Student Blog – Karly Hanson | Elect Her: Campus Women Win Training

I have never given the idea of running for office much thought. I think mostly, that’s because I wouldn’t even know where to begin. I am not a political science major, and though it has always been my dad’s dream, it is not mine, to one day become president.  But, I am attending the Elect Her training session on April 25thanyway. I believe young women everywhere should equip themselves with the skills and knowledge that the talented and accomplished leaders, such as Jessica Grounds -Director of the Women’s Office for Ready for Hillary -teach through the program: leadership, organization, and effective communication skills for example.

Growing up I never wanted to be in the spotlight. I don’t speak up in class, and I am hardly ever the loudest voice in a group. However, as I get older and progress through college, I am realizing how important it is for every voice to be heard. Running for office does not have to be about me being known by everyone. Instead, it can be about me helping others become represented, and inspiring other women to do the same.

The more I sit back and observe the campus, the clearer it becomes that I cannot simply watch and hope that someone elected will make the changes that SMU needs. It’s like when teachers tell their students to ask questions because someone else might have the same one.  When no one asks questions, no one gets the answers they need. If I want to a see a change in my community, in this case, on the SMU campus, then I must be the force behind the movement. I hope to learn how to be that force in the Elect Her training session on April 25th. I want to learn how to lead a community, and most importantly how to inspire my peers so that one day they will do the same in their own communities.

– Karly Hanson, SMU student and Tower Center Intern

If you are interested in learning how to lead like Karly, join us for the Elect Her | Campus Women Win Training on April 25th at Hughes-Trigg.