Speaker: Mark Hux
What inspired you to become part of SAAEF?
Mark Hux: So the first question, what inspired me to become a part of SAAEF? Well, my most inspirational moment came whenever I accompanied Kay Sharbono, the director of our state association LAPCAE to Baton Rouge. And when we arrived, to attend this event, all of the other associations or groups had students with them to advocate for their programs, and our little association had no students. And I realized at that time that that is not the message we want to send to our legislators. That's not the way we wanted to market ourselves. So, I decided that being a SAAEF fellow and trying to get new student ambassadors into our association was probably one of the best things I could do as far as being on the board. So that's what I set out to do.
What were your biggest accomplishments during your SAAEF fellowship?
Mark Hux: Question #2, what were my biggest accomplishments during your SAAEF fellowship? Well, I think the biggest accomplishment that came about during the whole thing is the fact that Louisiana, who did not have, we did not have a single Student Ambassador whenever we started this, let me back up a little bit. We had some before COVID, but when COVID came, it pretty much wiped out all of that, that had come before. So, I'm most proud of the fact that we now have 13 new Student Ambassadors in Louisiana, and they're an enthusiastic group and ready to go.
What would you like to say to someone in the field who is unsure if they have what it takes to be an advocate?
Mark Hux: Question number 3, what would I like to say to someone in the field who is unsure if they have what it takes to be an advocate? Well, I want you to know that you will not be doing this alone. I also want you to know that you will have so much support, you'll engage with so many people. All those doubts that you had before will go away as you start working. It's just like stage fright whenever you get up on the stage and you're petrified and just can't think of a word to say; once you get going, it's fine. And even my trip to Washington meeting legislators, I discovered that they're human beings also and it was a whole lot more comfortable than I expected. So don't be afraid. It's a learning experience for everybody, and everybody has their strengths and weaknesses, and we work together to get our goals accomplished. So, come on, join us.
