Even on paper, Lexxi Clinton will catch your eye. Lexxi is a junior from Austin, TX with a list of majors and minors that rivals the Octomom’s grocery shopping list – she is majoring in Political Science and Philosophy with minors in History, Law & Legal Reasoning, and Corporate Communication & Public Affairs. Lexxi currently works in the Office of Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson. On campus, Lexxi has held multiple leadership positions in Student Senate, Association of Black Students, and presidential advisory boards among other opportunities. I got a chance to find out who the real Lexxi Clinton is.
Describe yourself in three words.
Bold, genuine, strategic.
What’s your style?
Anything American Apparel.
What’s your theme song?
Crazy in Love by Beyoncé.”
Why SMU?
I came to SMU for the on-campus opportunities, but I call SMU home because of the people and experiences that I have had with people from different backgrounds.
Describe your journey. How’d you get here?
In Fall 2017, I began my SMU career. I hit the ground running when I arrived on campus by joining organizations left and right and being elected for First-Year Senator. I made friends and fully integrated myself into the SMU community. Then two days before my nineteenth birthday, I was hit by a drunk driver. The accident nearly took my life and forced me to medically withdraw from school. It left me with a broken jaw, two broken mandibles, a broken humerus, a broken wrist, a broken sacrum, a broken pelvis, a broken tibia, a broken fibula, and a broken ankle. I knew I wanted to return to the Hilltop because of the genuine people and administration for how well they treated my family in a difficult time.
What is your ‘why’? Why do you do want you to do?
I believe in leaving spaces better than you find them. For me, that’s being a part of decision-making groups that make effective change. Being a civil servant is a passion of mine and drives almost all of my involvement in different organizations on campus.
Word on the street is that you are running for Student Body President! What drove you to run?
It’s the principle of the thing. The diverse and nontraditional students deserve a candidate that cares about them and not just around election time. Regardless of the outcome, I will continue in my leadership positions and advocating for all student groups.
What’s your uniform (i.e. what you wear on the daily)?
American Apparel 90’s jeans and a pink crop top.
What’s your guilty pleasure?
What’s your greatest achievement?
My greatest achievement was being chosen as an Orientation Leader because it is a gift that keeps on giving. I get to watch my students join clubs and flourish here at SMU.
What’s your go-to accessory?
My mom’s vintage Gucci watch.
What’s your favorite fashion trend?
The French Tuck.
If you could walk the runway for one fashion designer, who would it be and why?
House of Chanel. Chanel is very sophisticated and glamorous, which is how I want to dress in my professional life.
Why do you think you’re the best fit to be SMU’s Student Body President?
I think all of the candidates are capable, but I am the most qualified. My other leadership and teamwork positions have prepared me to represent all SMU students. I have a plethora of experience in appreciating intersectional identities. A lot of groups are represented at SMU and all of these student communities need to be advocated for.
After her time at SMU, Lexxi plans on attending law school before practicing civil litigation and going into politics. Lexxi is a #girlboss who’s completely dedicated to change and leadership, right down to the extra “x” in her name.
