Jesse James does not relish the attention that comes with being student body president. While talking with him one realizes, however, his enthusiasm for the responsibility of the position and the prospect of making a lasting impact on campus. He is glad that people do not treat him differently despite the few changes he has made since his election. He notes other leadership positions he has given up, along with the increasing number of meetings he is expected to attend.
He gladly accepts sacrifices are gladly accepted for the prospect of truly serving the students who elected him.
“By the end of the semester the ultimate goal is to say ‘Yeah, I’ve made a difference,’” James said. To that end, he is working with President White to plan a student government that functions as a voice for the students. “I would like to make it a ‘go-to’ position between the administration and students.”
He went on to clarify that the student president must research and thoroughly converse with students regarding an issue in order to go to the administration with any authority. “The biggest surprise has been people [from the administration] coming to me in the office as representing the voice of the students; that is what they should [be doing], but they expect me to have this all-mighty answer of what the student body thinks.” It is not a new concept for elected officials to represent the sentiments of their constituency, but rarely is there such enthusiasm on the part of an official for its implementation.
James hopes to one day bring such enthusiasm to the political arena outside of Wabash. He can imagine himself as a judge and does not see a national government position as out of the realm of possibility. For those with aspirations for the student body presidency, James stresses the importance of talking with students. Communication is paramount to him for progress, much as it is for President White who he describes as “a friend.” One gets the sense when speaking to James that he has a true sense for what makes Wabash special, a feeling that comes from a person who has made the effort to really get to know people. His interactions are not confined to a small circle of confidants. Rather, he makes it a point to keep his fingers on the pulse of the college.