Saphicher Gonzalez is a Media Communication Studies student with a minor in Education and certificate in General Business. Ideally, her dream job would blend education reform and social responsibility, both topics she has studied during her time here at Florida State. Saphi has always been devoted to her schoolwork, but she is mostly passionate about her work with Student Government.
Saphi’s interest with SGA began in high school and later carried over into her college career. In high school, she planned events like Homecoming and Prom, which taught her that a student-leader should aim to serve others by being understanding and accessible. Saphicher told us how great it was to work with others, but addressed the fact that people will always have differing opinions. “You can’t please everybody,” she states, “but I think it is important to try.” It was during this time when she realized that servant-leadership was the way she would operate.
When coming to FSU, Saphi continued her involvement and began to refine her leadership style, quickly learning that SGA is similar to the political government. “It is up to the students to introduce initiative, protests and new organizations.” She elaborates. “All of this effort is what makes Florida State the University it is today.” Saphi later ran for Program Allocation Committee (PAC) Chair, and is now part of its funding board that minimizes the financial barrier for students to part-take and create such shaping events.
SGA applications are open, and Saphi encourages undergraduate students who are interested to apply:
As far as her plan to impact the school, Saphi believes our University has phenomenal students and student-leaders. Whether it be Peace Jam, Belly Dance Group, Engineering Group or one of our SGA Agencies, every group makes change in their respective organization and promotes their mission to provide a space for students to practice their talents. These activities often times require supplemental funding. Saphi sees PAC as a financial cushion that can help bring these activities to life, therefore helping the University grow collectively. “I hope to streamline the process to receive funding and give rookie organizations the advice they need to be just as prepared as the senior organizations.”
To learn more about Saphi, check out our Q&A with her below!
What is your favorite part about FSU/ what will you miss the most? The family environment. Every time I speak to an advisor, professor or administrator they all “get it.” They understand what it’s like to be a college student and have genuine interest in helping you move forward. I will say that the CARE program helped me start my network and empowered me to get involved. The Southern Scholarship Foundation (SSF) also taught me a lot about community and diversity while creating a home when mine was seven hours away in Miami, FL. I’m forever grateful for these opportunities and organizations!
What is your most memorable moment at FSU? It’s a small memory, but it really made me laugh. I was trying to get the jar open for my coconut oil in my home at SSF (where 16 other young women reside), and I think it took about 4 people to pass by before Patricia used her Haitian trick to get it open. She made it look so easy, but we were all struggling to get it open. Moral of the story, diversity it important (My Mom is from Peru and my Dad from Venezuela but I grew up in Miami).
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? Treat others the way you want to be treated.
What Jeopardy category could you clear, no problem? R&B lyrics from early 2000s
What are you binge watching right now? Last Chance U
Where do you go for inspiration? The need for change inspires me the most. When I reflect on the injustices for people of color and lack of resources for the low-income community, I become determined. When I’m in a rut, I refocus and re-strategize the way I’m doing things. I ultimately want to give back to community, and in order to do that I have to be in a position where I can give valuable support – whether it be in finances, providing a structure/framework, or helping existing non-profits. I think this reflection and this pensive state helps me grow, which is ultimately change. I think time changes often have a negative connotation, but growth is change #FoodForThought. I don’t have a tunnel vision for the way things should be because I ask questions and become more creative with finding solutions. In essence, the room for improvement within the minority and low-income community inspires me and keeps me going.