In an attempt to shed light on people who lead colleges and universities throughout the country, we have reached the yard to the University of Chicago and an interview with Elia Jenkins, 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. Elia Jenkins, a joint student (Ba with a dual specialization in law, messages, society and race, diaspora, double control and a master’s degree in international relations), from Chandler, Arizona. Jenkins is proud of Ful 23. Alpha Fi Alpha start.
We met Jenkins and we talked to him about his position, goals and 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?
The biggest lesson I learned as SGA president is that driving revolves around more than just decisions – it is related to listening, learning and adapting constantly. This role has really shown the complexity of leadership. Whether this works with officials, dealing with students ’fears, or trying to defend resources, I realized that there is nothing moving forward without cooperation and perseverance. You are constantly wandering of priorities and making decisions that affect the entire campus, which is an enormous responsibility and an incredible opportunity. Every day, there is a new challenge that extends in ways that I did not expect, and I have grown a lot because of it.
I also understood that driving can sometimes be isolated. People often see the results, but they don’t always notice late nights or difficult conversations behind the scenes. The balance between the student’s expectations with the facts of what is possible to teach me patience and flexibility. It is not always easy, but the moments when students tell me that they feel that they hear or when the initiative that I finally defended is implemented, which deserves all this trouble. SGA president showed me that the real leadership revolves around the service – working for others, even when it is difficult, and finding ways to leave things better than I found.
What made you decide to attend the University of Chicago for university students?
The choice of Uchicago was a very personal decision for me. I wanted to attend the Elite Foundation, which would challenge me academic and provide resources to help me grow as a thinker and a leader. Oshikago’s reputation for intellectual rigor and its focus on questioning the assumptions that are completely in line with the type of environment in which I wanted to be. But besides academics, it was pulled to its location. I grew up, I attended a white Catholic school mostly, and I knew how is it isolated in the spaces that are not celebrated with diversity or reflection. Uchicago offered something different – a university campus in the heart of Chicago with a vibrant black society surrounding it. It was difficult to find this mix of opportunities and culture in other PWIS.
The presence in Uchicago was a gift because it allows me to interact with the people and ideas that constantly challenge me while staying in contact with a society that understands the experiences I brought with me. It was an institution that could prepare me for the future without forcing me to leave parts of my identity that makes me who I am. Oshikago has done so and more.
How did the University of Chicago formed the person you are today?
Uchicago has been a place to switch to me. He prompted me to think critically not only about what I learn but about how this knowledge is applied to the world around me. I have taught me a culture of interrogation that is uncompromising at the university that it is okay not to get all the answers – as long as you are ready to dig deeper and continue to ask difficult questions. This mentality was very important in shaping how to deal with advocacy and leadership, especially as a person who wants to make a permanent change.
What made the greatest influence, is the society you found here. Being surrounded by peers and guides are completely excited to make a team that was inspiring. Whether it is cooperating with his fellow students in initiatives or working with faculty members who challenge me to think after what is clear, Uchicago has shown me the power of collective effort. It is a place of refining my sense of the goal and learned to adopt the complications of the world without losing what matters more, which makes it better for everyone.
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?
One of the initiatives I am proud of is the launch of the IPO language courses in Ushikago. This was not only related to adding a semester, but rather was related to the representation of countless Nigerian students on the campus who were eager to the cultural ties that had not been present here. The process included a lot of invitation – working with officials, making the issue for a necessary reason, and mobilizing support from students who felt the same way. Now, see those courses that are presented and know that they help students communicate with their heritage or learn something new is a reminder of what is possible when you fight for what you believe in.
Another initiative I am enthusiastic about is to create Greek life contacts within the student government. Greek life in Uchicago works differently from other schools because it has not been officially recognized by the administration, which means that it often lacks acting in the main conversations. This role blocks this gap, ensuring hearing our voices and that our contributions to the life of the campus are not ignored.
How does your SGA management/school currently attend the mental health of students?
The winter quarter in Uchicago can be particularly difficult due to cold weather, shorter days and academic pressure. To support students during this difficult time, we distribute care bags to provide amenities and small resources that encourage self -care. In addition, we are working on long-term solutions by cooperating with the administration to create more third spaces on the university campus-the coming environments where students can relax, call and rechour away from academic and residential pressures.
What does driving mean to you?
For me, driving revolves around service and accountability. It is not a matter of being the highest voice in the room but about creating space for others to speak and ensure hearing their voices. I learned that the leadership revolves around listening as much as it is about taking action. It comes to building confidence with the people you lead and expose through your actions that you are there for them, not for yourself. The real leadership means that you are ready to do the difficult and invisible work that keeps everything working smoothly.
In essence, leadership revolves around empowering others. It is not a matter of retaining power but about its participation – raising people and helping them to achieve their own capabilities. This is something I try to practice every day, whether it is in my brother, student government, or any other space in it. Driving, for me, revolves around leaving things better than I found and inspiring others to do the same.
We are now living in a digital world, what do you think of schools that you should do to represent themselves online in 2025?
In 2025, schools need to use their online platforms to take a clear and vocal position for their values. Marginalized societies, especially black students, often face attacks in the elite institutions, while schools remain silent. This silence sends the wrong message – he can feel like accepting these harmful accounts. Instead, institutions need to clarify that each student, regardless of his background, belongs and is estimated.
It is not only about responding when problems arise. Schools must celebrate the activity and amplification of the voices and achievements of all the representatives of the actress, which indicates that they are not just tolerance but are necessary for the life of the campus. The marginalized students need to see that their institution is committed to creating a culture of belonging, and potential students need to know that they will be supported. By being an unusual pre -emptive status and prestige of shares and integration via the Internet, schools can show that they are not only learning institutions – they are societies that are deeply concerned with all their members.
Why do you think watching the courtyard is important for black students and the culture of the kidney?
Watch the courtyard is vital because it celebrates the richness of black university life in a way that there is no other platform. It highlights our accomplishments, traditions and culture, and shows the world the vitality and diversity of black student experiences. For black students, especially in PWIS, it is remembered that we are part of something greater – a legacy of excellence, flexibility and society that exceeds individual universities.
It is also an area in which our stories are told in an original manner, without nomination through the lens of institutions that may not fully understand our experiences. Watch the courtyard gives us a platform to celebrate who we are, communicate with each other, and inspire future generations. In a world where our voices are often marginalized, such platforms are not only important; They are necessary.
What do you plan to do after graduation?
After graduation, I plan to enter the field of international affairs and eventually became diplomatic. As of now, only about 5.4 % of black diplomats, so I see this as an opportunity to contribute to a unique perspective of conversations and global policy. My goal is to defend marginalized societies, promote stocks, enhance international cooperation, depend on my background and experience to make a meaningful impact on diplomacy.
We would like to dissuade Elijah Jenkins for his work as President of the University of SGA at the University of Chicago.
Share this on Facebook and helped us highlight Elijah Jenkins and the University of Chicago.
