Small but mighty, Maria Almonte is on a mission to leave her legacy here at the University of South Florida St. Petersburg. A third-year student with senior-standing credits, Almonte is the Vice President of one of the most important organizations on campus, student government.
Almonte became Vice President in an unconventional way. Student Body President David Thompson originally ran with another candidate, but that student ended up leaving USFSP. When tasked to pick a replacement, Thompson chose Almonte. Almonte never expected it.
“I was like, ‘Wow this is something completely new and different. Am I going to be able to handle it?’” Almonte said.
Despite her initial hesitation, Almonte grew enthusiastic to hold the position. “It’s so exciting because you get to experience something new in a different leadership role.”
Almonte is typically in the student government office on Tuesdays and Thursdays either leading the organization’s weekly Coffee with the Cabinet event, doing one on ones with the team, assisting Thompson, or doing any of her numerous tasks she’s in charge of.
When asked how she balances all of those responsibilities with her school and social life, Almonte jokingly replied, “What is a social life?” However, Almonte makes time for herself on the weekends to relax and destress.
“The first part in student government is student, so I also have to give time to my education,” Almonte said.
Her favorite part about being Vice President is being a part of such a great team. Her pride is evident when she talks about student government’s success.
“I want to provide a good example for everyone this year and try to provide the support that they need,” Almonte said.
Maria Almonte with some of the student government team (photo courtesy of SG’s Facebook Page)
Almonte’s passion and drive is attributed to her mother.
“I just want to make her proud,” Almonte said.
Having such a strong motherly presence in her life definitely attributes to Almonte’s passion for having women have a seat at the table.
“Some of the characteristics that women have help balance everything out… The fact that some people think that women are less… because they are emotional…like no, you need emotion. If I had no passion for what I was doing, I would have already quit,” Almonte said.
Almonte’s passion for student government is evident. She has done a great job so far as Vice President, and given her track record, she’ll continue to succeed.
HCXOXO,
Kelli Carmack