Leading Beyond the Title by Saniya

Leading Beyond the Title by Saniya - December 2025 Scholarship Essay

If I were running for student body president, the number one way I would hope to positively impact my school is by creating a culture of belonging where every student feels seen, supported, and confident that their voice matters. A campus can have endless opportunities, but if students do not feel connected or welcomed, those opportunities go unused. My goal would be to make leadership feel accessible and community feel intentional.

I learned the power of belonging through my experiences serving others. As part of Campus Ministry at Hampton University, I greet students and congregation members each week, offering communion or a word of encouragement. One Sunday, I noticed a student hesitate at the entrance, clearly overwhelmed. Instead of simply offering a greeting and moving on, I paused and asked how she was doing. That brief moment of attention turned into a meaningful conversation, and by the end of the service, her demeanor had shifted. That interaction reminded me that leadership is not always about speaking to crowds. Sometimes, it is about recognizing when someone needs to be acknowledged.

As student body president, I would bring that same intentionality to student leadership. Too often, students feel disconnected from those making decisions on their behalf. I would prioritize open communication by creating regular forums where students can share concerns, ideas, and feedback in a welcoming environment. Leadership should feel like a bridge, not a barrier. When students feel heard, they become more engaged, more confident, and more invested in their campus community.
Another way I would foster belonging is by improving access to information and involvement opportunities. Many students want to join organizations, attend events, or use campus resources but feel intimidated or unsure where to start. I would work to strengthen communication across campus through consistent updates, collaboration with student organizations, and visible leadership presence at events. My goal would be to make involvement feel inviting rather than overwhelming, so students feel encouraged to step outside their comfort zones.

Representation also plays a vital role in building trust and unity on campus. I believe student leadership should reflect the diversity of the student body and actively seek input from different perspectives. As someone who has founded and led initiatives centered on empowerment and service, I understand how important it is for students to see themselves represented. I would collaborate with organizations, academic departments, and campus groups to ensure that leadership spaces remain inclusive and representative of the entire campus community.

Service would also be a key part of my platform. Service brings people together across backgrounds and experiences, creating shared purpose. I would support service based initiatives that allow students to give back together, strengthening both our campus and the surrounding community. When students serve together, they build connections that extend beyond the classroom and create a deeper sense of pride in their school.

Ultimately, my vision for student body president is rooted in connection, communication, and care. I want students to feel proud of Hampton University not only because of its achievements, but because of how it makes them feel. By creating an environment where students feel welcomed, supported, and empowered, I believe our campus can become a place where everyone feels encouraged to lead, serve, and thrive.