Disclaimer: This is not an attack on the greek system or greek letter organizations on this campus. Quite the opposite, I would actually like to take this moment to congratulate everyone who was (and will be this evening) initiated into his or her respective organizations.

That being said, I do have something I would like to say: people who choose to put themselves in a position of servitude are the first people to sacrifice their personal aspirations for the greater good of the masses. I find myself becoming more and more bothered by the trend of SGA Presidents to show up on someone’s line each spring.

You may have aspirations that you have strong ties to, but you were elected an SGA President first. It is impossible to be devoted to two things equally at the same time. How do you think you can give the people 100 percent of what they deserve and give your organization 100 percent of what it needs?

In the last five years, there have been three SGA Presidents to cross during their term, President Street, Bass, and Jasmin. In the past I am sure that have been even more, but this seems to be the new thing to do. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not mad at them for crossing and joining those that make it through the ranks and manage to join these organizations, nor am I knocking their terms as presidents, as each of them have had significant impacts on the campus. I am just disappointed.

Disappointed because I feel like a promise was broken. When you choose to take a position of leadership, you also choose to put self last, and everyone else first. Nowhere is that more vital than in the position of SGA president. Can you imagine what we could have had from a president that gave the people 100 percent, instead of just a portion?

Think about it. You go through your day-to-day activities, dealing with your day-to-day situations. But when you need help with something, or there is an issue that needs to be handled, what do you do when your fearless leader is out serving themselves?

I have said this over and over, and I will dare to say it again: At the end of the day, that is what it boils down to. Everyone talks about transparency, the “resurgence” of aggie pride, and how the “streets” are watching. But who is watching the watchmen?

I see the position as one of solidarity, honor, and protection. In my mind, the one true goal of the SGA President should be to protect and serve the students, to speak out in board meetings for the 10000 of us who cannot cram into the room, to lead marches and protests, to start the dialogue on finding our voice, and to go forth with the best interests of the people at heart.

Tell me how you crossing into a fraternity or sorority is in my best interests? Your friends best interests?

The rest of the students best interests? That does more damage for me than good. Mind you, I do not belong to any greek organizations, and I can’t relate to how long a process is, or what you have to go through but whether your process is two days, two weeks, or two months, those days spent away from your duties are days spent not serving the people you are there to serve.

We all talk about getting our priorities “together” and how we need to focus on the important things. Why not make your duties a “priority” and stick with it to the end? Are the people your priority? 

• Dexter R. Mullins