By Sophie Higby
As the 2022 school year comes to a close, Student Government Association (SGA) President Tyler Kendall reflected on his time at Samford over the past four years.
Kendall began his journey into student government with almost no prior experience, other than having a small role in class council during high school. Majoring in Communications, Kendall realized his passion for elevating student voices.
“Freshman forum was a really great introduction into SGA and into that world of engagement,” Kendall said. “Little by little I said, ‘All right, I want to do a little bit more.’”
His sophomore year, the student body elected Kendall as class president. At that time, he also served as an adviser and the Co Chair of the Student Life Committee on Senate. By junior year, he was elected vice president of senate.
The student body continued to elect Kendall throughout the four years, and he loved working with his fellow classmates, as well as the administration and President Beck Taylor.
“I had an amazing team that I got to work with. We all formed a really special bond. I consider them more my friends than coworkers,” Kendall said.
This past year, Kendall worked alongside Senate to best serve the student body.
“We established a new position on the student executive board, which is the Executive Director of Diversity,” he said. “Leaving here knowing that there is always going to be a permanent spot on SEB for diversity and full representation was a really huge accomplishment for us this year.”
In addition to the added position, Kendall felt proud of the new student organization resolutions that had passed.
“I knew when we passed those that we were creating more and more opportunities for students to engage in the Samford community and get plugged in,” Kendall said. “It really helps students find their people within Samford.”
Kendall stressed the importance of finding community within Samford, stating that the people would be what he missed most. The people that poured into him and shaped him with positive influence and interactions helped guide his decisions.
“I am proud to be graduating knowing there is not one thing I would change about the experience I’ve had or anything that I’ve done within SGA that I regret or would do differently,” Kendall said confidently.
In the coming months, Kendall will be working in Washington D.C. interning under Congressmen Mike Rogers and Jerry Carl. Kendall accredited his time in SGA to helping him realize his future vocation.
“I think it has given me more clarity on my passion for working with people and representing people,” he said. “It’s helped guide my path to knowing this is what I want to do and this is what I want to make my career out of.”
Kendall leaves the future SGA presidents with these parting words: “Keep your head up high. Things are not always easy, and it’s not always a cake walk, but it’s one of the most humbling and honoring experiences that I’ve had at Samford. Lean into your faith; trust in the Lord.”
