UGA’s Student Government Association’s annual executive elections have kicked off, and Her Campus is profiling the females on the executive tickets. The “Deliver” ticket is made up of Kiara Thompson, Carine Cerny, and Andrew Lawrence. Kiara Thompson is an honors student majoring in both political science and international affairs, and minoring in Spanish. She moved around a lot as a child, but spent the majority of her time in Baltimore, MD. Thompson is involved with the Navigators, a non-denominational Christian ministry on campus, and Free the Girls. Carine Cerny is from Macon, Georgia and attended First Presbyterian Day School. Cerny is majoring in public relations and involved with Wesley, the Thirst Project, and Redcoats.
KIARA THOMPSON
Photo courtesy of Kiara Thompson.
Who else is involved on your ticket, and what is the overall platform?
KT: The other two great people on my ticket are Andrew Lawrence and Carine Cerny. Our overall platform is to increase campus safety (through increasing lighting and installing emergency call boxes on campus), affordability (by proposing a bill to make textbooks tax-free to stop double taxing) and accessibility (by increasing WiFi in Sanford Stadium).
Why did you choose to run on an SGA Executive Ticket?
KT: I chose to run on a SGA Executive Ticket for a unique reason. As a freshman, I am the youngest person running. Most freshmen, when they want to get involved with SGA, usually run for a senate position. This was the plan for me until Andrew approached me with his awesome platform and intentions to run as SGA president. I realized I wanted to be a part of something bigger on campus. I know far too many people who have no idea what SGA is, who it’s made up of, and what they have done or are currently doing. I want to be part of the reason that more students on campus are more aware and involved in what SGA does; because we want to reconnect the UGA student body and student leaders.
How does it feel to be running for a prominent position within SGA as a woman?
KT: Running for a prominent position within SGA as a woman can be a little intimidating. But looking past that initial intimidation, I feel very blessed. Being a woman shouldn’t stop any girl from reaching her goals—and I’m not going to let it stop me.
What advice do you have for women who desire to serve in leadership positions?
KT: My advice to all women is to simply just go for it! During this process, I have kept reminding myself that I have nothing to lose running for SGA. Getting your name out there and interacting with your community is the most important part in running for leadership positions. Whether win or lose, the exposure you’ll get for putting yourself out there is the best part of running for leadership positions. If it doesn’t work out the first time, try again! Don’t be discouraged by failure, just trust the process!
Who has been an inspiration to you recently or throughout your life? Did they play a role in your decision to run on an SGA Executive Ticket, and if so how?
KT: My parents have been a big inspiration to me throughout my life. They have always encouraged me to reach my goals, running for SGA being one of them; and they are absolutely my biggest supporters.
What excites you most about running and the possibility of serving in this position?
KT: The most exciting part of the possibility of serving in this position is the fact that I’ll be connected to more students in the UGA community. This campaigning process for running for SGA has exposed me to students of all walks of life in the bulldog nation. Hearing concerns and opinions of our diverse student body has given me a new perspective on how to serve the campus community. And I’m so excited to meet more people with diverse backgrounds!
What other organizations are you involved in on campus?
KT: I am currently involved with the Navigators and Free the Girls.
What do you appreciate most about the UGA community?
KT: I really appreciate the sense of continuous growth in the UGA community. At 19 years old, I make a lot of mistakes on a daily basis; but I know that I am not the only one. I know as I grow up, everyone in the UGA community is growing up with me.
What is one thing that has had an impact on you while at UGA?
KT: Being a part of the Navigators, a Christian ministry on campus, has really impacted me since I’ve been to UGA. At first it was really hard to make friends, but the Navigators made that easier when they invited me to come to their freshmen dinner. I was hooked after that. I’ve met so many wonderful and genuine people through this organization!
What is your favorite study spot (on or off campus)?
KT: My favorite study spot is the law library because it makes me feel fancy.
What is your favorite restaurant in Athens?
KT: My favorite restaurant in Athens is D.P. Dough.
What would you consider your dream job to be?
KT: My dream job would definitely be writing fiction all day from my home so I’ll never have to leave my pets.
Is there a quote you live by or feel motivated by when you read or hear it? If so, what is it, and why is it so significant?
KT: The one quote I live by should probably be a little more sophisticated, but it’s helped me in life so much that it is my favorite go-to quote. Every time I’m in a conversation, I remember “It’s better to close your mouth and people think you’re stupid, than to open you’re mouth and people know you’re stupid.” I grew up with my dad telling me this everyday, and it’s something that I’ll live by forever.
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CARINA CERNY
Photo courtesy of Carina Cerny.
Who else is involved on your ticket, and what is the overall platform?
CC: Andrew Lawrence and Kiara Thompson are also on the executive ticket. Our overall platform is to help students on campus with safety, affordability and communication. We are looking forward to working with campus police to install emergency call boxes on campus to enable every bulldog to feel safe. We are also introducing a bill to make textbooks on campus tax-free to help save expenses for students. Lastly, we would like to install WiFi in Sanford for students to allow them to keep in contact with friends and family on game day.Â
Why did you choose to run on an SGA Executive Ticket?
CC: I believe every student on campus should be able to come into the SGA office at any time and talk with their executive staff. That is why I am determined to be a Vice President accessible for everyone on campus. During high school I was involved in a leadership position in our school marching band and I learned the value of leading through service. If I receive the position I will also lead in this position through servant style leadership.
How does it feel to be running for a prominent position within SGA as a woman?
CC: It gives me great pride to run as a woman for SGA Vice President! Everyone has been super encouraging and motivating to me as a woman!
What advice do you have for women who desire to serve in leadership positions?
CC: Do not give up. If a door closes and the opportunity is gone, use that experience and wisdom you gained running and use it for another goal. Also, use your femininity to your advantage! You are a strong, confident female who can do anything!
Who has been an inspiration to you recently or throughout your life? Did they play a role in your decision to run on an SGA Executive Ticket, and if so, how?
CC: My mom has been a huge inspiration for me in my life. She always inspires and encourages me to go the distance and without her I would never have considered running for leadership roles. She’s always there for me when I need a pep talk, hug or advice. My mom actually encouraged me to run for SGA because it would get me out on campus meeting people and help me get to know the rest of the student body.Â
What excites you most about running and the possibility of serving in this position?
CC: Making changes is the most exciting thing to me! I can’t wait to get into the office and start making positive changes for the rest of the student body.Â
What other organizations are you involved in on campus?
CC: Redcoats, Thirst Project and Wesley.
What do you appreciate most about the UGA community?
CC: How passionate the entire UGA community is about the Dawgs! Game day is always so exciting for me because it’s a special day that almost any bulldog could get behind and unite to support our team.Â
What is one thing that has had an impact on you while at UGA?
CC: Redcoats has been extremely impactful for me. It helped me find my family and home on campus.Â
What is your favorite study spot (on or off campus)?
CC: The library, the 6th floor behind the bookshelves! You can see the entire stadium from this spot while studying!
What is your favorite restaurant in Athens?
CC: Definitely Mama’s Boy!Â
What would you consider your dream job to be?
CC: Running my own company one day!
Is there a quote you live by or feel motivated by when you read or hear it? If so, what is it, and why is it so significant?
CC: My band director actually came up with this quote: “the hardest part of any endeavor is the last 10%, it’s that 10% which defines you.” This quote basically means that it’s easy to do 90% of the effort for a project, friendship or even in life. It’s the most difficult part to do that last 10%, this 10% could be going and speaking to a teacher after class, proofreading that essay one more time or getting coffee with your group project leader. This quote has lead me through my entire life by helping me remember to do everything well and 100%.
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SGA voting starts on March 26th, 2018 at 8 A.M. and lasts until March 28th, 2018 at 5 P.M. and the link to vote will be sent to students through the UGA Involvement Network. Good luck to Deliver!
Thumbnail courtesy of Deliver UGA.