{"id":61301,"date":"2021-10-01T10:01:55","date_gmt":"2021-10-01T15:01:55","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/tigermedianet.com\/?p=61301"},"modified":"2021-10-01T10:01:57","modified_gmt":"2021-10-01T15:01:57","slug":"what-it-takes-to-be-a-tiger-impacting-campus-through-advocating-for-change","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tigermedianet.com\/?p=61301","title":{"rendered":"What it takes to be a Tiger: Impacting campus through advocating for change"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>BY LAURYN BECKER<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Photos courtesy Kendra Clary<\/em><br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It is widely known just how big a role the Fort Hays State University Student Government Association plays in students\u2019 everyday lives. Through actively making changes on campus, SGA is constantly looking for ways to make Fort Hays a better place. One of those members making a change is sophomore Legistaltive Affairs Director Kendra Clary.&nbsp;<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignright is-resized\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"61302\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/tigermedianet.com\/?attachment_id=61302\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Screen-Shot-2021-10-01-at-9.16.29-AM-e1633100340687.png?fit=589%2C557&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"589,557\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Kendra Clary\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Screen-Shot-2021-10-01-at-9.16.29-AM-e1633100340687.png?fit=275%2C260&amp;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Screen-Shot-2021-10-01-at-9.16.29-AM-e1633100340687.png?fit=589%2C557&amp;ssl=1\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Screen-Shot-2021-10-01-at-9.16.29-AM-e1633100340687.png?resize=197%2C185\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-61302\" width=\"197\" height=\"185\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Screen-Shot-2021-10-01-at-9.16.29-AM-e1633100340687.png?w=589&amp;ssl=1 589w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Screen-Shot-2021-10-01-at-9.16.29-AM-e1633100340687.png?resize=150%2C142&amp;ssl=1 150w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Screen-Shot-2021-10-01-at-9.16.29-AM-e1633100340687.png?resize=275%2C260&amp;ssl=1 275w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 197px) 100vw, 197px\" \/><figcaption>Clary<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cThe best part of my job is becoming aware of issues that my peers on campus are struggling with and working with other passionate students to make changes towards these issues,\u201d Clary said. \u201cThe Student Government helped me realize that there are resources everywhere for students and by being active in campus activities and events we can increase access to these resources for all students.\u201d<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Throughout her time at Fort Hays, Clary has also been involved on the track team. Between bridging the gap between students and the university to sprinting down the track, it\u2019s safe to say Clary often has her hands full. But Clary makes it a point to continue to improve ways to balance her time.&nbsp;<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cThe best way to balance your time is to find passion in everything you do and to take care of yourself. I make sure I have an idea of any obligations I have around my class and work schedule for the week so I\u2019m prepared a day or two before,\u201d Clary said. \u201cThe real secret is making sure you prioritize eating and sleeping. To accomplish the goals of a Tiger, you must fuel the Tiger.\u201d<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Clary, a political science major, is also the President of the Young Democrats Club. Through this club, she is hoping to continue to advocate for positive changes on campus while still voicing the needs of students.&nbsp;<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cOur target goal is to find ways to encourage a connection between university students and the politics that surrounds them. It is important that each student is able to voice their needs,\u201d Clary said. \u201cThe Young&nbsp; Democrats is a large blend of communities, beliefs, and cultures. That means we represent a blend of morals, needs, and values that all deserve to be heard. We want to stray away from polarization in the political community and work with anyone so that we can advocate for everyone,\u201d<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"790\" height=\"488\" data-attachment-id=\"61303\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/tigermedianet.com\/?attachment_id=61303\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Screen-Shot-2021-10-01-at-9.16.44-AM.png?fit=1396%2C862&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"1396,862\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Kendra Clary FHSU Track and Field\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Screen-Shot-2021-10-01-at-9.16.44-AM.png?fit=370%2C228&amp;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Screen-Shot-2021-10-01-at-9.16.44-AM.png?fit=790%2C488&amp;ssl=1\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Screen-Shot-2021-10-01-at-9.16.44-AM.png?resize=790%2C488\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-61303\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Screen-Shot-2021-10-01-at-9.16.44-AM.png?resize=1024%2C632&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Screen-Shot-2021-10-01-at-9.16.44-AM.png?resize=150%2C93&amp;ssl=1 150w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Screen-Shot-2021-10-01-at-9.16.44-AM.png?resize=370%2C228&amp;ssl=1 370w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Screen-Shot-2021-10-01-at-9.16.44-AM.png?resize=768%2C474&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Screen-Shot-2021-10-01-at-9.16.44-AM.png?w=1396&amp;ssl=1 1396w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 790px) 100vw, 790px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Through her position as SGA LAD, Clary hopes to make Fort Hays as inclusive as possible and feel like a second home to Tigers.&nbsp;<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cMy overall goal for this year is to help every student feel like they have a safe and welcoming second home here at Fort Hays. The people I have met here are so amazing and I want each student to feel excited about trying new things and meeting new friends on campus,\u201d she said. \u201cCOVID was a long and hard year for students and staff but this year we have the opportunity to host better events, listen to every student&#8217;s voice, and create new memories.\u201d<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Political Science Assistant Professor, Dr. Jay Steinmetz has witnessed Clary in action as she continues to push for positive change on campus firsthand, and has watched Clary grow into the Tiger that she is today.&nbsp;<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cIn addition to being a far-reaching thinker and critically reflective in her intellectual inquiry, Kendra is an incredibly kind and caring human being. It is a distinct joy to have her in class,\u201d Steinmetz said.&nbsp;<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Also continuing to watch her grow as she pushes for change is Student Body President Mark Faber. Faber and Clary continuously work together with the rest of SGA to positively impact campus.&nbsp;<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cGrit is the word that describes Kendra Clary. Whether it\u2019s academics, athletics, or extracurriculars there are few that can match her level of commitment,\u201d Faber said. \u201cIn her position as LAD, it is her goal to decrease political polarization on campus. The most impressive quality that Kendra demonstrates is her ability to put her personal beliefs aside and advocate for bipartisan communication and collaboration.\u201d<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For Clary, being a Tiger means making Fort Hays home and taking part in the campus community.&nbsp;<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cTo me, being a Tiger means being part of the community. You\u2019ve got to make FHSU a home to yourself. The community at FHSU stretches beyond just the students. It is an amazing blend of values, cultures, and reasons for being here that we can all share together. Tigers are passionate about being involved and making changes for the growth of all Tigers,\u201d Clary said. \u201cWhether it\u2019s supporting athletes at games, participating in student clubs and organizations, or studying with a new classmate we are all in this together. Every Tiger should look out for each other, engage themselves with campus resources and activities, and enjoy being home.\u201d&nbsp;<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For more What it Takes To Be a Tiger, check out <a href=\"https:\/\/tigermedianet.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">https:\/\/tigermedianet.com<\/a>.\u00a0<br><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>BY LAURYN BECKER Photos courtesy Kendra Clary It is widely known just how big a role the Fort Hays State University Student Government Association plays&hellip; <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":142,"featured_media":61304,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[3398,11,7349,3389,4542],"tags":[655,5792,106,14304,14200,13988,156,290,14256],"class_list":["post-61301","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-campus-news","category-news","category-sports","category-student-government-news","category-track-sports","tag-fhsu-student-government-association","tag-fhsu-track-and-field","tag-fort-hays-state-university","tag-kendra-clary","tag-lauryn-becker","tag-mark-faber","tag-student-government-association","tag-tmn","tag-what-it-takes-to-be-a-tiger"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tigermedianet.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Screen-Shot-2021-10-01-at-9.16.53-AM.png?fit=1358%2C860&ssl=1","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[],"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/tigermedianet.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/61301","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/tigermedianet.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/tigermedianet.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tigermedianet.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/142"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tigermedianet.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=61301"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/tigermedianet.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/61301\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":61307,"href":"https:\/\/tigermedianet.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/61301\/revisions\/61307"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tigermedianet.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/61304"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/tigermedianet.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=61301"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tigermedianet.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=61301"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tigermedianet.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=61301"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}