Erica Magnusson

A double major in Biology and Environmental Studies, Erica Magnusson is a graduating senior this May who will have more than just two degrees under her belt. In her time here at Eckerd, Erica has made a huge impact on the EC community through her various leadership positions as a Student Ambassador, an RA, an ARC, and most notably the 2010 – 2011 Executive Vice President of the Eckerd College Organization of Students. During her journey she has spear headed and led The Plight and Promise of Africa: An Eckerd College Initiative and has helped to make changes state wide as a key player in the Academy of Florida Independent Colleges and Universities. Erica is this week’s campus celebrity, as we at HC Eckerd honor Women’s History Month, because she is a true renaissance woman!
 
 
What made you get involved in ECOS?
 
Student government has been part of my life since the 5^th grade. I was my class president my junior and senior year of high school. When I got to Eckerd I lived in Sigma and when I heard about ECOS and I knew I had to run to be one of the four freshmen representatives. I did a lot of campaigning because there were only 12 freshmen in my dorm. “Be jolly, vote for Erica” was the slogan that I used. I bought tons of jolly ranchers and walked around campus campaigning to everyone for the entire week. And thankfully I won! I started off a student senator and worked my way up through becoming involved with AFICU, and then running to be EVP.
 
Why did you want to become EVP?
 
I love Eckerd, everything about it. I knew that this would be a role that would allow me to speak with the students and advocate for them as well as effectively plan community-building events.
 
 
What are your thoughts about being a female leader on campus?
 
I’m really proud to be a female leader on campus. It is empowering that we have a female president and vice president and it definitely adds a different dynamic to our leadership style. It’s hard to juggle being compassionate and being seen as a true leader, someone who is powerful and assertive. Being in this position has taught me a lot about myself and how I balance those roles. I think it’s something the girls at Eckerd can look up to. No matter where they started from they can become the highest leadership position here at Eckerd.
 
What is your favorite and least favorite part of being a student leader?
 
My favorite part is being able to interact with so many people on a daily basis. And it’s really rewarding. You get to meet all of these different people and they become a part of your life. My least favorite party, I guess it’s the lack of sleep and knowing that you’re constantly in a fish bowl.
 
Favorite ECOS event?
 
Carve or be carved. I’m from New Hampshire and my grandfather has his own pumpkin fields and so carving pumpkins has been a big part of my life. As a freshmen I was so sad thinking that I would not get a pumpkin because I was in Florida. This event makes the whole campus really excited and it’s a great way to bring the community together.
 
Favorite place to be on campus?
 
My balcony in Omega. I have the incredible sunrise in the morning, the sunset in the evening, and manatees.
 
What are your plans for after graduation?
 
I am going on to be a high school biology teach in San Francisco, California for the next two years. After that I would like to go back to Africa and start my own non-profit organization for orphans.
 
If you could be stranded on an aquaglide in Frenchman’s creek with anyone, dead or alive, who would it be and why?
 
It would definitely be my little sister. She is so funny and we can have a good time anywhere.