Cayuga Community College’s student government leaders are putting student connection, advocacy and campus involvement at the center of their work as the new academic year gets underway.
Student Government Organization President Lauren Woods and Vice President Marjorie Lester are both returning students who said their own experiences at Cayuga shaped their decision to take on leadership roles. Woods is a first-generation college student and mother of five, while Lester is a mother of two who returned to school after working at the E. John Gavras Center in Auburn.
Woods, a graduate of G. Ray Bodley High School in Fulton, is pursuing an associate degree in liberal arts and sciences with a concentration in psychology. She is also involved with the Wellness Club and Phi Theta Kappa.
Lester, a graduate of Port Byron High School, is pursuing an associate degree in human services with a concentration in educational support. She previously served as SGO secretary before becoming vice president.
Both students described Cayuga’s sense of community and support as central to their experience.
Woods said faculty, staff and students helped her recognize strengths in herself and encouraged her to step into leadership. She said that experience made her want to help other students, particularly those balancing school with work, family responsibilities or personal challenges.
“My experience at Cayuga showed me how much encouragement and connection can influence a student’s success,” Woods said.
Lester similarly pointed to the relationships students can build with faculty and staff, saying she has seen employees take the initiative to help students who were hesitant to ask questions.
She said those experiences align with her interest in advocacy and student support, which also led to her involvement with organizations including the Wellness Club and NAMI-related activities.
The Student Government Organization serves as the official voice of Cayuga’s student body, according to Lester. Its responsibilities include advocating for student needs, managing student resources and helping build a stronger campus community.
“If you have a question, a concern, or an idea, come to us,” Lester said.
Woods said SGO is also working to create more opportunities for students to participate in campus life.
One of those efforts is the new Atlas Challenge, named after Woods’ service dog. The initiative is scheduled to launch at an upcoming block party and will encourage students to attend events, volunteer and become more involved on campus while earning recognition for their participation.
Woods said the goal is to push students beyond simply attending classes and completing assignments.
“Don’t just attend, belong,” she said.
She said some of the most meaningful parts of college can come from stepping outside a normal routine and becoming more involved in the campus community.
Lester’s advice focused on another challenge many students face: knowing when to ask for help.
“College, whether you are a traditional or adult learner, is not easy,” she said.
She said asking for help is not simply about solving an immediate problem, but recognizing personal limits and understanding that students don’t have to handle every challenge alone.
Cayuga Community College operates campuses in Auburn and Fulton. The student government organization maintains an office in the campus cafe and is available to students with questions, concerns or ideas about campus life.
FingerLakes1.com is the region’s leading all-digital news publication. The company was founded in 1998 and has been keeping residents informed for more than two decades. Have a lead? Send it to news@fingerlakes1.com.