I am writing this letter today to address last week’s Wichitan article, SGA failed the student body-again. I, personally, enjoyed what the article said regarding my conduct. The words mentioned about me rang so true and that is why I am reaching out.
First and foremost, I do not regret anything I have posted on my personal Facebook in the past. I am a person with a strange sense of humor, and I also tend to stereotype a lot. I would take outrageous photos to rile up emotions and to push buttons. I like to have fun just like every other student on this campus, but what I did not realize was my role as a member of student government and a leader at MSU.
It was a stupid mistake to not remove such photos and comments from my page before the election began, but I honestly never imagined that supporters of my opponents would take my posts out of context in an attempt to taint my image. Those responsible have shown their true character and are in no position to pass judgement on me. I take pride in not sinking so low to hurt the reputation of others, and for that I am the better person.
Secondly, to all the students that were offended by my posts and photos released on Twitter, I truly and sincerely apologize to you. Though I may not regret my past posts, I am the type of person to apologize if I offend anyone or if I realize I am wrong. Had I won the election, I would not have taken office on the grounds of my questionable character. I will also gladly take the time to meet with any student that wants a further explanation or a personal apology.
Please, understand that only those posts and photos deemed embarrassing or offensive were posted. Why, you ask? Nothing more than to show me in a negative manner. I believe they were only partly successful. What they did not factor was people’s ability to change. I have changed.
When I was elected as senior class senator last April, I knew that change for myself and for MSU was a priority. I have worked tirelessly to build bonds with student leaders and students on my mission to change this university. In that attempt, I succeeded and am glad I did. So, to all those offended, please, judge me by the content of my character now instead of then and forgive me. My goal is to leave Midwestern State a better place before I graduate. I am still on that mission.
Thirdly, I will personally involve myself in drafting and passing new bylaws and Election Codes. What happened this year was a complete embarrassment. SGA is the voice of the student body and now that voice has been compromised. The whole matter must not be taken lightly. Opinions aside, my fellow Mustangs, SGA functions under our current bylaws and therefore, under our president.
I support Jesse Brown. Those are probably words you would never expect to hear from me, but I do. We can stay stuck in the past and use this election to hinder our goals or we can move on. I say let’s move on.
Student leaders accomplished so much this year and I want to see that continue. As students we can fuel that change, a change where we progress forward and not backwards. I want to see our success continue and I believe our incoming executives and student body will continue to have our voices be heard. Mustangs, moving forward, we must stand with a sense of unity and not dwell on the past. I have personally told Jesse Brown that I will gladly serve under his presidency in any capacity. I ask that you do the same because bettering Midwestern State will be a priority next year.
Marco Torres is a senior in psychology.