By Aminata Diallo
Congratulations are in order for Simi Sanni, Towson University’s 104th Student Government Association (SGA) Vice President. She is now closing out her undergraduate career and celebrating her recent induction into Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. As Sanni reflects on her time as sitting VP, she named the intended legacy of her administration in a single, powerful word: “equity.”
“Building on the legacy from the last administration, we wanted every student’s voice to be heard,” said Sanni.
Reflecting & Shaping the Future
When asked about the most definitive accomplishment within her time as admin, Simi Sanni pointed to key inclusion initiatives that she hopes will have lasting effects on students.
“Seeing the legal aid office be established,” said Sanni. “And mental wellness day bill being passed and hopefully implemented soon is very important to witness.”
This focus, she notes, required consistent collaboration with the highest sectors of the university. She emphasized that the school’s administration, including President Ginsberg, and Sr. VP of Student Affairs Dr. Hurte, served pivotal roles in supporting the student body.
“President Ginsberg was always interested to know what was happening on campus and how he could help,” said Sanni.
Sanni remembered her time in office as a period of intense personal and professional growth, as it required her to navigate polarizing periods on campus noting Towson’s large and diverse population of students. She mentions that the role of Vice President required her to reflect on the fundamentals of her leadership styles.
“Being VP rebuilt my sense of control,” said Sanni. “Beforehand, I was the type to jump on tasks first because I felt like I could handle it all on my own. Working with SGA taught me to let go of that control, let others step in, and not be afraid to ask for help. I’ve worked in teams beforehand, but this was a bigger team with more complex opinions. It made me realize that 2 heads are better than one.”
When asked about advice she would give the current Vice President of SGA on handling situations of conflict on campus, Sanni stresses the importance of hearing all perspectives of students in times of divide.
“I think when it comes down to conflict, everyone wants to be heard,” said Sanni. “It’s important to bridge that gap between opposing sides so people can effectively communicate.”
She notes that when speaking to the current SGA Vice President Liam Brinton, she is confident in his ability to address and handle times of polarization on campus.
Post-Grad and Beyond
As she enters post-grad life the Psychology major viewed her academic background as a strong asset for student affairs.
“I believe the continuous learning about human behavior helped me better understand different perspectives, and how to keep work and academic environments positive for everybody,” said Sanni.
That includes establishing when times of communication are appropriate, such as having clear office hours, and how she manages taking work home. Her advocacy for a safe and inclusive environment is one key indicator of her experience in the student body and academic background.
For lighthearted curiosity on the internal dynamics of being in SGA, I asked if she could compare her time in administration to any TV show. “The Office,” expectedly due to the high stress yet quirky nature of the environment. It’s safe to say the E-board at the time thought the same way, noting their odes to the show throughout their social media.
While managing the pressure of academics and representing the student body, Sanni also honed a passion for photography which to her, stresses the importance of time management.
“Setting clear boundaries helped me manage stress and control the switch between analytical thinking and creative expression,” said Sanni.
As she moves onto her hard-earned career, Sanni aspires to enroll in nursing school with hopes of becoming a Registered Nurse and eventually evolving beyond the role.
For students who aspire to take on leadership roles but may feel uncertainty due to the high-stakes nature of certain roles, Sanni’s final advice is simple and earnest: “Be open minded. Allow yourself to learn and don’t fear growth.”