Connor Holt originally enrolled at Salt Lake Community College with what he calls a “bad attitude.”
But in his first year in college, Holt thinks SLCC is a great place to be. He has immersed himself in student life and was recently elected as executive vice president of the SLCC Student Association.
Holt will serve alongside Arturo Salazar during the 2016-17 school year.
Leading by example
Holt joined the SLCCSA this year as a board member of the Central Region, and soon realized the importance of his new responsibilities during SLCCSA training sessions.
“[Central Region Vice President] Chandra Carlson told us to sit in front of the class and say that [we’re] in SLCCSA … it kind of puts you on a pedestal,” he says. “You have to be an example to everyone else.”
Despite his busy schedule, Holt manages to do well in school by focusing in class.
“You’re here to study, you’re here to get it done, you’re here to help people.”
Inspired by inclusivity
After some encouragement from current SLCCSA president Carlos Moreno, Holt ran for executive vice president to make a difference and help everyone feel included.
Last holiday season, a Christmas tree at the Taylorsville Redwood Campus was taken down in lieu of a “winter tree.” Holt and other students felt all holidays should be included in the display, so he started a petition to put the Christmas tree back.
“I thought about it more and more … put the tree back up, but let’s make a space around the tree or close to the tree that celebrates the other holidays.”
How other students can serve
After the experience, Holt wanted to be more involved with SLCC and student government. He hopes examples like this will inspire more people to join student government.
“We really want to get SLCCSA noticed … There are always positions opening up,” Holt says. “We want all students to know about it [and] we’d love to have people get involved.”
Holt also wants to start a leadership training once a month, leaving it open to those who are interested.
