This week’s campus celebrity is Liane Sippin! She is 22 years old and is studying Communication Arts. She is a second generation FIU student and her mom has worked at FIU for the past 25 years. When she says she was born and raised at FIU, she’s not kidding! She truly bleeds blue and gold. The pride and passion she has for FIU is like no other. You can find her at almost all of FIU’s games and events. Her love for FIU made her want to give back to the school and community she is so proud to be a part of. So around this time of year last year, she decided to run for Student Government President, and won! As Student Government President, Liane is constantly “on the go”, but luckily I got an opportunity to speak to her. Check out this interview and learn what Liane is all about and the advice she has for FIU collegiattes!
In your opinion, what has been your greatest accomplishment as FIU Student Government President?
My greatest accomplishment as president has been the installation of charging stations for cell phones in the Graham Center. Charging stations will also be installed at the engineering campus and in the Rec Center soon and I am really excited about that.
What is your dream job?
I hope to become the Social Secretary for the White House.
What woman inspires you and why?
Definitely the author of Lean In, Sheryl Sandberg! She is an inspiration because she encourages women to pursue positions of leadership. She emphasizes that by having more female voices in positions of power, there will be more equitable opportunities created for everyone.
What does being a woman mean to you?
To me, being a woman means accepting yourself exactly as you are while at the same time giving yourself permission to grow and evolve. This means taking chances and opportunities that may sometimes scare you but will end up helping you in the end. It also means learning to put “you” first. As women, we sometimes feel a sense of responsibility for everyone and we get so wrapped up in everything that we forget to put ourselves first. I think that being a woman is learning how to balance all of our responsibilities without losing sight of ourselves.
What has been the most rewarding experience you have had so far as SGA president?
I would have to say advocating for veterans and undocumented students to receive in-state tuition in the state of Florida. So far, the bill giving veterans in – state tuition has passed in the House and the Senate and the bill giving undocumented citizens in – state tuition has passed in the House and is being heard by the Senate.
What advice do you have for women at FIU?
Get involved, find your passion, have fun and take risks. You never know where life can take you, so always make sure you are living it to the fullest and challenge yourself each day.
What is your favorite quote and why?
“A good leader inspires people to have confidence in the leader – a great leader inspires people to have confidence in themselves,” by Eleanor Roosevelt. I like this quote because I have always found that the best leaders are those who are genuine and true to themselves. When you lead this way, you become comfortable in your own skin and leadership style. It you inspire others along the way to do the same.
Five fun facts:
- I’m a triplet
- My favorite sport is basketball
- I play in a co-ed kickball league
- I studied abroad in Europe last summer and in Spain
- In High school, I was a Girl Scout
Do you know someone who should be FIU’s next Campus Celebrity? Find out how here!