In an attempt to shed light on people who lead colleges and universities throughout the country, we got to the square to the Toglu College and interviewed with Sydney Thompson, President of the Student Government Association 2024-2025.
The position of SGA president is a great respect, and there is a special pride in their election by their peers to lead. Thompson, specialist in economics; Before the small law, from Edwards, the lady is proud in the fall of 2024, the start of AlPha Kappa alpha Sorryity, Inc.
We met Sydney Thompson and talked to her about her position, goals, future, and what it means to occupy this type of leadership in 2024-2025.
Read the full interview below.
What is the biggest thing you learned as SGA president so far?
As SGA president, the biggest lesson I have learned so far is that while I hold the title of president, it really requires a village to make our tasks and goals success. I grew up, often moved to the challenges independently, believing that I had to deal with everything on my own. However, I have a management that has shown me that driving is not related to doing everything yourself – it is related to building a strong and supportive society around you. I learned to rely on my team, delegate responsibilities, and confidence in others to bring their strengths to the table, which was an invaluable experience in both driving and personal development.
What made you decide to attend the Toglu College for university students?
I decided to attend Tougaloo College of my university studies because of the deep relationship that I always had for the institution as the daughter of Tougaloo graduates. I grew up, I have been constantly suffering from the culture of Toglo, whether by attending a return to the homeland, the events of the graduates, or a picnic day of the founders. I have always admired a coherent narrow society, which seemed to be more than just a university environment.
In addition, my trip with Tougaloo started even before I was an official student here. I graduated from the early Jackson School Program (JPS) Tougaloo for the high school, as I had a unique opportunity to earn both high school diploma and assistant certificate. During that time, Tougaloo’s employees and professors were incredibly dedicated to my growth and success. They treated me at the same level of respect and care like any other university student, and gave me the opportunities that helped form my educational trip. More importantly, they have shown real interest in my life in general, regardless of whether you chose to continue in Tougaloo or follow another path. They made me feel welcome and encouraged, and to consolidate my decision to continue my education here.
How did Tougaloo College trim you to the person you are today?
For one of them, Tougaloo College gave me the opportunity to engage in social issues greater than me. He has a rich history of participation in social justice and equality, and being part of this legacy was incredibly inspiring. It is something to be recognized for social justice, but it is another thing to be part of the generation coming from people who press the same values.
It has also given me confidence, and I sincerely think that HBCUS like Tougaloo helps to develop the most social and enlightened individuals. When I am thinking of returning to things like Wassup on Wednesday, standing, social justice week, and much more, I realize how much I see the way I see and how I want to carry myself.
In general, a black woman has become a good speech, good disorder, and I am proud of that. I learned to embrace my identity, defend what I believe in, and appreciate the value of HBCU education. I will not trade it for anything.
What are the specific initiatives that you went to this year (or planning), and how do you think it will improve the school and the surrounding community?
Civil participation was the main axis of my administration this year. We have made our mission to ensure that the largest possible number of students realize the strength they hold in the democratic process. Often, people believe that their vote does not matter, but when we meet as a collective power, we realize how strong our generation. As leaders of students, we made a point to put an example and show our peers that their voices are important and their actions can pay change.
One of the main initiatives that we worked on in this fall was the summit of civil participation, where we partnership with the leaders of the surrounding HBCUS, including Jackson State University, Mississippi Valley, Alcorn State, and Cohoma Community College. Together, we hosted a summit to discuss critical topics such as depriving voters, mobilizing voters, and the importance of education on these issues. This summit was not just an opportunity to learn, but also to ignite work and encourage students to be active participants in the political process.
We believe that through initiatives like this, we can inspire a more political and enlightened student student. By enhancing the sense of civil responsibility on the campus, we hope to create a wavy effect that extends beyond our school and to the surrounding community, encouraging positive change and greater participation in the democratic process. This is just one of the many ways we plan to influence not only our university but also the broader society, which indicates that when students meet together, we can make a real change.
How does your SGA management/school currently attend the mental health of students?
As the SGA administration, we are really focused on making sure that the mental health of students is a priority, and we start with something simple but strong: to be here for them. Often, students only need someone to listen, a person who has a cycle and elegant. It is easy for people in leadership positions to become far or difficult to reach, but I promised myself that I will never be like this.
She has made it clear that they will remain accessible, whether through regular working hours, open forums, or just unofficial conversations on campus. Sometimes, it is not a matter of solving all their problems, but simply someone can talk to and feel it. In addition, we are also working to connect students to the resources they need, in addition to their presence for students, we also make sure that they realize the free consulting services available on the campus, in addition to the many events that they host. We know that mental health can often be overlooked, so we are working hard to spread the word about the resources already existing to support students while continuing to build a culture where it is okay to seek help.
What does driving mean to you?
For me, the leadership was not about to be the highest or reliable voice, but Morriso is able to inspire others to work to achieve a common goal. Driving uses your resources and film others around you to achieve the best in any situation. Leadership requires you to be firm on your morals, but to understand other and comprehensive views. To show real leadership is to show the purest forms of self -denial.
We are now living in a digital world, what do you think of schools that you should do to represent themselves online in 2025?
First, schools need to make sure they are on the Internet attractive, dynamic and easy to navigate. Students today expect to access information quickly, so the presence of an updated and easy -to -use location and active social media platforms is the key. I also think emerging techniques should be used. Things like virtual realistic campus tours, questions and live answers, and the use of platforms like Tiktok and Instagram rollers that will transform how people see all schools while showing how life on campus really looks.
Why do you think watching the courtyard is important for black students and the culture of the kidney?
Watch the annihilation is important because it displays black excellence in a positive light, especially for HBCU that does not always get the recognition they deserve. By highlighting the achievements and experiences of black students, graduates and faculty members, it creates a space where we can celebrate our culture and our contributions without liquidating the main media. It is spreading positive awareness and helps us to communicate as a society, and gives us a platform to raise each other, share resources, and amplify our voices with a meaningful and meaningful ways. By uniting and empowering the Black College community, I think it plays a big role in shaping how we represent and how we represent ourselves.
What do you plan to do after graduation?
After graduation, I will bring the Faculty of Law and use my experience in the corporate law to possess and operate the resorts and hotels called Queens Palace. I also intend to call for politics on the collective prison system and protect the basic human rights of the most vulnerable people in American society.
We would like to praise Sydney Thompson for her work as head of SGA University of Tougaloo College.
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