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Makayla Craig has recently been elected as Black Hawk College’s student trustee and she is excited to work in her new position. Student trustee is an elected student position that acts as a bridge between the school’s Board of Trustees and the student government.
Interview with Makayla Craig
How does it feel to step into the role of student trustee?
I was nervous about it at first, but now I am really excited for it.
What inspired you to run for student trustee?
I am going into the educational field, and I wanted more experience in learning how school boards work. Jana Koch, Coordinator for Student Engagement, said I would make a very good candidate.
How will your experience at both campuses help you represent students across BHC?
The East Campus is where I am originally from. I’m originally from Galva, but now I’m at the Quad-Cities Campus. I have an understanding of both the school cultures, and I have incentives to make sure both are doing well.
What does it mean to you to be the voice of students on the Board of Trustees?
I was elected by my peers, and I am excited to make sure their voices are heard and their needs are acknowledged.
How have your campus involvements prepared you for this role?
Student Government and Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) have given me a lot of leadership experience. Art Collective is a really good friend group I have and Trio is extremely supportive of all their members.
What advice would you give to students who want to get involved or become leaders on campus?
Figure out when [club] meetings are and go; eventually, people will adopt you. Club Fest is a wonderful way of finding clubs. ICC is also a great way to find clubs and what they’re doing, but also know your limits. You have to be a student first and the whole point of clubs is to teach leadership experience. If you get burned out, you won’t be as effective a leader in the long term.
What are you most excited about during your year as a student trustee?
In the short term, I am helping on the stage with commencement, so I get to help hand my friends their diplomas. Also in February, I get to fly for the very first time and I’m going out to Washington, D.C. with the board.
What is your favorite spot on campus?
East Campus: The library and gaming room.
Quad-Cities Campus: The Art Space, where they bring in outside artists and then the study spot on the third floor of Building 3.
What’s your favorite class you’ve taken at BHC?
History of Western Art II, which is everything from the proto-Renaissance to now in art.
What’s your favorite piece of art you’ve created while at BHC?
My favorite piece of art is my chicken wire boot that I made. It was actually based on one of my sister’s pairs of boots.
Artwork by Makayla
Congratulations, Makayla! We’re rooting for you!
About the Author
Jacob J. Newbury Marketing Student Worker
Marketing & Public Relations