It doesn’t. Let’s be real, you don’t know what Student Senate does. I can’t blame you. Student Senate is not affecting your life—it won’t help you get through CHOW readings, it won’t help you find a prime Zone 1 parking spot, and it certainly won’t get you that ring by spring.
Yes, Senate doesn’t matter because it’s not important, but do you know what is? You. Yes, you. You see, Senate is only as powerful as the student voices that power it. Student Senate is funded by students, it’s run by students, and it primarily deals with student issues. I, the Student Body President, think Senate doesn’t matter because you (yes, you) don’t think it matters. Differing from other opinion pieces, I’m not here to convince you why it should matter. Rather, I’m here to ask, “what matters to you?”
Truthfully, I was never going to run for Senate. It seemed like everything that was opposite of me and my skillset; it seemed like a popularity contest that I was ill-fitted to win, but I did run and I did win. I’ve seen four different Senates with vastly different strengths and weaknesses come and go. I’ve seen some Senators sit to collect a paycheck (yes, all Senate positions are paid), some Senators truly pushing for momentous change, and everything in-between. Four Senates have passed, yet the gravel lot still scratches up your car, the cereal bar hasn’t changed, and PSE 152 is still a core requirement. I ask again, what matters to you?
What’s tugging at your heart? What are your biggest passions and dreams? What is the pipe dream that you think could never happen? I think the gifts and passions forming and stirring in your heart are what matter. I think you and I live in a constant flux of self-doubt and insecurity, saying that “we’re not good enough” and “we have nothing to offer”—but that’s a lie. I think you have a lot to offer, and it should start at Covenant.
These four years are a valuable time to truly put yourself out there, and this campus provides the perfect opportunity to do it. If you really care about Covenant’s architecture and development, why not design something better and share it with the campus architect and Grounds? If Chartwells food really matters to you, why not speak with Shawn (the director of Chartwells), learn the process, and share your opinion? If you’re tired of CORE classes, voice your opinion to the faculty and academic affairs? If you really like that guy/girl, why not ask them out?
Because when something truly matters, when something tugs at your heartstrings so deeply that you can’t help but be bold… that’s when things happen. When you (yes, you) start to care, that’s when things actually change. When people connect to your passion and vivacity and believe in what you’re doing, that’s when things change. The catalysts for change don't have to be big personalities or quirky know-it-alls. No, they can simply be you (yes, you). The thing about Student Senate is that it isn’t meant to be the sole voice of the students. Student Senate isn’t meant to create something for you to care about. Student Senate is meant to funnel the loud and passionate voices of students to where they need to go. Student Senate is meant to reflect what you (yes, you) care about.
Covenant and, by extension, the world, doesn’t need more passivity—there’s already enough of that. It needs passionate Christians pursuing their dreams and ambitions, and Christians willing to impact every environment they are put into. It needs bold leaders unafraid to voice their opinions, even in the face of failure. It needs people to care. It needs you.
Yes, Student Senate doesn’t matter, but if it doesn’t, what does that say about you? I ask, finally, what matters to you?