During my time at The University of Alabama, I have had many enriching experiences that have come from challenging and rewarding situations. Like many out-of-state students, I joined the Alabama family to follow a path unique from my hometown peers. I came to Alabama without knowing anyone or anything about campus life. Just a few short weeks into my freshman year, I immediately realized I wanted to extend my college experience beyond the classroom and immerse myself in campus activities.

Throughout my four years here at the University, I was involved in many things beyond SGA, including Capstone Men and Women, Literacy is the Edge and other organizations and honor societies. Working in diverse groups, I have gained valuable experience interacting with people and exchanging ideas. These lessons came from establishing a commitment to learn from others and helping them make a difference through their passions.

As students, there are many times we have to stand up for something we know is right or something that we truly believe in. These stances can sometimes open us up to criticism or even bring about negative consequences. However, in these circumstances we have the opportunity to follow the advice that a friend gave me this year: “Keep your head up, every great leader is faced with challenges; it’s how you deal with them that builds true character.”

At other times, we have to put our discrepancies aside, talk to one another, and work through our differences. If there is one thing I learned this year that I will remember forever, it is that it is always better to work with people on a particular issue and listen to their side of a story. You have no idea how far that will go in any situation. As a leader, a mentor, a student and a friend, active listening is the number one quality one can possess. So, as I leave my undergraduate years at the Capstone, a place I have grown to love and a university I will forever support, I challenge all of us to work to build a bridge of understanding, engage in open dialogue with one another and truly enrich our campus community for future generations.

Steven Oliver is a senior graduating in biology. He served as SGA president for the 2009-2010 academic year.