PJC students attend SGA state convention
Published or Revised January 11, 2017
Shown during the meeting in Austin are the six Student Government Association members from Paris Junior College; in front, from left are Elise Winters, Lydia Jimenez, and Hannah Garrett, in back are Matthew Nichols, Alain Garcia, and Jeffrey Ting.
Several Paris Junior College students recently attended the Texas Junior College Student Government Association Annual Meeting in Austin, joining the 700 students and 200 advisors from community colleges across Texas.
"Rev' It Up was the meeting theme and we were especially impressed with speaker Ryan Pennau and his program: "Energy is Everything: Creating a Dynamic Org Culture for RESULTS!'," said PJC Student Life Director Kenneth Webb. "He taught the students how they need to get involved and be active on their college campuses and the things they need to learn about themselves to become a better person. He also told them how they need to better society and help their schools and communities."
Students participated in various committee meetings and attended workshops such as how to talk to a legislator, the basics of SGA, grassroots activism, delegating, leadership, and setting goals. They also participated in the Region III and State assemblies, engaged in community college student activism, and worked in other activities involved civic leadership.
Elise Winters of Paris served as the SGA Region III Vice President for 2015-2016.
"There were a lot of people at the meeting who are really enthusiastic about SGA and doing things for their schools," said Winters. "I think it really influenced some of our students to get more involved next year. I won't be; I'm transferring, and it's kind of bittersweet because I've really enjoyed getting to know SGA and getting involved.
"Serving as Region III Vice President was hectic. I had to make announcements at the meetings and sometimes I didn't know what I'd be announcing until I got there. It was interesting because we all go to different schools and needed to be in contact with each other and it got a little crazy, but was fun. It made me better at speaking in front of people because I had to get up and speak before all the junior college SGAs who make up Region III. It was good for me."
PJC's SGA was elected to fill the Region III Treasurer position for 2016-2017 and returning student Lydia Jiminez will hold the office next year.
"This was one of the best groups we've ever taken to a conference," said Webb. "They're really smart kids, they represented PJC very well, and they had a wonderful time. We will have good leadership returning in the fall."
TJCSGA is the only student maintained organization in the state that works to promote the cause of community college students at the local, regional, state and national level. It is made up of 72 member colleges within six regional districts.
