Hi there! My name is Colin and I’m from Hilo, Hawaii. I always feel like introducing myself and the things I’m involved in seems to turn into a recitation of my resume so about my involvement I’ll just say that I’m currently the President of the Associated Students of Linfield College (ASLC), which is our student government. Some interesting facts about me: if I were any fruit, I’d be a pineapple; I grew up with four dogs and seven cats, a fish, a potbelly pig, a Jackson chameleon, and a goat; I’ve worked for four out of the five administrative divisions on campus (“Finance & Administration,” you elude me!); and someday when I’m obscenely wealthy, higher education will be my philanthropy of choice (because young adults are far more interesting than whales).
Also it turns out that I’m a senior. It’s kind of trippy to realize that this is my final year, that in 258 short days, I will have finished my time at Linfield (not that I’m counting or anything). I was talking with my friend Nadia today and we were reminiscing about the ASLC President from my first year, Chipo Dendere. We thought about how she made such an impact on both of us through her welcome address to my class. For me, simply because I didn’t face-plant going on or off the stage (not a very high standard, I admit), I consider the welcome address I gave to the incoming class a few weeks ago to be a success. And while I can’t even hope to be as inspiring as Chipo, I’m crossing my fingers that I didn’t put my audience completely to sleep. I think that’s one of the things I dislike most about public speaking: no matter how terrible you are, no one ever comes up to you afterward to say, “You’re the worst speaker I’ve heard in a long time!” So figuring out if you got your point across is pretty much all guess work.
With New Student Orientation behind me, I’ve got my eyes set on the first Student Senate meeting this week and then Homecoming in October. This is an exciting Homecoming year because ASLC is trying a number of new things, including a high-school style dance (you know you miss them!) and a joint event with alumni. It’ll take a lot of work, but when we pull it off it will totally be worth it!