“During my time in Student Government at Northern State University, I had the privilege of serving as the Arts and Sciences Senator in 2022, Chief Policy Officer in 2023, and later returning as both the Arts and Sciences Senator and President Pro Tempore in 2024. In these roles, I helped create the Athlete Chair position, lobbied at the state capital, modernized key sections of the bylaws, and authored a resolution advocating for expanded 988 access and stronger mental‑health resources on campus. Beyond the titles, Student Government became a training ground for everything I care about: debate, writing, research, and advocacy! It pushed me to grow into someone who genuinely loves leadership and community-building. SGA strengthened my confidence, my path toward law school, and connected me with people across Aberdeen who shaped my understanding of leadership and public service”. 
- Alexandria Arndt, 2024

Name: Elinor Sayers

Involvement in SGA: I first got involved in SGA as an open seat in 2022 and quickly got promoted to the Chief Financial Officer seat by former President Mariah.

How SGA Helped Me Succeed: SGA reminded me that organization and teamwork are important pillars of success. Additionally, SGA taught me that asking for help is okay when striving for success. SGA is such an important organization at NSU. I met amazing friends and professors that I would’ve never met if I hadn’t said yes to SGA.

What I do Now: Elinor resides in Denver, CO, and is the Director of Marketing and Communications for a national non-profit organization.

My name is Laine Converse, when I was a student, for two years I was involved with SGA. I started my journey halfway through my junior year (2020-2021) when I was approached by my friend. He suggested that I come to the first SGA meeting in the Spring and express interest for one of the open Senate positions with the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS). At the same time, he started to plant the idea in my head of serving as his Vice President the following year. Once I got into SGA, I was hooked… I quickly became the Administrative Assistant on top of being a CAS Senator. As soon as I was appointed to the role, I instantly felt more involved as a student and the processes of the institution. I organized meetings with the Dean of the College Arts and Sciences on a regular basis to establish that communication between SGA and the administration that oversees the programs of my constituents.

When it was time to decide if I wanted to run as Vice President with my friend as President, I was 1000% invested in SGA. After campaigning for a month, we won! I served as the SGA Vice President for the 2021-2022 academic year serving on SBAC two years in a row, a student run committee that allocates over 1.4 million dollars in student General Activity Fees to Student Organizations and Campus Departments. Also travelling to Pierre to lobby on behalf of all Northern Students to the Legislators and network with other regental schools. Traveling the state with my best friend and the Dean of Students, it was an amazing year, and the experience truly evolved what I wanted to do with my career. I took an extra semester to student teach in Aberdeen, but my experience with SGA didn’t stop. Once again, I was a Senator for the College of Arts and Sciences.

By the time I graduated from NSU in December of 2022, I was already employed by the Office of Residence Life. But my journey with SGA wasn’t over, due to a staff change there was a need for a student affairs advisor with SGA. The Dean of Students and my supervisor at the time approached me to fill in as the interim while we were searching for a new Director who would serve in that capacity. For two semesters I served as the Student Affairs advisor for SGA and assisted in the transition for the current advisor. I continue to work with all students to advocate for themselves, not just to professors, deans, or even legislators, but to roommates, friends, and even themselves. SGA wasn’t just an experience; it was a foundation. It shaped how I understand leadership, advocacy, and service, and it continues to inform how I show up for students every day. What started as a single inquiry with my friend turned into a career rooted in empowering students to use their voices, navigate systems, and believe that they belong at the table. A lesson which I will carry for the entirety of my professional journey in Higher Education Student Affairs.