"A Story to Tell"

Gina Edwards knows how to high jump. From junior high up through her first year in college, she pushed herself to continually reach higher standards. Now she is jumping high in a whole other way.

Edwards will soon take her place as the next president of Dana’s Student Senate. Not too bad of a feat for a farm girl from the middle of Nebraska. That’s not to say that Edwards isn’t prepared for the job. The sophomore elementary/special education major holds plenty of experience. In addition to student council involvement throughout high school, Edwards has held leadership positions in Future Farmers of America. “I grew up learning parliamentary procedure,” said Edwards of her experience with FAA. Additionally, Edwards was chosen as a member of the Governor’s Youth Advisory Council. This group interacts with Nebraska’s governor and recently helped put a bill through the state legislature. Edwards is also well-versed in the workings of Dana’s Student Senate. She has served as a senator as a freshman and sophomore, chairing the communication committee both years. “I really didn’t know what I was getting into,” said Edwards, “but I’m really glad I did it. I feel like they [senate] make a lot of progress.”

Outgoing president Tyler Mohr feels confident in Edwards’ prospects. “With two years on senate, Gina knows the ins and outs,” he said. “She’ll do a great job.”

The two years of experience have also shown Edwards both the rewards and challenges of senate life. She cites the heavy time demand as a drawback. Maintaining good relations within senate can also prove difficult. “We’re all very opinionated,” she added. “It can be tough to deal with different personalities.”Regardless, the rewards have been numerous. Edwards said she has enjoyed seeing projects, such as the Dragon’s Head renovation, through from start to finish. She has also valued being able to help solve any issues presented by students. “I think I’m a lot more aware of what’s going on,” Edwards said.

The move to senate president will surely present Edwards with new challenges.“I think the hardest thing,” said Mohr, “is trying to make decisions that will benefit the entire campus and not just specific groups. In that is the challenge to sacrifice your own beliefs and ambitions.” Edwards has recognized this challenge. “You want to keep everybody happy, but I’ve learned you can’t please everybody,” she said.“The purpose of the president is not necessarily to voice your own opinion,” she added, “but to push other representatives in the right direction.” Edwards breaks the long string of male presidents, but she is confident this won’t present a challenge.Mohr agrees. “If anything it will be a good thing,” he said. “She’ll bring a new perspective that hasn’t been there with all the male presidents.”

The most recent of those presidents have served as models for Edwards during her time in Senate. “I really liked how they [Mohr and previous president Matt Bloomingdale] handled situations,” said Edwards. “Even in the most heated of situations, they were very professional and un-biased.” Edwards is ready to make her own mark. “I want to find another big project like the Dragon’s Head,” she said. Additionally, Edwards aims to increase on-campus involvement. “I want to make sure students know when meetings are and can come voice their concerns,” she said. “I have big shoes to fill,” Edwards concluded, “but I hope I can do it.”

“Gina honestly cares about the student body,” said Mohr. “That’s important because after the newness wears off, that’s the only thing that drives you.”