I have had an overwhelming love for this University as long as I can remember. I was also brought up with a great desire to serve others. When I arrived at the Capstone, I quickly found an outlet for both my love for UA and my desire to serve. That outlet was the Student Government Association, first as a First Year Councilor and currently as a Senator.

One thing I have found during my two terms in SGA is that most people in SGA are great thinkers, but few are effective doers as well. There are innovative and interesting ideas floating around the SGA office, but not everyone is willing and/or able to follow through with these ideas.

If elected, I will carry out the promises I have made during my campaign. When speaking to a group of students, I do not propose any fanciful projects that are well beyond the scope of SGA. I commit myself with projects that I will finish and that will improve time here at the Capstone. Through my time in SGA and as chairman of UA’s Relay for Life committee, I have developed the skills to be both a thinker and a doer.

One of the projects that I will be undertaking if elected will be called Beat Auburn, Beat Cancer, similar to Beat Auburn, Beat Hunger. Through the ties I have formed with the American Cancer Society, I know I will be able to complete this project and help UA students be a direct catalyst in the fight against cancer.

Another project that I have already begun is a service effort to help those affected by the tornadoes that ravaged parts of Trussville, Clay and the surrounding areas. As the state and nation rallied around our community when we were devastated by the tornadoes of April 27, we owe it to our neighbors to return their kindness. I have already begun a dialogue with the cities of Clay and Trussville to organize a cleanup and recovery effort. This would allow students at the Capstone to be the change for their state and help others as they did us in our time of need.

It is through my dedication and projects that I will serve this University and its students. Not through empty promises but through true, sound initiatives that will help them help their future and their community.

Jimmy Taylor is currently serving as an SGA senator for the business school. He is running for the position of vice president of External Affairs.