Connecting to school, leadership

Sitting around long wooden tables for a meeting are six normal looking college students, but these young adults don’t just go to class and then leave — they manage a six-figure budget and oversee all campus events.

The Associated Students of Golden West College Student Council members are elected into office by their peers, govern under a set of bylaws and vote to approve or deny issues that effect every student at the college. The students have the chance to gain experiences and insight into the college that very few students do.

The opportunity to be on the council has taught Council President Lyvyane Tran, 20, how to communicate, leadership skills and professionalism through leadership conferences and training in governance from their advisor.

“That’s when you learn about rules and regulations, guidelines and being a good leader,” Tran said.

For Tran, governing has given her a connection to the college, but for Public Relations Officer Paul Chalfant this is the first step to what he hopes is a long political career.

Chalfant is in his second year at Golden West and as a political science major, he said being part of student government has given him skills he will use later in his career — but he doesn’t want to wait very long to further his experience. The 21-year-old said he wants to be council president next year.

“I love the campus. I love the people here,” he said. “Being able to give as much back as possible makes me feel better.”

One of Chalfant’s goals this year is to help a cause close to this heart. Chalfant and the council decided to throw what they are loosely calling a benefit concert to support the fight against cancer in April.

“I’ve always thought it was something that not enough was being done for,” Chalfant said.

The benefit is still in the ideas phase, but it will be more than just musical entertainment, he said. Chalfant said he wants to involve many different programs on campus. The council is looking into having the performing arts department showcase its work and asking the fine arts department to donate art work for a silent auction.

Supporting cancer research is a big part of Chalfant’s life. His younger brother was diagnosed with lymphoma two years ago and since then Chalfant and his family have become involved with multiple organizations and hospitals committed to the fight.

Chalfant’s brother has been in remission for a year and a half, but he wants to continue his support. Being able to share his commitment to fighting cancer with the council and the school is rewarding, Chalfant said. The benefit will also give people a chance to make a difference on a larger scale.

“As one person you do as much as you can, but you feel very limited with what you can do,” he said.