Portrait #12  (3-2004)                                    
Name: Clayton P. Solomon
Age: 21
School: Florida International University
Major: Political Science
Phone: 305-348-2121
Email: clayton.solomon@fiu.edu
Hobbies: Cycling
 

Major campaign accomplishment 1:
     “I provide a 24-hour study area for students.”

Major campaign accomplishment 2:
     “I’ve hosted a 500-person student rally in an effort to preserve the Florida Bright Futures Scholarship program.”

Major campaign accomplishment 3:
     “I’ve helped to implement a shuttle bus for housing students, to provide transportation to a nearby grocery store and mall.”

Previous roles in SGA:
     “I began SGA as an intern and have since served as student union board chairperson, representative at large, and currently president.”

Why did you become involved in SGA?
     “I decided to get involved in SGA because it provided me the opportunity to better my university through serving my fellow students while acquiring skills that are going to help me in the future.”

Who is your role model?
     “Without a doubt the person who has had the greatest influence on me is my grandfather. He taught me how to value hard work, be thankful for what I have, and how to set my priorities.”

What is your administration’s biggest challenge?
     “Our biggest challenge has been to work together with an entirely separate SG at our sister campus only 15 miles away. Though we attend the same schools, often our issues and styles are very different. We’re overcoming these challenges by holding joint events and marketing campaigns and by learning how to better communicate and compromise.”

What legacy will your administration leave?
     “The theme of our administration is ‘It's Yours.’ We make every effort to involve students in our decisions and activities. Hopefully, we’ll leave a legacy of students feeling like they have ownership in the SGA.”

How does the student body view SGA?
     “It’ll vary from student to student, but mostly, we’re very organized and have been successful in our efforts to secure tangible accomplishments.”

Describe your relationship with the administration.
     “Our relationship with the administration is very good. We have student representation on nearly all university committees and work frequently with our faculty senate. We also join lobbying efforts with the university, organize focus groups with university departments, and co-sponsor events and lectures. Still, we can always improve our communication.”

Describe your relationship with the media.
     “Our relationship is as healthy as it can be considering the fact that they have a responsibility to provide different opinions on our work. While they often provide very good coverage of our events, they do what they have to as a media group by presenting different and often opposing opinions.”

What advice would you give to other SGAs?
     “You’ll learn the most from your mistakes. Keep motivated, and remember that people have trusted you to represent them. Trust yourself, and keep working hard.”

What are your plans after graduation?
     “I plan to attend law school and enroll in a joint degree program. Afterwards I’m interested in public service.”

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