When I transferred to Iowa State University from Iowa Central in the spring of 2024, I had no idea the journey I was about to begin. All I knew was that I was finally living my dream of attending Iowa State, something I had wanted since I was very young.

I had settled on a major in communication studies with a minor in journalism, and was excited to learn, grow and prepare for a future career. But something was missing.

In high school, I had been involved in everything — athletics, the arts, student council. At Iowa Central, I found community in band and as a student ambassador. When I arrived at Iowa State, I knew I needed to find “my thing,” but I wasn’t sure where that would be.

That’s when the Student Government election between Martin Hursh and Jennifer Holiday caught my eye. I watched the campaigns work tirelessly to get their message out, tackling campus issues and even promising to bring back campus concerts, an idea that is finally coming to life now (thank you, Martin and Quinn).

On election day, I stopped by the Hursh-Margrett tent for a slice of pizza, expecting nothing more than a quick lunch. Instead, I met two leaders who immediately gained my respect.

They didn’t ask for my vote. They simply asked if I had heard of Student Government and showed me how to participate in the election. At the time, I had no idea what Student Government really did, but that interaction changed everything.

After Martin and Quinn won the election, they opened applications for their cabinet. I applied for Director of Marketing, assuming it fit with my communication skills.

Not long after my interview, I got an email from President-Elect Martin Hursh offering me the role of Director of Outreach instead. He said my interview, attitude and drive made the decision clear. I was excited, really nervous and incredibly honored.

My time as Director of Outreach

My confirmation hearing before the Student Body Senate was intimidating, especially as a transfer student wrapping up my very first semester. Some questioned whether someone so new to campus could handle a cabinet role as important as Outreach Director.

Others, including Former Speaker Momaney, spoke up for me, pointing out that my fresh perspective was exactly what made me a strong candidate. I was confirmed 27–0–1, and just like that, my adventure began.

Being Director of Outreach gave me so many opportunities I did not foresee. I spent the semester meeting students from all colleges and backgrounds, spreading the message that Student Government truly is for everyone.

I helped students join committees and the senate, organized outreach events, supported the PR Committee, created new social media content, spoke to hundreds of students at campus events and helped rebuild Student Government’s visibility and engagement.

I loved telling students what Student Government actually does: funding clubs, supporting projects, advocating with city leaders, lobbying at the State Capitol and giving students a real voice.

One of my favorite memories was traveling to the Iowa Capitol for Iowa State Day. Until then, I had never lobbied elected officials before.

Suddenly, I was discussing mental health funding, grant eligibility and student priorities with state representatives.

We toured the House chamber, climbed all the way to the top of the dome and even took a photo with President Wendy Wintersteen. It was an experience I never would have had without Student Government.

The fun side of Student Government was just as impactful as the professional side. We spent a weekend at Camp Hantesa for our Student Government retreat, playing volleyball, sitting around the campfire and forming lasting friendships.

We also held a Halloween-themed Senate each year where we would wear costumes to our senate meeting the week of Halloween. I went as Tony Stark when I was Outreach Director and Harry Potter the next year as an LAS Senator. I even won the costume contest alongside fellow LAS Senator Ella Dimoff. We also shared a Thanksgiving meal after the last Senate meeting before break, a tradition that strengthened our sense of community. 

Election season and what it taught me

If there’s one thing I truly wasn’t prepared for, it was election season. The months of February and March brought out the most intense, exciting and chaotic time of my experience in Student Government.

I ran for LAS Senator while also serving on one of the presidential campaigns for student body president. I learned how to articulate a platform by talking with clubs and student organizations about real issues, and how to navigate the complexities of Student Government politics.

Running for LAS Senator was an eye-opening experience. As a cabinet member who attended every Senate meeting, collaborated with senators and spoke with students daily, I felt ready to step into a legislative role.

I talked with students about CyRide, campus accessibility, parking, current student government initiatives and the need for a more transparent funding process. 

My time in the Senate

Becoming an LAS Senator was just as rewarding as being Director of Outreach, but in a completely different way. I had moved from the executive branch to the legislative branch, and suddenly my focus was on policy, debate and voting on legislation that had a real impact on students.

I helped establish the new Student Government Press Secretary position (thank you President Brandt and Vice President Vlasek!), collaborated on funding decisions and joined the Public Relations and Local Affairs Committees.

I also learned how to debate. Real disagreements happen in the Senate, and I participated in discussions where we had to find compromise, defend our viewpoints and work toward solutions that served students. Those experiences sharpened my communication skills more than any class ever could. 

I am proud that my final act as senator was to congratulate President Wendy Wintersteen on her retirement with a joint resolution, signed by most members of the Student Government. It is an honor to graduate as part of her final class!

What Student Government gave me

Student Government gave me confidence, enough that I stepped into leadership roles in other organizations, including serving as both president and vice president of Lambda Pi Eta Honor Society for COMST students.

It gave me friendships, mentors, connections and memories that I will carry for the rest of my life. I can’t walk from class to class without running into someone I met through Student Government, and that makes this campus feel like home.

Most importantly, I have to thank two people who changed everything for me:

Martin Hursh and Quinn Margrett, I never would have gone on this incredible ride without you seeing my potential and giving me a chance.

To anyone reading this: Give Student Government a chance

If you’re thinking about getting involved, do it. You don’t need experience. You don’t need to know every rule. You just need a willingness to make Iowa State better. Student Government presents opportunities for all students. There is a committee for pretty much everything!

This organization transformed my entire college experience. It made me feel connected, capable and that I was part of something bigger than myself.

As I graduate this December, I know one thing for certain:

Being part of Student Government will forever be one of the greatest honors of my time at Iowa State University.

Self-written bio: Eric Gerdes is a graduating senior at Iowa State University, majoring in Communication Studies and minoring in Journalism. Eric served in the Iowa State Student Government for nearly two years as Director of Outreach and a Liberal Arts and Sciences Senator. He worked to improve transparency and engagement with the student body during his time in the organization.