DIVERSITY & ENGAGEM EN T the expectations of the traditional community college experience— even opening doors for her to find new leadership opportunities. And now, after accepting the nomination, Caitlin is excited to be sworn in as the President of the CVCC Student Government Association for the 2023-2024 academic year. To Caitlin, the student body is not just another group of faces. Opinions matter—no matter how big or how small. “I know that in this day and age, opinions are overlooked especially when considering someone’s Photo provided by Caitlin Raper.
MEET THE SGA PRESIDENT All About Caitlin, your fantastic SGA Leader for 2023-2024! When Caitlin Raper heard that she had the chance to be nominated for Student Government, she almost declined. It’s not that she lacked any confidence—she knows how to rise to the challenge—but she also knew that the responsibilities of SGA were a huge undertaking. “I’m not 100% sure I’ll be elected,” she said, “but I’ll try.” Thankfully Mr. Ron Carson, Coordinator for the Office of Student Equity & Engagement, did not take no for an answer. He reminded Caitlin that, whatever the election results, this was an opportunity to shine as a Red Hawk leader. With goals to become an Orthopaedic surgeon, Caitlin is currently enrolled in CVCC’s School of Health Education. She maintains a strong courseload and holds a work-study position at the nursing program in the ValleySim Hospital, where she receives the opportunity to work alongside the nursing instructors and discover the ins-and-outs of nursing care, an experience she is quite thankful for. “A surgeon can’t really work without their nurse,” she explains, “and if I’m also learning the same skills as the nurses I might work with in the future, this will help me become a better surgeon.” In addition to this work-study position, Caitlin creates time to volunteer for Students Striving For Success (SS4S), which connects students to local service projects. That’s where she met good friend Emely Tiscareno and CVCC Student Ambassador, Nisha Wright-Cavanaugh. Both of these women, along with Mr. Carson, helped Caitlin find ways to soar above 42
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background or upbringing,” she says. “I’ve been in that same situation. You can feel like your voice is so small...but to know that I can be the person who makes a difference is a really great thing. Kind of nervewracking, but a great thing.” What is her favorite parts about being elected as SGA President? Her friend Emely was chosen to serve alongside her as VP. “I work very well with her,” Caitlin says. “I don’t ever think there is a time that I haven’t seen Emely working hard on something. I am very privileged to have her as my right-hand person.” Caitlin is ready to work with college leadership, connecting her peers to the academic and personal resources that will help them best navigate the college journey. One responsibility of the SGA President is to participate in meetings with the college leadership board. These are not always simple to attend. Sometimes, they require knowledge of state budgets or other educational topics; however, Caitlin is eager to use these meetings as an opportunity to bring all student voices to the table, which goes hand-in-hand with the college’s effort to help students achieve success. Through her participation, she has also become more aware of resources available to students who walk through CVCC’s doors. Some of her favorite resources include: Kintegra and counseling services (Located in S.O.A.R. Commons); the Hawk’s Nest food pantries (Located in S.O.A.R. Commons and the Student Center); and new avenues of online tutoring services in writing and other subjects. As Caitlin takes the leap at CVCC, this college continues to change her perspective of all that’s possible in higher education. “I feel like community colleges are very overlooked,” she says, “but community colleges are honestly where you get your core classes done—and you can join at any level of financial abilities. I want students to come back and not fear the unknown. I want them to take the leap of faith and know that they will be supported.”
