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, Michael Juarez is serving as SGA President.
Class of 2027, Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing, double minor in Global Studies and Spanish Hometown | Worcester, MA Campus Involvement | Student Senate, Worcester Civic Leader, Tour Guide, tutor
SGA President Michael Juarez
Can you describe the role of the SGA President? What do they do for the student body? For me, the Student SGA President is a representation of the student body, not just a person who hits a gavel on the table. The role is truly about listening to students and trying to understand every perspective on every concern, idea, or question. For students, it might feel as if their voices aren’t being heard, and that they have no power to create change. As SGA President, it’s my job to help everyone realize that their voice truly is one of the most important at this school and that they have the power to create change and make a difference.
What are some goals you hope to accomplish while in this position? My first goal would be to create an environment where students can feel comfortable asking questions or raising concerns. I want SGA to be a resource for students, led by students who can understand and relate to the same things others are going through. I also want to be able to support clubs in ways we haven’t before. Clubs are the backbone of our community, and with the support they need, students have greater opportunities to meet people, create connections, and create that sense of community and belonging that this school is known for. Apart from that, I want SGA to host a few events that get students engaged and bring them together.
What are some of the challenges you could face in this position? Some challenges I can face in this position are understanding that I can’t always make everyone happy and that creating solutions to issues can take time and sometimes aren’t possible right away. It can be hard knowing that sometimes what ends up happening might fall on you, but I know that even if it does, I have to stand strong and continue to advocate for the changes students want.
What do you hope your fellow students remember about you? I hope that my fellow students can remember me for more than just a position or a title and see me as a person who’s like everyone else. I’m not a perfect student or a perfect leader, but it never stopped me from standing up for what I think is right and trying to create a difference. I want people to remember me as someone who understands that everyone goes through their own struggles and that I believe everyone deserves the chance to be heard and treated with respect and understanding.
What advice would you give to students just beginning to explore the type of leader they hope to become? A piece of advice I’d give to anyone looking to become a leader is that no matter how far you feel like you’ve fallen, you can always get back up and move forward. It’s never too late to begin growing and becoming the best version of yourself. Sometimes getting back up means taking a risk and allowing yourself to step out of your comfort zone. Your experiences and challenges help you grow, learn, and become someone you might have never thought you could.
What are your current plans for the next few years? After graduating, I want to further explore my interests in civic engagement and public service. I plan on taking on an internship in that field, whether it be in Boston or in D.C. Eventually, I’d like to advance my career and continue my education by attending graduate school and obtaining a master’s degree. Ultimately, I don’t know exactly where life will take me. One thing I know is that wherever I go, I’d love to make a positive impact and become someone I’m proud of.
