Addison Miller, a Papillion, Neb., native, was recruited to College of Sant Mary to swim for the Flames. After arriving on campus, the elementary and special education major sought opportunities to get involved.
“What more can I do here than just swim? How can I make an impact?” she asked.
That’s when she saw an opening for Student Senate, whose purpose is to create, promote and encourage a sense of cooperation between students, faculty and administration, becoming the CSM student voice on college-wide committees and task forces.
Addison was elected to the organization as a first-year student, serving on the Heart of the Walking Woman Committee and the President’s Innovation Grant Committee. This past spring, she was elected to serve as an executive for the 2024-25 academic year.
In high school, Addison was shy and often kept to herself.
“But becoming a member of student leadership here is exciting. I’ve absolutely loved every part of it,” she said. “I hope everybody’s voice is heard in their own way, and I get to be that person who speaks for them when not everybody has a chance to speak.”
In addition to Student Senate, Addison is a member of the Rainbow Alliance and the Knitting and Crocheting Club.
While she was recruited to swim at CSM, Addison also knew about the University’s reputation for educating sought-after teachers and the opportunities afforded to students. Many of CSM’s professors and adjunct professors are former or current elementary or secondary teachers.
“They are very knowledgeable and ready to teach us,” Addison said. “They have so much experience. They can teach us what they’ve learned in their own classrooms. They give us opportunities to go into other classrooms and learn from co-teachers. It’s been a great experience all around.”
Addison, who began swimming in middle school and reached the Nebraska State Meet as a junior and senior in high school, had one of her best seasons in her first year at CSM. While high school only has the 200 and 500, Addison, a distance swimmer, was able to add the mile, 1,000 meters and even distance butterfly to her repertoire.
As she prepares for her sophomore year, Addison hopes to gain more leadership experience, whether in the pool or through opportunities on campus.
“I want to be somebody who people can rely on and look to me for leadership,” she said.
