This week, I spoke with Darius Bridges, the new AUSA sponsor and assistant dean, about Andrew’s Office of Student Involvement, Leadership & Activities (SILA). He discussed SILA’s main vision, up-and-coming events, and his past and present connection to Andrews University.
Last year, AUSA was leading and guiding the other clubs and organizations. What was the vision behind adding SILA this year and what is your main goal?
So technically the group that is in charge of the clubs and organizations is student involvement, leadership, and activities (SILA),while the department used to be called Student Activities. The department's name now covers both leadership and involvement. This year the SILA department would like to continue to create spaces for the students to feel appreciated.
As an alumnus of Andrews, what made you want to continue your connection to Andrews University?
In 2021, I graduated with my Marketing degree from Andrews University. Originally, I was planning on heading back to the DMV (DC, Maryland, & Virginia) to work and to live but…God. While I have enjoyed my time at Andrews University, my passion for the school and the students may have been what kept me but it isn't what brought me. Only two months after I left God called me back to the school to work and now it's my third year here as a staff member.
How is it different working for Andrews as a dean versus attending as a student? What are some pros and cons of both?
It's definitely an interesting experience seeing behind the veil within the administration. As a student there were a lot of unanswered questions I had that have now been answered being on the other side of it all. I can only speak on my experience as a student and my main cons at the time was wanting to do more to make people feel represented and appreciated and only having so much ability to achieve said things. On the bright side, you have fewer responsibilities as students so there are positives and negatives.
Being the new Dean of SILA has had so many pros, such as being able to be the change that I wanted to see. I’ve really enjoyed attempting to connect and serve students. I wish I had more time to do more but with the multiple different layers of my position, the work can grow from a little to a lot quickly and sporadically.
SILA has already hosted a roller coaster outing and other events for AU students. What other plans do you have for the rest of the year?
We have hosted a Cedar Point trip, Spirit Week, Almost Anything Goes, and a bunch more. I've always been a person who likes the element of surprise so I won't say too much but our plan this year is to do a lot more events that appeal to students who wouldn't usually come to events while still upholding and elevating AU traditions.
Is there a specific event coming up that you are excited about this year? Why this event?
One event that I'm always excited about is AUnited Weekend. I'm very big on diversity and learning about different cultures so it is definitely something I am passionate about and excited about. Look out for AUnited weekend March 1st, 2nd, and 3rd.
What advice would you give to those wanting to pursue a leadership role similar to yours?
I have seen a lot of people who like to get into leadership, whether it be on campus or in the world, for the perks, resume, or notoriety. Doing leadership roles and positions have the possibility to be so much more than that. Honestly, leadership can be hard and it can be a lot of work. As someone who has had multiple leadership roles on and off campus and now has the word leadership within my job title I would say to pursue leadership roles and positions that mean something to you. When you put your purpose into practice you will also be successful.
The Student Movement is the official student newspaper of Andrews University. Opinions expressed in the Student Movement are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors, Andrews University or the Seventh-day Adventist church.