As a student, you surely have feelings and thoughts about the best parts of your college experience, and areas that need to be improved. Next week, all ISU students will have the tremendous opportunity to sign up to run for an elected position on the Government of the Student Body senate and top executive positions.

Becoming a leader in this major campus organization does not require a multitude of past experiences and knowledge of politics, but rather a commitment to serve students, an ability to think of new ideas and a willingness to learn quickly.

During the past few weeks, the Government of the Student Body has started to advertise the elections, and the most common question from students is: “Why should I run?” These are three arguments that I hope convince you to consider running for a position:

1. The power of representation

Most students have plenty of classes and other things going on in their lives, and people want to make sure what they’re doing is worth their time and efforts. Before I decided to run a year ago, I asked the previous president, Brian Phillips, if he thought his efforts and opinions made any difference among 26,000 other students. He shared with me that the ISU administration and relevant government officials are very receptive to GSB, and truly do care about student opinions.

I was amazed to see how true this actually is, and the efforts and time university leaders will make to accommodate student leaders. GSB has a strong influence in the university, and is given a significant amount of responsibility. The organization allocates over a million dollars to student organizations and projects, speaks the voice of students on important issues such as the recreation renovations, guns on campus and the rising cost of education, and has appointments on committees that set student fees and university policies. By becoming a leader, you will have a recognized voice on campus.

2. Hands-on government and politics

Throughout the past eight years, it has become apparent how important government is in solving the problems of the world. Through other political involvements and following, I have learned there are considerable similarities for government at any level, but just at a different magnitude. As a leader in GSB, you will encounter various issues and problems, and you will learn how to debate, compromise and hopefully form solutions, just like a large-scale government. These experiences will give you the tools to critically evaluate other governments, and maybe even allow you to serve at a larger level.

3. Personal development

Do problem solving and communication skills sound like something your future employer or graduate school will care about? They probably are. Although I would never encourage anyone to become involved solely to put something on a resume, it truly is a fringe benefit.Not only will you be able to work toward goals and serve your fellow students, you will meet new people and maybe even have fun.

Interested students can find information on the election timeline and rules at www.gsb.iastate.edu/about/elections, and by attending one of the election seminars next week.

Daniel Fischer is a senior in agricultural business from Neola. He is president of the Government of the Student Body.