Our first Campus Celebrity of the semester is Student Government Association Vice President, Jake Schissel!
Brittaney: So what is your official title in the Student Government Association (SGA) and what do you do?
Jake: I am the Vice President of SGA, and with my colleagues we seek to improve student life on and off campus, and address any challenges we are faced with.
Brittaney: Why did you decide you wanted to run?
Jake: Student government has been something I have involved myself in since high school. Having the opportunity to serve my peers has always been both an honor and a privilege, and student government is an incredible organization to be involved with. It has provided me with the chance to make an impact on campus and resolve the issues of student life.
Brittaney: What has the SGA been busy doing since school started?
Jake: We have been hard at work since we assumed our positions last spring. Over the summer and into the school year we have been promoting the legal rights of students, improving career services on campus, working with administrators to build student/faculty relations, and tackling a variety of other issues. We have a lot we hope to accomplish over the next couple of semesters including addressing sexual assault on campus and town/student interactions. There is always work to be done and we hope to maximize our potential for change.
Brittaney: You’re also a firefighter and in the Navy Reserve. How do you balance all of these important roles?
Jake: I am proud of the opportunities I have had to serve my country and my community. The skills and lessons I have learned through both institutions have made me the person I am today. They have carried over into my professional and social life. With my academics included, my schedule is very busy and oftentimes hectic. Thankfully everyone I work with is understanding of my obligations and are helpful when I need support.
Brittaney: How did you realize that you wanted to be a firefighter and in the Navy?
Jake: The military is always something I’ve been drawn to. I had initially enrolled in the Army ROTC program here at UMass when I was a freshman, but when the year ended I was anxious to begin a military career and enlisted in the Navy Reserve. After a year of boot camp and technical schools, I returned to UMass to finish my degree. I then heard about the student fire force and with some basic firefighting skills from the service, I thought it was something I might be interested in. Both have been incredible experiences and I am proud to say I serve in more ways than one.
Brittaney: Do you have any advice for students who are thinking about applying for any leadership roles on campus?
Jake: Leadership is something that everyone has potential for. Whether it’s being an RA or the SGA President, no leadership role is an unimportant one. I would highly encourage everyone to step up and take on leadership responsibility. It is beneficial not only for yourself but for those you serve as well. And even if it is out of your comfort zone, just find confidence in your work and it will come naturally.
Brittaney: How about some advice for UMass students in general?
Jake: Get involved! There is something for everyone here at UMass. Get involved and be active. These will be some of the best years of your life. The friends you make and experiences you have will have a lasting impact on who you are and who you will become. Give everything you’ve got, and you’ll be impressed with the results.