goal was to give the vote back to the students. We were victorious in this task. This spring marked the first student body elections of executive officers since the year of 2009! Six percent of the student body voted in that election in the amount of 300 students. Myself and my team were only elected by approximately 20 students.

Additionally, my team has worked tirelessly to address food insecurity on campus. Since the passing of the Emergency Food Aid Act last semester, meals have been served once a week, and snack bins have been filled in several locations, helping to alleviate the growling bellies of our fellow students.

Even more amazing than the Senateís efforts towards nourishment of the students on campus, is the awareness that the project brought to the issue. Since then, faculty, staff, and administration have been working to resolve the issue. Faculty and staff bring food regularly, and there is a promise by Dr. Michael Anthony and Laura Engelman of meal plans for students as soon as the fall of 2018!

Finally, I would like to leave you all with a note of hope.

You can be the change. You do have a voice, and your future is yours for the making.

I am an example of a person who has overcome great adversities. I have been hungry and homeless on the streets. I have been hopeless and powerless in the arms of an unjust system.

This year on campus has taught me many things, but the most important lesson that I have taken away is anything is possible. And you have the power to create necessary change.