Brent Scott, a recent West Virginia University alumnus, shares his experience about exceeding within WVU’s Student Government Association and how it impacted his life post-graduation.
HC: Introduce yourself!
BS: My name is Brent Scott. I am 23 years old, born and raised in Morgantown, West Virginia, and a December 2018 graduate of West Virginia University. Since graduation, I’ve moved to Washington D.C. for work. I served a term as the Eberly College Representative in the student government association under both the Humphrey-Smith and Obioma-Yachini administration.
HC: Why did you decide to join the Student Government Association?
BS: I ran unsuccessfully in 2016 and then successfully in 2017 for the Eberly College Representative seat. I decided to run for a position in SGA because I wanted to serve. I believe that the essence of leadership, the first task of concerned people, is service.
HC: What kind of work did you do within SGA?
BS: Most of my work revolved around campus safety and was in honor of my friend Leah who was killed in a vehicular accident in early 2018.
HC: Last semester, you were named representative of the year as well as most influential – what do you believe it takes to acquire these titles?
BS: It’s important to be receptive, and willing to step up when you see injustice.
HC: Being a political science major, how has SGA contributed to your experience and knowledge?
BS: I’ve always thought that SGA was less about politics and more about leadership, at least in my role. I minored in leadership studies at WVU, and I found those courses very helpful during my time in SGA.
HC: How has your time in SGA prepared you for post-grad life in DC?
BS: SGA without a doubt helped me build valuable skills and crafted strong relationships with people I still have today, both of which have made the transition from West Virginia to D.C. much easier.
HC: Do you have any monumental memories of SGA that you would like to share?
BS: The biggest moment for me was when WVU adopted the plan of action that we had been working on the spring of 2018, and signed a statement emphasizing pedestrian safety as a major concern on campus.
HC: Do you have any advice for current and upcoming SGA members?
BS: Just to never be satisfied, and to peruse objectives that help serve the students, professors and faculty of the university that’s given us the chance to further our education.