The Campus Chronicle sat down with Rachel Callaway, outgoing SGA president, to discuss her time in office. On March 23, Alexandra Archuleta was elected the new SGA president and will assume office in the fall.
Question: How long have you been the SGA president?
Answer: I was inducted at the end of last April, so about a year.
Question: What have you accomplished as SGA president?
Answer: At the end of the year I hope I can leave the association knowing that it is prepared for the future. I want to make sure the association can thrive and that those who come later have opportunities.
Question: What are you most proud of while holding this position?
Answer: I am most proud of the great strides we have made in the association. We have created massive change within the association, and it has been shaped into a new association within the last year. I’m also proud of being the first female in 13 years to hold the position.
Question: What are some major challenges you have faced by holding this position?
Answer: The hardest challenges I have faced is the push back. Many people who have been in the association for a while did not like some of the changes I made and ended up fighting me pretty hard on those changes. When people say terrible things about you when you know what you are doing is the right thing is difficult. It can ruin your spirit. Thankfully, I’ve had a wonderful executive council and advisors to help me keep going.
Question: What were some of your strategies that you used to get elected?
Answer: I spoke to lots of students. I made sure that everyone I came across knew what I stood for and why I wanted the position. I took a humorous side to my campaign, but I was able to prove that I had the ability to do it.
Question: What has been your favorite part of the job?
Answer: My favorite part of the job is having the funds to give to organizations off campus. My family has been on the receiving end of those organizations like the Salvation Army. Being able to now help others who are in those situations like I was once helped has been incredibly rewarding.
Question: What do you wish the students of High Point would know about your plans to better the school?
Answer: Change is important, especially with the university growing so quickly. It’s good to question change at first, but then it is important to embrace it. It’s better to work to make something better rather than fighting against it because you’re comfortable where you are. While the change may be difficult at first, over time we hope that the students will be able to thrive within the association.
