I was at the student senate meeting Wednesday night. There were nine senators to vote on things like registered student organization approval, budget recommendations from offices like housing and university board and other bills.  

To meet quorum each week, there needs to be at least fifteen senators to vote on things mentioned above. Unfortunately, the organization has not met quorum once this semester, and there are five meetings left.  

This not only makes my job so hard as the reporter that covers the meetings, but it also makes trying to get things passed even harder. In the queue for club approval included a Taylor Swift club, a line dancing club, a club hockey team and more.  

Not only do I feel bad, but I also know they are getting increasingly frustrated with the lack of work they can get done. I know that we are all busy with all the things we must do, I really do. I am working two jobs and I am a full-time student that is also tying up her loose ends for graduate school.  

But I still have time to prioritize other things as well, such as a social life, working out semi-regularly and getting eight hours of sleep a night.  

As someone that only watches student government meetings and then writes about them, I see how vital being on student government really is. Not only does it look awesome on a resume, but you gain amazing skills, get your voice heard and get to vote on bills and approve budgets.  

Not only that, but you really get to interact with students, meet new people and get your foot in the door for connections, internships, and jobs.  

I get it- that sounds scary, and you are busy. Yeah, I am too. But I still care about my college experience and how much student government impacts that experience, even if I cannot see how much it impacts me.  

I hope you want to make an impact on your own college experience, but the experiences of those around you, those that came before you and those that will come after you. I promise that being on student government is not scary. All the senators and the exec board are nice and want to help you.  

If you are interested in using your voice, which I suggest you do, go head to the Student Activities Center. One of the exec board members is there or an advisor will be there.  

Your voice matters. You should use it.  

Katja Benz is a senior English major. She can be reached at [email protected] or 217-581-2812.