Meet Your CGS Student Government

This spring, the College of General Studies Class of 2025 elected new officers to represent them in the CGS Student Government Association for the upcoming year. We caught up with your representatives to talk about their CGS experiences and their plans for sophomore year.

Matthew Eadie, President

Why did you apply for your specific position?

I applied to run for CGS SGA President because I thought that it was the best way for me to use my experience in student government from the past and apply it to CGS and BU. I believe that there is much that can be done to expand the scope of student government, especially within each individual college and I believe that with the team we have this year that can definitely be accomplished. 

What are you hoping to accomplish during your time in CGSSA? 

Like I previously said, CGS SGA’s goals this year are centered around the student body of CGS. Our main goal is to LISTEN to the student body, because they are the ones who elected us, and to govern accordingly. Helping the CGS student body in any way possible, whether it’s through the difficulties of midterms and finals weeks, move in, move out, summer sessions 1 and 2, or any other times throughout the year, is a top priority to us as well. We must help relieve the stresses that are present for many college students and do so by listening to and advocating for the student body of CGS.

What’s the most valuable thing you have learned during your time in CGS so far? 

Exploration. BU and CGS provide us with incredible opportunities, with the ability to study throughout the summer in London or Boston and explore these cities with immense freedom that other BU students simply aren’t given. I took these opportunities to explore Boston throughout the first semester and London, Paris, and various other parts of Europe in the summer. Simply being able to have the independence to travel like this is something that is truly unforgettable and the memories and friends I have made so far at BU are things I will last forever.

Jontae Sanchez, Vice President

Why did you apply for your specific position?

As a first generation college student, college can sometimes seem daunting and difficult to adjust to and navigate. Through applying for student government and my specific position, I found that I felt more in touch with those around me and my greater CGS community. I would like to help others who may come across similar situations to find their place within Boston University in order to make the most of the college experience. 

What are you hoping to accomplish during your time in CGSSA? 

As vice president, I wish to advocate as a voice for those in my community and allow myself to act as an accessible leader to any who express concerns or suggestions. In addition, I would like to implement new events that CGS hasn’t done yet and encourage more students to get involved in activities that branch out of the university and the classroom in order to serve the greater community. 

What’s the most valuable thing you have learned during your time in CGS so far? 

One of the most valuable things I have learned in CGS so far is adaptability. With jumping into the spring semester and studying abroad in London, being able to adapt to new surroundings, classes and teams, and new people is part of the experience and what makes it so great.

Emily Kim, Secretary

Why did you apply for your specific position?

I applied for the Secretary position because I’ve always wanted to be involved in event planning and thought that it would be a fun way to get myself more involved in the CGS community. I remember feeling really nervous about coming to BU during the spring semester, so I applied for a spot on the E-board knowing I could help incoming freshmen feel more comfortable.

What are you hoping to accomplish during your time in CGSSA? 

During my time in CGSSGA, I hope to work with my fellow E-board members and come up with fun events and activities that bring the CGS community closer together. I think it’s super important to establish close friendships when coming to college, especially for CGS students coming in later, so I hope to help people in that process.

What’s the most valuable thing you have learned during your time in CGS so far? 

The most valuable thing I’ve learned from CGS so far is the importance of a liberal arts education. During high school, I never really considered history and english to be my strongest subjects, but taking liberal arts courses in CGS has made me grow an appreciation for interdisciplinary studies. The education that the CGS curriculum provides has helped me develop strong skills that I can use in my classes for my major.

Camille Herzog, Treasurer

Why did you apply for your specific position?

I decided to run for treasurer because it combines my two academic interests: math and politics. I have wanted to get involved in student government for years but had limited ability. I thought CGS was a great place to start making a positive impact on my community and the clear necessity of mathematics led me to choose treasurer over the other positions. 

What are you hoping to accomplish during your time in CGSSA? 

I hope to make a more happy and integrated community. Some ways that I want to execute this goal are making the CGS student body more informed of mental health resources, hosting enticing events with both CGS and non-CGS students, and creating a less wasteful campus. Finally, I want to listen to the needs of the students so our e-board can address legitimate student concerns.

What’s the most valuable thing you have learned during your time in CGS so far? 

I think the most valuable thing I’ve learned from CGS is that the people you surround yourself with make a difference. College is big and scary but immersing yourself with friends who share your passions and desires and with whom you can share deeper connections can make such an overwhelming school more enjoyable and navigable.

Victoria Sonn, Senator

Why did you apply for your specific position?

I applied to this position as Senator because it’s gives me the perfect opportunity to connect with the CGS students while also working and attending meetings with the rest of the BU Senators from all the other colleges.

What are you hoping to accomplish during your time in CGSSA? 

My goal, both personally and as a Senator, would be to ensure that every student voice is heard. As a member of CGSSGA the physical and mental health of all students will be my utmost priority. And I will do my best to make sure that CGS students can get the most out of their experience here on campus.

What’s the most valuable thing you have learned during your time in CGS so far? 

To never be afraid to speak up and participate in class because it makes for stronger connections with your classmates and professors and to try to go to office hours whenever needed!

Tommie Lee, Senator

Why did you apply for your specific position?

I love complaining. That’s only half a joke, but when you’re as dedicated to the complainer lifestyle as I am you notice all the little ways in which our lives as CGS students are made a little bit more difficult. For example the unreliable bus systems, the lack of printers in each dorm building, or the fact the gym had no squat racks or benches. I understand how inconveniencing these things can be, and college life is already hard as is, so I wanted to make things a little bit easier for everyone.

What are you hoping to accomplish during your time in CGSSA? 

I have six years of student government experience already under my belt, and during that time I helped my PWI High School create a five-year equity and inclusion plan that involved eradicating standardized test scores as part of the application process and penalizing for late work. I’m going to be utilizing that experience to bridge the gap in CGS and non-CGS resources, such as providing more accessible printers and better gym equipment on Fenway campus, just to name a few things.

What’s the most valuable thing you have learned during your time in CGS so far? 

1. People in London really do eat beans on toast. 2. You have only seen a fraction of the world and the experiences it has to offer, keep an open mind to classes you think you may not enjoy and people you didn’t think you could grow to love. 

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