SG president values time serving students

		Thomas Meredith/Daily Texan Staff Outgoing Student Government President Daron Roberts takes a break in the Texas Senate Chamber Friday. While president, Roberts testified before Texas representatives on such issues as tuition deregulation and placing a student representative on the Board of Regents. After graduation, Roberts will work in South Africa for a year.

By Melissa Drosjack
Daily Texan Staff

Last summer, Student Government President Daron Roberts realized he was in a position to change lives when a single mother pulled him aside and told him that his speech about his UT experiences helped ease her fears for her incoming freshman daughter.

"That's when I realized that this position is a lot more than pushing for a fall break and trying to spend student fees in an efficient matter," Roberts said. "This is one of the greatest opportunities that I have received the potential to connect to people, one on one, who might have a negative perception about the University."

Roberts entered the University in fall 1997 as an indifferent freshman, 300 miles away from home. Four years and an SG presidency later, he will leave behind a legacy of fighting for student issues before the Texas Legislature.

"I entered as a very apathetic freshman, and I am leaving with a greater belief in what students can really accomplish at the University," said Roberts, a Plan II senior.

In June, Roberts will pack up his belongings with passport in hand and fly to Johannesburg, South Africa to spend a year participating in Parliament.

"I think it will be the same issues of faith moving anywhere, making new friends, assimilating into the culture," Roberts said. "But I look forward to immersing myself in a new environment. I've really enjoyed my time here at the 40 acres, and I know that this experience will expand my view of the world."