Students misinformed about 'secret societies'

The Undergraduate Student Government elections are finally over, but so many misconceptions erupted during the past two weeks, I can't shake the bitter taste in my mouth.

I used to chuckle when people said "secret societies" were plotting to overtake this campus. It was amusing to imagine having that kind of power -- if only it were true. With so many misinformed rumors out there, it's difficult to break the stereotypes and it's become a little less funny.

I strongly believe in accuracy and truth in journalism, therefore I won't try to hide what Senior Societies have meant to me or how they've served this campus, from my perspective.

A year ago I was honored and recognized by my peers for service and leadership to this University. Since the day I stepped foot on this campus I've been involved -- whether it was as an editor at the Daily Collegian or as USG chief of staff, I have always had a passion for the welfare of this university.

Some say that makes me an "insider" and one of those "student leaders" who doesn't reach out to anybody but the elite on this campus. Apparently I have tea and crumpets with the University president every afternoon and spend my time hob-knobbing with the Penn State hierarchy -- honestly that doesn't sound like fun to me.

While the societies all have rituals they hold sacred (just like any fraternity or sorority), we don't set agendas or come to a consensus on anything that goes on here.

The truth is, our membership is so diverse with so many varying viewpoints, we'd never be able to agree on anything -- but if we did, I will say there'd be very little that could stop us.

What we all share is a love of Penn State and a desire to serve the University.

We don't run "secret society" tickets for USG president and vice president. While many people within a society may support a candidate, each year society members work on several different campaigns while the majority of members don't get involved at all.

Societies have provided me with a support network of friends who understand the issues I face and who can challenge my viewpoints. They've never tried to influence my decisions within USG or what I write as a columnist, but they are resources of information and represent some of the brightest individuals it's been my pleasure to get to know.

Nobody can honestly say USG didn't reach out to the students this year and nobody can say USG didn't accomplish anything this year. Late-night HUB programming, 24-hour HUB, general education reform, mailed grades, student organization outreach, Multicultural Forum, lobbying in Harrisburg, Safety Week and representing students' concerns in the State College Borough are just the tip of the iceberg.

All of this wasn't accomplished by sitting in an office on the second-floor of the HUB enjoying a big stipend check. Students' concerns weren't dropped in favor of running off to "secret meetings" in the middle of the night.

It was done by people who aren't the "status quo," but are the people who have the ability and desire to work toward a better place for students to go to school.

I never asked to be in a society -- it was never one of those goals I set out to achieve.

It's been an honor to be recognized by fellow students and a privilege to serve this university as a member of the Daily Collegian staff and USG executive branch.