Teara Mayfield is one of the candidates running for Vice President of Student Services.
Teara Mayfield, VP of Student Services
Why are you running for this position?
Honestly, it’s easy to complain about things. I want to enhance the overall student experience by improving or implementing services. After working in customer service, I know how difficult it is to make sure your ”customers” are pleased. That same philosophy translates to the Vice President of Student Services position because I am trying to make sure the student body is pleased. We offer several services here at Georgia State and I want to make sure that we are capitalizing off the services provided. If we don’t like something or feel that something could be improved, let’s do that! I am passionate about making sure both myself and the student body are getting everything we desire throughout our collegiate experience. It doesn’t last long, but let’s make sure it’s worthwhile!
What ideas do you have to bring to SGA for your given position?
Well, I would first and foremost like to continue the Service of the Month initiative following current VP Henson. He has received great feedback and been able to deliver that feedback to the appropriate department. In order to gain a representative sample, I want to spread my committee out over campus more thoroughly so we can accomplish that. Secondly, I would like to highlight the existing services by arranging them in stylish manner and distributing them consistently, beginning with Welcome Week. Lastly, I would like to incorporate my committee more by encouraging them to go out and actually talk to the students. I want them to feel included because as senators it is easy to take the job for granted. I want to prepare them to become better leaders because some of them will eventually be a part of the executive board.
Were you a member of SGA before applying for this position? How did you participate? (i.e: duties)
Yes, I am currently a member of SGA. I serve as a senator for the College of Arts & Sciences. My duties included serving as a voting member in the University Senate, sitting on various standing and University committees, and talking with students in hopes to translate their concerns into change.
What are you hoping that SGA accomplishes while you are VP of Student Services?
I hope that the students get a better feel of what SGA is doing for them. I want them to see us enact change that stems directly from their concerns.
What are you hoping to accomplish as (VP of Student Services/ or individually) within SGA?
I am hoping that we can make some changes that students have been complaining about for a while. Extending hours in the library, University offering partial meal plans, concerns with the University Advisement Center, etc.
Why do you feel that you should get this position?
The Vice President of Student Services position is primarily concerned with identifying discrepancies in current University services being offered. After serving as a senator and becoming well versed with the University through various organizations, I have had the opportunity to hear a lot of feedback from our students. In order to be efficient in anything, you must be passionate about it! I am passionate about Georgia State and I am avidly aiming to make our university the best that it can be. When talking to people, I provide a sense of comfort and that’s necessary in this position. Besides just having experience, you must be personable and charismatic – and I have that.
Have you had any previous experience in a governmental organization? If so, what was it?
As previously mentioned, I currently serve as a senator in SGA. In high school, I was also Student Body President senior year. Therefore, I have a sufficient amount of experience in a governmental organization.
Why did you choose to join SGA?
I decided to join SGA because I had friends who were a part of SGA. I have always been very vocal about things that I do not like and instead of complaining; why not tackle things head on? Since being a part of SGA, I have a greater understanding of the intricacy of the University and I am now fully aware of the power that we have as a student body.
Are you a member of any other organizations? If so, which ones?
Yes. I am a current Honors Ambassador, Vice President of Membership of Alpha Lambda Delta Honors Society, a Peer Mentor for University Housing, and the Director of Events for The Black Sophomore Society. I am also a Big Sister through Georgia State’s school-based mentoring partnership with Big Sister/Big Brother of Metro Atlanta. As a fun fact, I am also the 2013-2014 Homecoming Princess here at Georgia State.
What are your career aspirations?
Following graduation, I hope to have a career as a marketing executive of a Fortune 500 corporation. Eventually, I would like to become an entrepreneur and own my own company one day. What are you doing to prepare for the SGA elections? In order to prepare for the upcoming SGA elections, I am sharpening my debate skills and reviewing the past work of the previous Vice President of Student Services. I am running with Team Impact and we are strengthening our entire ticket by identifying the issues and coming up with solutions.
Drake Greer is a candidate running for SGA Vice President of Student Services.
Drake Greer, VP of Student Services
Why are you running for this position?
There are many resources at a students disposal here on campus. The problem is that not all of these resources are well known. Every now and again, I’ll find myself reminding a friend that yes, there are phone chargers to rent from the library. Let’s not only make these resources more widely know but improve on the ones we already have. In Georgia State’s drive for innovation, we must not forsake these tools that we already have.
What ideas do you have to bring to SGA for your given position?
I would like to continue and expand on previous VP of SS and good friend, Lanier Henson’s plan of addressing a monthly student service. However, I plan to also write up weekly reports on each of these services, available to the public. These reports would contain student opinions I have gathered as well as my own personal experiences and observations. Second, I am in support of a 24-hour library and look to push not only for that but increased parking at Turner Field. Our concern is fairness and pushing for student’s needs in an attainable manner.
Were you a member of SGA before applying for this position? How did you participate? (i.e: duties)
I was previously a Senator for the College of Arts and Science. I served on the Public Relations Committee with VP Camryn Bradley and the Athletics Committee and Information Systems & Technology Committee last semester. This semester, I served on the Budget and Finance Committee with VP Tyler Lewis as well as the Diversity Fee Council.
What are you hoping that SGA accomplishes while you are VP of Student Services?
Getting students involved. That’s my platform and I will always put the students first. Let’s help get students more involved with their school and give them better control of their own budget. We need more transparency; it’s the student’s vote so why should they not be able to see where that vote goes? Finally, I fully support the creation of more committees and subcommittees; especially with the recent acts by Mr. Ronald Cato empowering more freshman and transfer student involvement. These committees are the best choices to construct meaningful and impacting decisions and are usually open to any student willing. Such committees can serve as a boon for Student Services.
What are you hoping to accomplish as (VP of Student Services/ or individually) within SGA?
I want students to be more knowledgeable about the resources that GSU offers as well as speak their mind more often about what they want. Last year, we found VP Henson constantly reminding organizations that SGA provided free copying of up to 30 pages daily. Why were these organizations never made aware in the first place? We’ve heard talks of a 24 hours library but we need to hear more. Already, there have been complaints on lack of shuttles to Aderhold and, with the Braves moving out of Atlanta, people have been questioning the status of Turner parking.
Why do you feel that you should get this position?
There are two things any great leader needs: vision and empathy. Having one is good, but without the other, stagnation occurs. Vision is that goal, that drive for improvement and what that leader plans to do with their role. Empathy is an understanding of the people the leader works with and for. When I was campaigning last year, the first thing I asked students was “what do you want to see in SGA?”. I made sure I sat down with each and every student that was willing and hear their ideas properly. Right now, I have my goals but each day, I look more and more to see what else can we do to make our University the best in the state.
Have you had any previous experience in a governmental organization? If so, what was it?
Other than my previous involvement in SGA, I’ve been in almost every Executive Board position, namely Brother-At-Large and Treasurer, for my fraternity, Alpha Epsilon Pi. I’ve also held the position of President for Greek Council and Vice-President of Internal Affairs for Interfraternal Council. Currently, I devote most of my time as a delegate for our internationally ranked Model United Nations team. We’re prepping for our national conference in New York City in April.
Why did you choose to join SGA?
At first, I joined SGA so others would be heard. Myself and others wanted things done and done right so we ran for SGA. At first, my platform was very populist and reflexive; I listened to what the people wanted and reflected on the merits of these choices while making my decisions. As time went on, I began to push more for student involvement and awareness. Every students needs an equal opportunity for their voice to be heard.
Are you a member of any other organizations? If so, which ones?
That’s a question I ask myself everyday. Currently, I am working with other Georgia State students on making a video game, Event Horizon, that we plan to release on Xbox Live and Steam in episodes. However, I also plan to continue staying involved with my school’s government as well as start becoming more involved in local politics. In five years, I will either be making video games or working in politics.
What are you doing to prepare for the SGA elections?
Ensuring my complete understanding of any and all resources offered to students as well as necessary improvements and a 3 month plan for what I can get started over the summer if I am elected. I will be fact checking myself regularly and making sure to properly prepare myself for all topics, issues and key questions during the debates. Other than that, pretending to be Batman usually helps me relieve stress.
