NSU CDM Impressions Fall/Winter 2019

NOVA SOUTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY | 17 The CDM’s Student Government Associ- ation (SGA) is composed of 20 students. Each class is represented by a slate of offi- cers who report to a college-wide execu- tive board. Elections are held each March for every position and are open to eligible students in good academic standing who place in the top 50 percent of their class. In addition to expressing students’ concerns to the administration and faculty members, the SGA oversees all of the CDM clubs and bylaws compliance, handles school-wide matters, and shares news about CDM activities at the monthly PanSGA board meetings. Members of this year’s executive board each said they chose NSU’s CDM for its supportive “fam- ily” atmosphere, devoted faculty, quality patient care, and community service. “As soon as I stepped onto campus, I was greeted with so many smiles and kind words from other students saying, ‘Good luck with your interview’ or ‘You’re going to rock it, don’t be nervous,’ ” said Patricia Reach, the SGA’s first female executive president. “The welcoming vibe I received on campus that first day four years ago has not changed. We truly are one big Shark family here, which has led to every- one having the chance to succeed to their fullest potential.” BY CAROL BRZOZOWSKI SGA OFFICERS REFLECT ON THEIR LEGACIES, FUTURE OF DENTISTRY WHY DID YOU WANT AN SGA ROLE? PATRICIA REACH : I have always enjoyed holding leadership roles—being able to be the voice for a class and create real change. Being strong-willed and organ- ized allowed me to have the time to balance student government and the rigorous course load. Being a part of the SGA helps us make changes during our time here. NICOLE ETCHEVERRY : Because of my devotion to strengthening communication between the faculty members and students. Since my first year, I was eager to serve as a liaison and represent the CDM in the NSU community. My passion to make changes at the university motivated me to become an advocate for students. Since becoming president-elect, I’ve had the opportunity to work with diverse groups of students, faculty members, and other community members. MELISSA BATRES : I wanted to make sure the student body had a voice and didn’t feel invisible. I wanted to be an advocate for student needs and concerns, while helping to find solutions to address those concerns. KAREN NACHUM : I wanted to help our school by facilitating necessary changes that will improve the learning environment for both the students and the faculty members. (continued on page 18) “ Being a part of the SGA helps us make changes during our time here.” —PATRICIA REACH SGA Executive President Patricia Reach, Class of 2020 Hometown: Panama City Beach, Florida SGA President-Elect Nicole Etcheverry, Class of 2021 Hometown: Boca Raton, Florida SGA Executive Secretary Melissa Batres, Class of 2020 Hometown: New York, New York SGA Executive Treasurer Karen Nachum, Class of 2020 Hometown: Davie, Florida