This month’s Student Government Association (SGA) spotlight is on Jay Bliler, the current Student Trustee.
Bliler credits many important life lessons to the farm he was raised on in rural Taylorville, Illinois. “I especially learned the value of hard work, honesty, and seeing the good in people,” Bliler stated, “The neighborly atmosphere of my hometown helped me to appreciate the value others bring to areas and situations. I still love learning about others.”
Bliler’s inquisitive nature has undoubtably helped him through his time as a Student Trustee. The job of a Student Trustee mirrors that of SGA: to raise student concerns to the administration. Bliler, however, interacts more directly with the Board of Trustees. He is the voice of the student body.
Bliler reports enjoying his role immensely. Every aspect of it—talking with the students, faculty and greater community—is something he finds fulfilling. “The college is also an asset not only to the students, but to the community as well, which is another shining attribute.”
“Leadership is serving others and listening to many perspectives to represent others well. Leadership is measured in the heart of those who leaders have the responsibility of representing. Leaders also have the responsibility of inspiring their constituents and empowering others to use their talents and abilities for the greater good.”
Though Bliler is graduating this year, he has advice for incoming Freshmen and Sophomores. Firstly: “Don’t be scared to talk to new people in your classes! College is a perfect place to learn new ideas from others, share and test your own, and grow intellectually. That comes through experience, conversation, and involvement, so I would encourage any student to try something new and meet new people.” Later, he added, “Even if [socializing] seems uncomfortable at first, people are very interesting once you get to know them.
Secondly: Do something that excites you. “I hope I was able to inspire someone, who may have been unsure at first, to do something that excites them. I also hope I was a thoughtful contributor who listened to others well. More importantly, though, is Lake Land’s impact on me which has been remarkable and for which I am forever grateful.”
