Suppose you’ve ever seen a smiling face handing out bubbles at the Special Olympics Family Festival or leading with confidence during student events. In that case, you might have already met Anyssa Petak — a dedicated Lake Land College (LLC) Student Government Association (SGA) member.
At 21 years old, Anyssa is currently pursuing pre-medical science at Lake Land, with plans to transfer to Belmont University in the fall to study biochemistry and molecular biology. Her ultimate goal? To become a psychiatrist. Her journey into medicine is deeply personal. “The past few years, my mom and I were my grandpa’s main caregivers. He had Lewy body dementia and recently passed away,” she shared. “That experience pushed me toward psychiatry.”
Anyssa’s connection to Lake Land runs deeper than just her studies — her mother is a proud alumna, and being close to home made the college a natural choice. But it’s her passion for community involvement that truly sets her apart.
Her road to SGA began through the Navigator News, where she served as the SGA reporter. That experience sparked something in her. “I love being involved,” she said. “Joining SGA felt like the best way to stay active and give back.”
Today, she serves as the Parliamentarian of the Student Government Association. It’s a role that comes with serious responsibility. “After the freshmen were elected, I went through the student government constitution with them to help them understand their roles,” Anyssa explained. “I also review constitutions for new clubs seeking approval from SGA to make sure they meet the requirements.”
Aside from her official duties, Anyssa finds joy in small yet meaningful moments. “One of my favorite things was passing out bubbles during the Special Olympics Family Festival parade,” she said. “Watching everyone’s faces light up — it reminded me why I love doing this.”
Anyssa’s love for life extends beyond the walls of the college. She’s an avid crocheter, a reader and a self-proclaimed concert junkie. “I already have eight concerts on the schedule for this year,” she laughed. She also enjoys visiting antique shops, always on the lookout for hidden treasures.
Through SGA, she has taken part in major projects like the Spring Carnival, the Student Recognition Banquet and even Advocacy Day in Springfield, where she and other students spoke with representatives about increasing mental health support on campus. “It was a powerful experience to advocate for something I care deeply about,” she said.
But leadership has not come without its challenges. “Leading a session during the High School Leadership Conference was tough,” she admitted. “Speaking in front of a group of high schoolers was intimidating, but I had support from other members, and we pulled it off together.”
Looking ahead, Anyssa plans to stay involved in student government even after transferring to Belmont. “SGA helped me build confidence in leadership and in asking for help when I need it,” she said. “That’s something I’ll take with me.”
Her advice for students thinking about joining SGA? “Just do it. Don’t hesitate like I did. You’ll meet amazing people, grow your skills and have fun along the way. You won’t regret it.”
From caregiving at home to advocating for change on campus, Anyssa Petak is showing what it means to lead with heart — and inspiring others to do the same.
