From Fraternity Life to Student Body President
Samuel Gil’s journey through college has been marked by notable leadership roles, significant achievements and a strong commitment to positively impacting his campus. One of the critical components of his leadership development was his involvement in fraternity life, particularly with Kappa Sigma Theta-Rho.
Fraternity Life: A Foundation for Leadership
When asked about how his fraternity involvement played a role in his leadership development, Sam reflected on the invaluable experiences it provided. “My fraternity allowed me to take on increased responsibilities. With the various positions I held within my fraternity, I was able to learn management skills that were invaluable for my leadership of my campus. I managed multiple teams of individuals, which allowed me to learn how to work with others and inspire them to reach common goals. When I stepped into office as Student Body President, I was able to effectively manage my team of leaders and create progress for my students quickly.”
Preparation for Student Body President
The skills and experiences gained from his fraternity were instrumental in preparing Sam for his race for student body president. “My involvement in Fraternity and Sorority Life absolutely prepared me to be student body president. Greek life is a fantastic voter base that tends to be the most involved on campus. If you have Greek life on your side come voting, your election is much more smooth and less stressful. The social side of Greek life is incredible because it exposes individuals to various backgrounds and opinions, which, as a leader, is critical to your development. My fraternity allowed me to shed the shackles of an ultimately rigid life and completely changed me. I became more willing to do things out of my comfort zone and do those things that required harder work and more responsibility. Interaction with others prior to your election and during your term is KEY!”
A Vision for Change
Sam’s “One Dream. One University” campaign platform resonated with many students. His commitment to fostering a unified campus environment where every student could thrive was evident in his various roles and initiatives. As the IFC President, Chair of the Campus Development Committee, and Chair of the Technological Advancements for Student Committee, he continuously worked towards enhancing the student experience.
Quotes to Inspire
Sam shared some valuable advice for aspiring leaders: “Be comfortable being uncomfortable; the struggle only lasts for a little while. Get out there and be willing to change and make change.”
Achievements and Future Aspirations
Sam’s leadership and dedication have not gone unnoticed. He served as a student member on the Louisiana Board of Regents for 2023-2024 and was a National Officer as a Representative on the Undergraduate Advisory Committee (Area 4) for the Kappa Sigma Fraternity. He was also a Rhodes Scholar Finalist for 2023-2024 and a Louisiana Governor’s Fellow in 2022.
Sam is pursuing a Master of Public Affairs at the LBJ School and aspires to further his education with a PhD in Public Policy, higher education, or a Juris Doctorate.
Sam Gil’s journey from fraternity life to student body president showcases campus involvement and leadership roles’ profound impact on personal and professional development. His story is a testament to the importance of stepping out of one’s comfort zone and embracing opportunities for growth and change.
