Show-Me State Times

ST. LOUIS – A Saint Louis University student recently spoke about the significance of student leadership at the Ignatian Family Teach-In for Justice, emphasizing empathy and imperfection in true leadership.

SLU's Student Government Association President, Arulanandam, delivered a speech titled “For Such a Time as This: Student Leadership in Polarizing Times.” The event was organized by the Ignatian Solidarity Network, which collaborates with numerous Catholic institutions to promote social justice education aligned with Catholic Social Teaching.

Arulanandam stated, “This is my third year attending,” adding that she had attended previously as both a student representative and group leader before being paired with someone from the organization for her speaking opportunity this year.

The SLU Campus Ministry brought 36 participants to the conference, including six student leaders and 23 students. During her speech on bipartisanship, Arulanandam highlighted Jesus Christ as an inspirational leader who engaged with diverse perspectives for collective good. She said, “As leaders, I believe we are called to do the same.”

The 2024 Teach-In focused on Hope in Precarious Times. Arulanandam collaborated with a Loyola University Chicago professor to finalize her talk at the conference. Reflecting on this process, she noted, “It felt very academic, almost like I was in class writing a paper.”

Arulanandam described how her involvement with the Teach-In has helped her develop her voice and foster friendships. Participants undergo weeks of preparation before each fall conference, including mock advocacy exercises. “This isn’t theory; we actually are doing the work,” she emphasized.

She also mentioned how collaboration strengthens bonds within the Teach-In cohort and across Jesuit institutions. Her initial interest was sparked by another SLU student's experiences shared during her sophomore year.

Expressing gratitude towards SLU’s Mission, Arulanandam recounted how financial aid initially drew her to SLU but stayed due to its supportive community. Now serving as SGA president and working in admissions while majoring in public health, she plans to pursue law school after graduation.

Campus Ministry is currently accepting applications for next year's Teach-In student leaders. Participant applications will open in spring. Recommending this experience for those interested in public policy, Arulanandam remarked on its unique opportunities and recent academic credit recognition under SLU’s new Core curriculum.