Hi, I’m Megan, a Supply Chain Operations Management major here at York College of Pennsylvania. In addition to my coursework, I’ve been actively involved in the Alpha Chi National Honor Society, ASCM Student Forum, Eisenhart Community Scholars, First Year Seminar Fellows, Lenfest Scholars, New Student Orientation, Phi Sigma Pi National Honor Fraternity, Spartan Volunteer Network, Student Ambassadors, Student Senate, and Tri Alpha First Generation Honor Society. My involvement across campus has given me a well-rounded experience, but I’d especially like to highlight the real impact students can have through Student Senate and the Spartan Volunteer Network.
At my first Student Senate meeting as a Freshman, I expected to sit quietly and observe. Instead, I found myself in a room full of students who genuinely cared about improving campus life. That moment shifted my mindset. I realized that my voice, and every student’s voice, had a place in shaping the YCP experience.
Understanding Student Senate and My Role in It All
At its core, Student Senate exists to serve as the voice of the student body and advocate for positive change on campus.
Senators:
- Advocate for student needs
- Collaborate with administration
- Support campus initiatives that enhance student life
Serving as a general senator has taught me how important it is to show up with intention. Attending weekly meetings isn’t just about being present; it’s about actively listening, asking questions, and understanding how each decision affects students across campus. Voting on budgets and funding requests has pushed me to think critically about equity, transparency, and the impact our choices have on student organizations. Most importantly, staying connected with other students has shown me how valuable it is to create space for honest conversations. I’ve learned that leadership often means being approachable, paying attention to student concerns (no matter the size), and making sure people feel heard. This role has strengthened my sense of responsibility and reminded me that meaningful change starts today, with me, with care, and with consistent engagement.
Bridging Service and Leadership Through the Spartan Volunteer Network
One of the most meaningful parts of Student Senate is its connection to the Spartan Volunteer Network. Senators are required to complete volunteer hours each semester, encouraging us to give back to both our campus and the local community. Through my work as a Project Coordinator for the Spartan Volunteer Network, I have connected Senators and the student population at large with local community partners. I coordinate logistics for volunteer events and offer experiences that remind YCP students that leadership isn’t just about speaking up, it’s about showing up.
A Meaningful and Memorable Volunteer Experience
Every Spring semester, the Spartan Volunteer Network hosts an event called SpartanGreen, YCP’s annual day of environmental-focused service. This all-day event is supported by students, faculty, staff, alumni, and over a dozen community partners. Seeing so many different people come together to plant seeds, dig compost bins, and support environmental restoration and conservation efforts (among many other acts of volunteerism) is such a beautiful reminder of the power we have to help, to serve, and to care. We build stronger communities, stronger connections, and a culture where people support one another.
As a result of the consistent commitment to volunteering and caring for the environment, this year our SVN office has increased capacity tremendously and turned this event into a two-day service opportunity, and I couldn’t be more excited to be a part of it!
How Student Senate Has Shaped Me & The Skills I Will Carry Forward
My involvement in Student Senate has influenced me in several ways:
- Academically: I’ve become more engaged and confident in speaking up and sharing ideas.
- Socially: I’ve built strong relationships with passionate, like-minded peers dedicated to making positive change in our community.
- Professionally: I’ve developed skills in communication, collaboration, and decision-making.
- Personally: I’ve grown more confident in my ability to advocate for others, think critically about decisions and their impact, and lead groups of diverse perspectives.
Each of these areas has helped me become a more well-rounded student and are skills I know I will carry into my future career, no matter the field.
A Reminder: For You & Me
Looking back, joining Student Senate was one of the most valuable and defining decisions I’ve made at YCP. It’s shown me that getting involved can truly transform your college experience and has emphasized the value of putting yourself out there and using your voice to create change. If there’s one thing I’d leave you with, it’s this: don’t underestimate the impact of stepping outside your comfort zone. You never know how one decision, like attending that first meeting, might shape your future.
