UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — A new slate of leaders is representing the Penn State World Campus student body in the 2021–2022 school year.
The new members of the executive board of the World Campus Student Government Association, elected last spring, took some time to answer a few questions about themselves and what they hope to accomplish as SGA officers.
Mona Hill, president
From: Born in Stockton, California, and raised in Fairfield, California. Currently stationed in Germany with the United States Air Force.
Studying: Energy and sustainability policy
Why Penn State World Campus: I chose an online education due to my work life and travel schedule.
Future plans: I hope to apply for commission after my degree and attend graduate school. I hope to aid organizations in creating policy that promotes sustainability and conservation. My most significant focus is mitigating and adapting to climate change. My profession in the military is weather forecaster.
Many of you identified the mental health of students as the most pressing issue the WCSGA should address. What do you hope to accomplish?
The World Campus Student Government Association is laser-focused on the well-being of our student body, especially with the effects of the pandemic. We hope to advocate for more resources for our peers by increasing available persons, more software, and new guidance. In addition, we are working toward recommending a policy or statement into World Campus syllabi surrounding mental health.
Many of you said there is more opportunity for students to be involved with each other and the Penn State community at large. How do you think the WCSGA can address this?
The World Campus Student Government Association can address the need for community at World Campus by creating and modeling a framework that would allow for seamless and effective communication between Nittany Lions and the organizations they are involved in. The World Campus Student Government Association is working with Penn State administrators on finding ways to utilize our access to Microsoft products to create this interface.
What are you most looking forward to about serving on the executive board?
The executive board is filled with dynamic and bright individuals who care so much about their student body. I am honored to work with these individuals.
Ariel Hinojos, vice president
From: Wyoming
Studying: Law and society
Why Penn State World Campus: I am studying online because I have three children and it is more convenient to study at my own time.
Future plans: With my degree, I plan on attending law school, which I’ve wanted to do since the age of 7.
Many of you said there is more opportunity for students to be involved with each other and the Penn State community at large. How do you think the WCSGA can address this?
I believe it is important as an online student to be able to engage with other students. WCSGA is working to create more opportunities for students to be able to engage with one another virtually and on campus.
What are you most looking forward to about serving on the executive board?
We have a great group of people working together, and I am excited to see what we can accomplish together for Penn State World Campus.
Sabrina Smith, secretary
From: I was born and raised in Tampa, Florida, and have spent a bit of time living abroad, as well.
Studying: Digital journalism and media
Why Penn State World Campus: I am studying online because it gives me the flexibility to earn my degree and still fit it into my already busy schedule.
Future plans: When I graduate, I would like to pursue a career in photojournalism. I love photography, and I love the idea of capturing moments that can change someone’s perspective. I currently intern for Jane Castor, mayor of Tampa, as her on-site photographer. This experience has really put into perspective that I want to earn my BA so I can keep doing this type of work and growing in this field.
Many of you identified the mental health of students as the most pressing issue the WCSGA should address. What do you hope to accomplish?
I hope as a virtual campus, we can help students connect to one another in a more engaging and personal way — especially in the wake of COVID-19. The past year, many students have felt more alone than ever. I am hoping we can use this situation to further evolve our student engagement with one another and create meaningful forums and relationships to make sure that even as virtual students, we know that our Penn State family will always be there.
How will you seek student input in your position?
I will be seeking student input by reaching out to our World Campus body through our newsletter, website, and social media pages. I will also be reaching out to students to join our assembly and committees so they can have a more active role in WCSGA. It’s not just the executive board making decisions; it should be a collective effort of all the voices in our school that get heard. I really want to push for that and make that known come fall.
Denise Koehnke, speaker of the assembly
From: A small town about 15 minutes south of historic Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin
Studying: Digital journalism and media
Why Penn State World Campus: I am a widowed single mom with three kids between 11 and 17. Before my husband passed, I was a stay-at-home mom with no education or skills to speak of. I decided going back to school was a very smart option, online is what worked, and Penn State's amazing reputation is why I am here!
Future plans: Especially since the death of my husband, I feel very strongly that I will always work to live and never live to work. My job is how I will make a living, but I want to live, and I hope to instill that in my children. At this point in my journey, I think I will end up pursuing public relations, but I’m only a sophomore, so we will see if that changes!
What are you most looking forward to about serving on the executive board?
I most look forward to the opportunity to learn. This will be my second full year with Penn State World Campus, my first year on the WCSGA, and I am still discovering so much about the school, what is offered, and what is needed. I really believe that we can’t make a meaningful change until we know what is wanted and needed, and this information comes from the World Campus community. We need to hear from them and then we can plan and take action.
Kyle Harmon, treasurer
From: Gary, Indiana
Studying: Accounting and health policy administration
Why Penn State World Campus: I chose to study online for the convenience, flexibility, and schedule, so I can still work and handle daily life activities while trying to pursue a degree program.
Future plans: Currently I’m working in health care. After I get done, I plan to pursue graduate school in law. I want to stay in the health care field and maybe do policy work.
What concrete steps do you think the WCSGA can try to accomplish in the coming year?
- Mental health awareness — the big thing is getting the information out there, the tools that are readily available for students. Our students are not aware of a lot of things that are available to them.
- Making sure students are well and in the right mindset coming out of a very difficult year.
- Trying to plan more leadership events, networking, growth, and student development type of events.
Learn more about the World Campus Student Government Association on the website for Penn State World Campus students.