Meet Mattie Hardin, SGA’s Current VIce President

Name: Mattie Hardin
Year:  Senior
Major: Management
Hometown: Lakeland, Florida
 
SGA is currently in the middle of the 2012 SGA presidential/vice presidential elections. Her Campus App State interviewed current SGA Vice President Mattie Hardin as her term begins to wrap up to find out her reflections as vice president and get her insight on the election process.
 
Q: What’s your SGA experience? Why did you initially get involved with SGA?
A: Currently, I serve as the SGA Vice President and previously, I served on Cabinet and as a Senator.  While I have always had an interest in politics, I essentially joined SGA so that I could become more involved on campus and participate in an organization that was proactive.  In high school, I had also participated with the Student Government, but my leadership roles here at Appalachian greatly trumped those in the past.
 
Q: Why did you want to run for SGA vice president?
A: Many people actually approached Lauren and I about running last year.  I had never even thought that I would entertain the idea.  However, the two of us met up and really considered it.  We agreed that we wanted to take the next step in making a difference on campus and this was how we could do it.
 
Q: What’s an accomplishment you’re proud of this year?
A: I think choosing the right Cabinet has been the key to Lauren and my success.  We truly picked a diverse and fantastic group to work with.  Without them, any other successes would not have been possible.  Of course, keeping the increase of fees and tuition as minimal as possible was another great feat we accomplished.  We truly argued on behalf of our students.
 
Q: What has surprised you most as vice president?
A: As vice president, I would have never expected to become such an integral part of the Appalachian family.  I knew that I would be serving but I really was embraced by the Appalachian family and I don’t think that anyone could come in expecting to feel the love and support that our administrators and my friends showed.
 
Q: Now that you don’t have to worry about the campaigning process, what was/is it like watching the other candidates go through the process this year?
A: Whew! I am so happy that we are this side of the process now!  I remember how stressful it was for us last year.  Essentially for me, it was a blur.  A lot of hard work and dedication goes into running a successful campaign.  It has been interesting to watch the different perspectives that the others have used.  However, I am absolutely glad that particular part of the process is way behind me!
 
Q: What do you plan to do after graduation?
A: I will be attending Mercer Law School in Macon, Georgia.  It is where my parents met, so it has some personal meaning.  I really fell in love with the sense of community there and I know that it will be an integral part in my success as I intend to practice law.

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Q: What’s a surprising fact about you?
A: I spent this past summer in China.  Talk about crazy, especially as a redhead!  I fell in love with their culture and country.  It was quite the experience being in the middle of China and not having anyone to speak English to.  It was such a unique experience!
 
Q: You’re from Florida. What made you choose Appalachian State?
A: My grandfather actually lives in Boone, so that is how I was introduced to Appalachian.  However, through many visits to Boone, I immediately fell in love with the scenery and change of pace from Florida.  The door was open and I took the opportunity to walk on campus not knowing a single person and now, I am walking away with a family.
 
Q: What do you do in your free time?
A: When I’m at home, I absolutely love to scuba dive.  It is definitely one of my favorite hobbies.  And of course, as all Appalachian students, I love being outdoors and spending time with my friends on the parkway or hammocking.  I hope to spend most of my weekends though, this summer, in the waters exploring the seas!
 
Q: Anything else you’d like to add?
A: I would love to challenge any Appalachian student to get involved.  Be it SGA or any other organization, involvement on campus has the ability to change your life forever.  Giving back brings more satisfaction than many would truly note!