By Ken Marrott – Former Student Representative (SR), Far Western Region

At this year’s convention in St. Louis, I was asked several questions about my experiences as a Student Representative. Of course in the hustle of the convention, it was easy to say that my experiences as SR for the Far Western Region were simply amazing. But then I arrived home, and I realized that those experiences were more than just amazing—they will forever be a part of life. Let me explain why:

Several years ago, I attended a presentation by a young man, about my age, who had suffered a tragic accident that left him as a quadriplegic. He spoke passionately about the concept of time and its impacts on each of us. See, he truly feels that his accident was caused by not taking the time to do a task with intent and regard. If he hadn’t been on “auto pilot” he explained, he would not now be living his life in a wheelchair. However, he now realizes that it’s his place to share with others what he’s discovered about time. His message—one I take to heart—is that the only thing we have to give one another is time. It is our most valuable commodity we have in our culture. The question then, I suppose, is what does one do with his or her time? To whom should it be given? How often do we run around on “auto pilot”?

I chose to give my time to Sigma Tau Delta. It was one of the single most important decisions I have ever made. Yes, as an SR several benefits become available to the individual: resume items, experience, etc. And, yes, as an SR you do a lot of work. But, the most important factor is the feeling you get when you realize that you have given your greatest commodity to an organization that promotes literacy through its initiatives and its dedication to Sincerity, Truth, and Design.

I could give a list of duties, but I’m not sure that answers the questions members really have about being an SR or ASR. The jobs will forever evolve; each year and convention presents new adventures and tasks that need to be completed. Being an SR is just one more way to give back to a wonderful honor society. If it’s in your heart to give of your time to Sigma Tau Delta to experience that feeling of contributing to something bigger than oneself, then I encourage you to consider running for SR or ASR for your region at next year’s convention in Pittsburgh.