COD student trustee enjoys role on board

Lydia Whitten is savoring her experience as a student representative on the College of DuPage Board of Trustees.

As the elected Student Trustee for the 2011-2012 school year, Whitten represents the student perspective and approaches her role on the Board with an optimistic attitude.

“At the beginning I was a little nervous, but I'm slowly gaining my ground,” she said. “I wanted to know what it would be like to serve in this kind of leadership position, and more than anything I'm looking forward to the overall experience.”

The Woodridge resident was elected by her peers this past spring and will serve through next April. She follows in the footsteps of her older sister, Hope, who also served as Student Trustee.

“My sister had a great time with it, and people have said we are so alike, so that may be one reason I'm enjoying it,” she said.

Whitten's four older siblings – including Hope – attended College of DuPage, so she was familiar with the school before enrolling. Whitten initially wanted to complete her studies at COD in less than two years and then transfer, but she realized there was no reason to rush.

Now, while pursuing an Associate in Arts degree, Whitten is taking a variety of classes and becoming involved in a range of activities to see what she likes.

“One thing I really enjoy is interacting with people,” she said. “My goal as trustee is to improve the communication between the administration and student body as well as to voice the opinions of the students.

“I'm proof enough that COD is what you make of it, and I want to make the best of it. So far, being elected student trustee has been a great experience.”