1 00:00:00,000 --> 00:00:03,179 Thank you all for coming up this afternoon 2 00:00:03,180 --> 00:00:07,630 It 's been a pleasure talking to so many of you over the past few weeks 3 00:00:07,631 --> 00:00:11,373 and I'm truly grateful for all of your advice and support. 4 00:00:11,374 --> 00:00:18,530 A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to attend the SEC SGA summit in Lexington Kentucky. 5 00:00:18,531 --> 00:00:23,558 Though I enjoyed meeting and working with SGA officials from across the south east, 6 00:00:23,559 --> 00:00:30,601 the visit gave me an appreciation for the great students' governance we have here at Alabama Flagship University. 7 00:00:30,602 --> 00:00:36,987 Nowhere else are elected and appointed officials as dedicated to protecting the students' interests. 8 00:00:36,988 --> 00:00:42,852 Nowhere else is the SGA more willing to listen to the voices of all students 9 00:00:42,853 --> 00:00:49,306 Nowhere else are members of the students' government more respected by administrators and faculty 10 00:00:49,306 --> 00:00:52,718 we should all be proud of the SGA that we have here. 11 00:00:52,719 --> 00:00:56,287 But you see this hasn't always been my dream: 12 00:00:56,288 --> 00:01:01,071 when I first came to the university, it was not my ambition to be SGA president 13 00:01:01,072 --> 00:01:04,581 I was serving as a senator and as executive advisor 14 00:01:04,582 --> 00:01:06,935 but I've also been the new kid from outer state. 15 00:01:06,856 --> 00:01:11,358 I've also seen what the SGA can do from the outside, looking in. 16 00:01:11,393 --> 00:01:14,567 I've seen the work the SGA has done in the past 17 00:01:14,568 --> 00:01:17,195 to increase the number of students' tickets available. 18 00:01:17,397 --> 00:01:22,568 and I've seen the SGA improve parking for all students and improve the Crimson Ride. 19 00:01:22,569 --> 00:01:27,500 And I've seen our SGA work to create a wider senator system across our campus. 20 00:01:27,797 --> 00:01:31,578 There's no doubt we have a unique and extraordinary student government, 21 00:01:31,613 --> 00:01:34,255 but I believe we can take it a step further. 22 00:01:34,290 --> 00:01:38,505 I'm determined to do more than continue initiatives of the past. 23 00:01:38,506 --> 00:01:46,072 I want to look to the future in order to ensure that our SGA remains an example for those nationwide 24 00:01:46,073 --> 00:01:53,637 Student government has not only the potential but the obligation to serve all students in so many ways 25 00:01:53,638 --> 00:01:58,622 As presient, I plan to work with administrators to extend the 24 hour library 26 00:01:58,623 --> 00:02:04,077 to Thursday nights so that we all have an optimal studying environment 5 nights a week. 27 00:02:04,239 --> 00:02:09,464 I want to revive financial affairs, committee request forms and students' loan forms on line 28 00:02:09,499 --> 00:02:15,110 so it is easier for students and their organisations to accede the funding resources the SGA provides. 29 00:02:15,111 --> 00:02:19,022 I will streamline the meeting space reservation system 30 00:02:19,023 --> 00:02:24,112 so that all student organisations are provided the best facilities through an easier process. 31 00:02:24,147 --> 00:02:28,387 I will work with the administrators to institute a mini-mester system 32 00:02:28,388 --> 00:02:32,805 so the students will not loose credit hours due to unforeseen circumstances. 33 00:02:32,840 --> 00:02:37,232 Finally, I want to work with UAPD and the Tuscaloosa Police Department 34 00:02:37,233 --> 00:02:41,359 to continue efforts to keep our campus and our surrounding neighbourhoods safe 35 00:02:41,360 --> 00:02:45,534 because safety must be any student government's top priority. 36 00:02:45,535 --> 00:02:49,936 I will work to implement all these initiatives and so much more 37 00:02:49,937 --> 00:02:55,431 because I am confident that Alabama's SGA has the potential and resources 38 00:02:55,392 --> 00:02:59,867 to continuously improve the lives of every student every day. 39 00:02:59,713 --> 00:03:03,478 Sometimes I feel that in the midst of these campaigns, 40 00:03:03,479 --> 00:03:06,745 we often forget why it is that we seek elected office? 41 00:03:07,033 --> 00:03:10,044 As we create our platforms and develop our ideas, 42 00:03:10,045 --> 00:03:17,076 we sometimes loose sight of the centre piece of this community, the interest of this outstanding students' body 43 00:03:17,306 --> 00:03:20,250 We all search unique and diverse perspectives 44 00:03:20,251 --> 00:03:24,582 and the student government must be open to grow into positive change. 45 00:03:24,617 --> 00:03:26,833 I'd be willing to bet that a year from now, 46 00:03:26,834 --> 00:03:31,603 we will look back and realise some of the most beneficial initiatives and programs 47 00:03:31,604 --> 00:03:35,085 not even mentioned, not even thought of during this campaign. 48 00:03:35,120 --> 00:03:41,096 I've always believed that some of our greater accomplishments come not from the minds of elected officials 49 00:03:41,097 --> 00:03:44,595 but from the discussion and improve of the fellow students 50 00:03:44,719 --> 00:03:47,964 Over the next year, my door will always be open 51 00:03:47,965 --> 00:03:51,734 and I will be honoured to take any and all of your advice to heart 52 00:03:51,735 --> 00:03:56,820 we're so lucky to have been served by some phenomenal student leaders in recent years 53 00:03:56,821 --> 00:04:02,065 But I believe that together we can mesh their accomplishments and keep on moving. 54 00:04:02,066 --> 00:04:07,220 Together, we can demonstrate the significance of student governments and all its potential. 55 00:04:07,221 --> 00:04:14,113 Together, we can work everyday to support and protect the students' interests at this great university. 56 00:04:14,114 --> 00:04:17,599 Together there is nothing we cannot accomplish. 57 00:04:17,600 --> 00:04:20,309 Again I want to thank you all for coming up 58 00:04:20,310 --> 00:04:25,262 and I hope that I will have the opportunity to work with each and everyone of you in the coming year. 59 00:04:25,263 --> 00:04:26,115 Thank you.