Brent Schmedding, an SMU junior from Apex, North Carolina, is no ordinary candidate. This Public Policy and Economics major has taken a lighthearted approach to campaigning, even using memes to show his policy stances. During his time at SMU, Brent has served as the Student Center Chairman on the Hughes Trigg Renovation, where he got to share students’ perspectives with faculty, staff, and the architects drawing up the new designs. He has also served as President of Virginia-Snider Commons, welcoming new residents to “the herd,” and as an Orientation Leader for the class of 2022, where he served as the “Dancing Dollar.” Read on to learn more about Brent and his candidacy!
Describe yourself in three words.
Clever, caring, and charismatic.
What’s your favorite quote/mantra?
“If you’re going through hell, keep going.” – Winston Churchill.
It’s a good reminder to power through tougher times because there’s light at the end of the tunnel.
What’s your theme song?
The Man by The Killers
Why SMU?
Initially, I was pretty locked into going to George Washington in D.C., but my brother, who graduated in 2017, was a student at SMU, and really gave me the hard pitch. After some convincing, I agreed to take a tour and absolutely loved it. Once I enrolled, I got involved with my commons and Greek Life and it truly became home.
Describe your journey. How’d you get here?
After arriving at SMU, I immediately tried to get involved in as many different organizations as possible. I was in various club meetings almost every night of the week. Unfortunately, by the end of my sophomore year, I was burned out, and that along with a few other things led me to take a semester away from SMU. That semester away from SMU gave me a lot of time to process my experience at SMU and motivated me to try to help others get the most out of their time here.
What is your “why”? Why do you do what you to do?
Ultimately, I think most things in life should revolve around bringing yourself the most joy as possible and helping others achieve their happiness. As a result, I think the “why” to most things I do is just to be joyful.
Word on the street is that you are running for Student Body President! What drove you to run?
During my semester away from SMU, it became pretty evident to me just how much I loved and appreciated my time here, and I want to help the SMU Student Body achieve the same enthusiasm I have. I think the best position to do this would be as Student Body President.
What’s your uniform (i.e. what you wear on the daily)?
I’m a huge proponent of simplicity, so I’d say on most days wear just a solid colored shirt and khakis.
What’s your guilty pleasure?
2010s pop music unfortunately.
What’s your greatest achievement?
The achievement that means the most to me personally is that I was my high school’s last Student Body President. After our graduation, our 70+ year old campus was knocked down, and a new high school was put up. It was awesome to be a part of giving our old school the sendoff we felt it deserved.
What’s your favorite thing to do in your free time?
I like reading, podcasts, and listening to music. I’m always looking for recommendations for all three, so please hit me up.
What’s your dream job after graduation?
I want to go to law school, and then pursue a career in corporate law.
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
Easily, Antarctica. I spent my last summer working at a camp in northern Alaska, and everyone I met up there hyped up Antarctica as just this truly incredible place that everyone should experience at some point in their lives. I think it would a unique experience, and it’d be awesome to see something so untouched by civilization.
Why do you think you’re the best fit to be SMU’s Student Body President?
I think everyone running has a great platform and unique experiences that would help them do an excellent job as Student Body President, but ultimately, I think I have a more genuine love of the school than the other candidates. Being an Orientation Leader, President of a commons, involved in senate, and Greek life, has given me a diverse array of experiences that’s truly made me proud to be Mustang!
To learn more about Brent and SMU’s Student Senate, visit their website!
