College is a journey like no other. Each student’s paths to self-actualization and the discovery and development of their higher purpose are wholly unique and individualized, but also very much influenced by the many journeys occurring simultaneously around them. It is this very interaction that fuels human relationships and empathy. But when every student has a unique voice, platform, and vision or approach to the world, it can seem daunting to find connection with others and confidence in your own self to stand out, and even more daunting adequately representing and recognizing the diversity of such a student body and one’s place within it. Faith Manickam, SGA Co-President, and fourth-year EMU student know this challenge perhaps better than anyone, and she’s eagerly accepted it.
Manickam, who is a biology major with aspirations of attending medical school after she graduates, grew up moving around both the United States and Asia, and currently calls Kansas home.
Manickam says her interest in SGA “came from the opportunities to engage with so many different people on campus and share perspectives from the student body with those who can help us bring about change.” Given the nature of the job and the often overwhelming workload of being both a student and an organization leader who must work tirelessly to understand both herself and the population she’s serving, SGA can also be a frequently intimidating endeavor.
Addressing this, Manickam says “It has been important for me to remember to set aside time for self-care. This can be really hard to do. I’m still trying to figure out the best ways to do it, but taking a few extra minutes in the morning to have a cup of tea and watch the sunrise has been a great way to start my day. I’ve also found it important to be with friends and have designated times where that is separate from school or doing homework.”
In addition to personal challenges, Manickam says that there are still persisting challenges from the pandemic and the hardships of the last year, which has made it more difficult to form connections and garner interest in SGA from all parts of the student body.
Despite this, she and fellow SGA leaders have used Margaret Wheatley’s “Turning to One Another” as a resource in navigating these difficulties and focusing on the fundamental human values at the heart of SGA. Manickam emphasized three lines especially in informing her and SGA’s work: “Trust that meaningful conversation can change your world. Rely on human goodness. Stay together.”
Additionally, Manickam has found excitement and meaning in SGA’s recent work with Matt Tibbles’ trauma-informed pedagogy group. “We are collaborating to find resources for professors to help make classrooms and campus as a whole more trauma-aware and inclusive/safe. There has been a lot of work put into this already and I think it’s something that can really impact every student.”
Finally, in the face of multiple roles as both a student and a leader, someone figuring herself out while also trying to help others do the same, and advancing EMU through intensive student engagement and project development- Manickam reminds herself of this: “As a leader, it’s my job to represent all students and advocate for their needs […] I love talking with students to help me better understand what they want to see changed at EMU.”
Additional information about SGA, its representatives, its mission and roles on campus, and how to get involved and connected with them and the EMU community can be found on EMU’s website.
