Being the voice of an entire student body is a seemingly tough undertaking for a full-time student. But for 18-year-old Jack Scharf, it's all in a day's work.
Jack Scharf, President of Germanna's Student Government Association, is a known presence around Germanna's campus. Making an impact everywhere he goes, faculty and students, alike, appreciate and admire Jack.
And though he's a natural at his role, Jack never quite saw himself leading a college organization. He made the decision to join SGA on a whim, after receiving an email encouraging students to run for executive positions. He took the opportunity head on and ran for the presidential role.
Jack struggled with navigating Germanna's online student information systems and programs in his first year at the College. He wanted to play an active role in helping create a more user-friendly platform for all students. And to him, joining SGA was the perfect way to do that.
Germanna's SGA is one of the College's 30+ clubs and organizations, allowing students to take an active role in the happenings at Germanna and develop their leadership skills.
"We represent the student voice," says Jack.
Like many students Jack's age, he didn't have the traditional educational experience. COVID-19 struck in the middle of his high school career, derailing his educational journey. Not quite sure of his next steps after high school, he graduated early and began working full-time at a local landscaping company and volunteering at the Falmouth Fire Department.
Jack put all his efforts towards his job and volunteer work. But after working for a year, he was ready to go back to the classroom.
Today, Jack is in his second year at Germanna, working towards his degree in mechanical engineering. And when he's not completing class assignments or planning student events, he's dedicating 72 hours a week to his now full-time job at the Falmouth Fire Department.
Balancing a job on top of school and a leadership position has been a learning curve for Jack. "It takes a lot of time management skills," he says. But since he was a student athlete in high school, he's used to the busy schedule.
Though free moments are few and far between for Jack, he sees value in student involvement. He advises students to fill up their calendars with campus events to get involved when they can.
A mover and shaker on Germanna's campus, Jack's influence will leave a lasting impression far after he graduates in Spring 2024.