It has been 13 years since the launch of the iPod and Wikipedia, as well as 13 years since George Bush was first sworn into office. It has also been 13 years since an African American woman held the office of Student Body President at the University of South Carolina. This year, Lindsay Richardson, who was elected to the prestigious position on February 19, broke this long stretch. Lindsayā€™s recent election also marks the first female Student Body President in six years. Though Lindsay will not officially take office until March 19, she has already begun some presidential work, including filling her cabinet and setting up an umbrella checkout system that will ensure that no student has to walk across campus in a famous Columbia downpour. Her Campus South Carolina had the opportunity to sit down the universityā€™s newest celebrity, and her story did not disappoint.
Ironically, Lindsay was not intending to participate in student government when she first arrived on campus. After only a few months however, her passion for solving problems changed that plan. “It really bothers me to see others struggle,” said Lindsay, and this position is clear from her participation not only in student government, but also as a Resident Mentor, University Ambassador, and Diversity Peer Educator, among other activities. Two of her main initiatives as president include a 10,000 Letter Campaign advocating state funding for tuition, and gender integrated policies on campus, including allowing men and women to share an on-campus apartment.
In view of the fact that the first few weeks right after her election coincided with Women’s Month (March), Lindsay said that her newly-won position is particularly impactful, and that she was “excited to use this unique opportunity to both serve and inspire others.” She also looks forward to getting to know and interact with different students around campus, as well as to learn about what each individual is passionate about.
When asked about her advice for underclassmen interested in leadership roles, Lindsay was quick to answer, “Do hard things. Do things that scare you. Do things that make you think differently, or it isn’t possible to achieve your fullest potential.” With an outlook like this, it seems a sure bet that South Carolina has a bright future with Lindsay Richardson.