Student Body President Ryan Berger will graduate this semester leaving behind First Night and a remodeled 7th Street Underground.

He sat with The Daily Eastern New’s News Editor Sarah Whitney to discuss his memories on Student Government, why voting in Student Government elections is important and all the little things he’s going to miss about Eastern.

Question 1: What is your favorite memory on Student Government?

Answer 1: First Knight was one of my favorite memories because it was a new idea, and with new ideas there’s always uncertainty of how the student body will react and if it will work. It was exciting to see the students out, and it was also exciting because I know that it will continue.

Question 2: How is 7th Street Underground going?

Answer 2: It’s going phenomenal. I am very excited. 7th Street Underground will be the coolest place on campus, at least until we get to see how awesome the new fine arts center will be. The administration has been very helpful. They deserve as much recognition as me.

Like I said at the (Student Senate) meeting, I have a new respect for anyone who does interior design. Because it’s hard. (The design) is going very good, the hardest thing was coming up with (the color pattern) because the walls are painted gray and the ceiling is gray; color was very important. We didn’t want it to be dark and gloomy, but at the same time we had to balance that need with something that will last and remain cool.

Question 3: What do you hope for next year’s Student Senate?

Answer 3: I want Student Government next year to do their research on legislation, do their research on the ideas that the administration has. I feel that sometimes senators don’t realize how important their vote is and not voting is better than an under researched vote.

Question 4: What are you doing after graduation?

Answer 4: I have no idea. The only thing I know that’s happening to me is that I’m getting married July 29 to EIU’s “first lady” Jen Hornston

Question 5: What were some challenges of balancing personal life with being president?

Answer 5: I would say that running for my office challenged my personal life more than the office. It’s nonstop 24 hours, dedication especially someone like me.

Question 6: How would you describe yourself?

Answer 6: I would like to think of myself as a hard worker. I have always (believed in the Biblical) concept that your word is your bond, so the things I say, I’m going to do them. And that’s always something that I try to live by, even though sometimes I don’t.

Question 7: What you’re favorite groups and why?

Answer 7: Something that I’ve noticed about myself that’s frustrating . is that I like popular music, anything that’s like Gwen Stefani. I went to her concert and then I was done with that and moved on. So, now it’s definitely LL. Cool J and J. Lo and their new song. Like I said, next month I probably won’t even know the song that I liked this month.

Question 8: What’s one thing you’ve learned about yourself while working on Student Government?

Answer 8: That I love public service. I knew that I was always interested in it, but I’d never really had a position or doing anything like that before. It’s just really rewarding to do something for the community.

A politician is really someone who gets paid to do community service work.

Question 9: Why should students vote in the election?

Answer 9: Students need to vote because it’s the only way that students can check what Student Government is doing. A lot of times something will come up, like the rock wall. Oh, it passed all the way through Student Government and (now) students are mad.

If you don’t vote in the student election, you’re basically saying that it’s an investment of $21,000 that (you’re okay with). You’re content with people reaching office and doing nothing with it. . It’s the only way students can hold the student officers accountable.

Question 10: Are you excited about only having a week left?

Answer 10: I’m nervous and excited to graduate. I love Eastern too much to really want to leave.

Question 11: What will you miss the most about Eastern?

Answer 11: I think I’m really going to miss little things like going to late night pizza and meeting friends there. I slept in a cardboard box in the quad one year for habitat for humanity. Brushing your teeth (in the dorm’s community bathroom with friends), riding the panther outside of Marty’s, going to the “mall” otherwise known as Wal-Mart at 2 a.m. because you’re bored and you don’t know what else to do, going to whatever that haunted house is.

And you can’t forget Old Main. There’s a castle on campus! If you don’t miss the castle something is wrong.

Student body president Ryan Berger checks on the renovation of 7th Street Underground Monday afternoon. Berger used the renovation of 7th Street for his platform, and is in the process of fulfilling that promise.Eric Hiltner/The Daily Eastern News

(more…)