Portrait #10  (1-2004)                                    
Name: Crystal D. Baxter
Age: 26
School: North Florida Community College
Major: Political Science/ Pre Law
Phone: (386) 208-1053
Email: crystal26_sprezzatura@yahoo.com
Favorite book: Leaves of Grass by Walt Whitman
Hobbies: Singing, reading, hiking, and almost any activity that involves water.

Major campaign accomplishment 1:
     “I was the first student ever to chair the Inter-Club Council.”

Major campaign accomplishment 2:
     “I was the first president to take on responsibilities previously handled by the SGA advisor including planning and coordinating events, handling the budget, and compiling and organizing necessary paperwork.”

Major campaign accomplishment 3:
     “I initiated, planned, and hosted the first SGA ‘End of the Year Officer's Awards Dinner’ and the first monthly scheduled student event on campus.”

Previous roles in SGA:
     “I was the secretary in 2002-2003 and the vice president exo-ficio in 2002-2003.”

Why did you become involved in SGA?
     “One of my good friends, Claire, at Santa Fe Community College, was extremely involved with SGA. She was the one that sparked my interest in working with them.”

Who is your role model?
     “My mother, husband, mother-in-law, and grandmother all played important roles in making me who I am today. They instilled a sense of self-worth and taught me to not be afraid of hard work, even if it meant standing alone for what I believed in. These people made me realize that I could achieve anything. They taught me to be courageous.”

What is your administrations biggest challenge?
     “This has been a year of change. There’s more student control and involvement on campus than ever before. The changes have not always been easy, but I believe they are necessary and will prove effective and beneficial for future generations of NFCC students.”

What legacy will your administration leave?
     “I try to lead by example and show those around me that if I can succeed, they can too. I’ve always tried to be a well-rounded student and not only get involved with SGA, but with other on-campus organizations including: public relations officer for STRIKE, honorary guest at Board of Trustee meetings, member of College Council, member of Budget Committee, chairperson for Inter-Club Council, member of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, member of Soar, and a member of Young Republicans. I believe that if you are willing to work hard for those you serve, nothing is unattainable.”

How does the student body view SGA?
     “One of my goals this year has been to make the student body of NFCC more aware of who their SGA officers are and what purpose they serve. We are not here to serve the faculty, staff, or the administration. We are here to make sure the students' interests are being well represented. I believe students receive this message and perceive the SGA in good light.”

Describe your relationship with the administration?
     “We are fortunate to have an administration that cares about the wants and needs of the students. There have been a few strained moments due to all the changes being made this year, but I’d have to say that the overall is positive.”

Describe your relationship with the media?
     “Our SGA group has something in every issue of the campus paper, as well as in the local papers whenever possible. We use these articles to let students know about the events and activities SGA is involved in. We also hope to motivate students who might not otherwise be inclined to be a part of SGA.”

What advice would you give to other SGAs?
     “Work hard! Even if no one notices or appreciates the sacrifices you make and obstacles you overcome, keep working. It's very easy to coast through your education, but it takes a special person to become a leader and serve their school as well as their peers. Don't forget the hard work and dedication of those working around you, especially your officers. Without them, your SGA group would never be as strong. Above all, never give up.”

What are your plans after graduation?
     “I plan on attending a four-year college and obtaining my bachelor's degree in political science and business. I then plan to go to law school and ultimately become a judge.”

Contact Baxter at crystal26_sprezzatura@yahoo.com.

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