Each year, an SGA President is elected to work with members of the Student Senate and the Worcester State community to ensure that WSU is serving the needs of all its students. This year, Lilian Sydow is serving as SGA President.
Class of 2025, Psychology, minor in Spanish and Pre-Law Hometown | Clinton, MA Campus Involvement | Student Senate, Tour Guide, Presidential Student Ambassador, Honors Program
Lilian Sydow, SGA President
Can you describe the role of the SGA President? What do they do for the student body? Two of the SGA President’s main roles are to run weekly Senate meetings in an orderly fashion, and to connect students with administrators and faculty who can assist them in their academic journeys. Within the student body, the SGA President is responsible for making sure the needs of the students are heard by administration, and not just their personal needs.
What are some goals you hope to accomplish while in this position? While in this position, I hope to bring more awareness to what decisions are being made and what is going on around campus. I was unaware of so many decisions being made at the administrative level before joining SGA, and my ultimate goal is to provide everyone with the same access to the information as other members and I have.
What are some of the challenges you could face in this position? Worcester State is an extremely diverse campus, and every student here is unique. That being said, it may be difficult to satisfy everyone when advocating for what the majority of students want. Also, relating to my main goal, it may be difficult to give all students the same access to information because not everyone uses the same methods of communication.
What do you hope your fellow students remember about you? I hope they remember my work ethic and my determination to help them be heard in all areas around campus. I also hope students will remember my approachability. My job is to listen to students and express their opinions, and I can’t effectively do that if I’m not approachable to them!
What advice would you give to students just beginning to explore the type of leader they hope to become?My biggest piece of advice: Don’t sell yourself short. You can’t reach your full potential if you aren’t reaching for it, and you’ll never know what you are capable of if you don’t try your best. It can be difficult at times, and it might feel like a lot on your plate, but growth isn’t always comfortable! It’s a bit cliché, but if you struggle or don’t succeed the first time, TRY AGAIN! Worcester State is filled with people who want to help you succeed, and they are all so supportive! Never be afraid to reach out for help!
What are your current plans for the next few years? After graduating from Worcester State, I am planning to go to law school. I’m hoping to pursue civil law, specializing in either family or immigration law!
