Portrait #7
(9-2003)
Name:
Erin Sandonato
Age:
24
School:
University of West Florida
Major:
Education
Phone:
850-474-2391
E-mail:
esandonato@hotmail.com
Favorite book:
Age of Reason by Thomas Paine
Previous
roles in Student Government:
•
SGA President,
2003-2004
•
Board of Trustees,
2003-2004
•
SGA Vice President,
Spring 2003
•
Student Relations
Senator, Fall 2002
Major Campaign Accomplishments:
1) Argostock.
“This is an event before spring finals that allows students one night of
fun before two weeks of hard work. From
5 p.m. until 2 a.m., we have local bands,
free food, games, and prizes.”
2) Big Argos, Lil’ Argos.
“We bring an eighth grade class to the university and each student has a
UWF student mentor for the day. Through guest speakers, science experiments,
and games, we help them learn how important a good education is if they want
to succeed.”
3) The Leadership Conference.
“We bring SGA members
from local high schools to campus for a day to fine-tune their leadership
skills through guest speakers and games. It’s really a fun and educational
experience.”
Why did you become involved in SG?
“I fell in love with UWF the minute I stepped
on the campus and I want to help every student understand its greatness. I
wanted to learn as much as I could about UWF and
pass that information onto others.”
Who is your role model?
“My sister, Raegan,
who’s 4 years older than me and one of the most
fantastic people I’ve ever known. She’s overcome some of the most trying
obstacles and has always come out on top. Her grace, beauty, and endless
motivation are one of the biggest inspirations in my life.”
What is your administration’s biggest challenge?
“Our budget—with recent cuts and concerns for
the upcoming school year, we have huge hurdles to tackle. All we can do is
closely watch what we spend, how we spend, and when we spend our money.”
What legacy will your administration leave?
“One of always being there for the students by genuinely helping them
and being real people. My administration is going to continue making UWF a
great place to go to school.”
How does student body view SG?
“The students see SGA as who they need to go
to for help with issues. We are here for our peers, and I think everyone
knows and understands that.”
Describe your relationship with the administration.
“Fantastic—our
administration knows all of us on a first-name basis. We
can stop in just to chat and they really listen to us.
We respect the whole UWF administration to the highest possible standards.”
Describe your relationship with the media.
“This year we’re
going to have a stronger relationship than in the past because the new
editor and I have created an SGA beat. We’re going to keep in close contact
with the paper and they’re going to do the same for us.”
What advice would you give to other SG presidents?
“Don't let the little things get you down and
remember to have fun. This is the best part of your life, where you find out
who you actually are, so enjoy every minute.”
What are your plans after graduation?
“I graduated in April and I’m starting graduate school in the
fall. I hope to one day become the vice president of student affairs.”
Copyright © 2006 Oxendine Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved
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