Ronald Reagan. Chris Christie. Bill Clinton. Those are just some of the people who were involved in Student Government during high school.

This will be my third year involved in Student Government, the first two years as Class President and this year as the Administrative Assistant of the Executive Branch. Student Government is responsible for the dances, assemblies, special weeks like Fall Festival and Spring Week, fundraisers, and anything and everything that pops up or needs to be done.

Being in Student Government has not only been the best decision I’ve made in high school, but it’s also shown me how hard everyone has to work to get something accomplished. Like the poster in Mrs. Brown’s room reads,”If you are too big for the small things, than you’re too small for the big things.”

One of the biggest things that I’ve learned in Student Government is being reliable. One of the things that all the advisers stress to us is that we have to accomplish it, not them. The advisers help with all of the things we do but we as elected members have to do our part and not leave the advisers doing everything.

One of my favorite quotes from each year in student government is from Frau, who continually asks, “What lasting mark does this group want to leave?” It always motivates me because everything we do in Student Government matters. Everything we do as a group, we do for the NDA community.

Another thing I’ve truly learned is that Notre Dame is really great. The school’s foundation of community and faith really resonate when you see everything done in Student Government.

Out of all the things I’ve learned, however, the greatest of all are the trusts and friendships I’ve made while doing this. Yes, it might look good on a resume or it might improve my leadership skills, but what doesn’t make it on an application is the fun you’ve had while doing the important things. As Harry Truman said, “It’s amazing what you can accomplish if you do not care who gets the credit.”