When Chris Potter arrived at the University of North Georgia (UNG), the freshman from a small private high school didn't know anyone. He searched for a group of like-minded individuals.
"I saw the Gender and Sexuality Alliance (GSA) on Instagram and went to their tabling event," Potter said. "I started attending meetings and was talked into joining the executive board."
The Snellville, Georgia, resident pursuing a degree in political science served as the GSA president on UNG's Dahlonega Campus for 2021-22 and is the Student Government Association director of diversity and inclusion for 2022-23. GSA, a student-led club, is geared toward the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer/questioning (LGBTQ+) community.
"It's an all-inclusive club," Potter said. "I've met some wonderful people and they helped me establish myself in college and build up my confidence."
His assurance spurred him to create the same safe and welcoming space for other students looking to belong.
"It's nice to have an environment to ask questions and get answers and not get ridiculed," the resident of Snellville, Georgia, said. "I sincerely hope I have created those safe spaces for all UNG students."
Creating those safe spaces during the 2020-21 academic year was no easy task. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, GSA met via Zoom with a few small in-person gatherings, Potter said. He rebuilt the organization's membership through tabling events and in-person activities.
Potter especially enjoys GSA's signature event held every spring. The annual Mx. UNG is a fashion show by students for students.
"People can express themselves and dress up however they want," he said. "Students get to show their creativity and make a statement."
Potter has learned to make his mark on GSA through his organizing, planning and scheduling skills. He takes pride in arranging the group's meetings and events since they bring students together.
"When we put on our events, it's nice to see everyone and experience the social atmosphere," he said.
Potter also encourages students to get involved, because they don't know where it might lead.
"Often, when I talk to others about joining the executive board, they say, 'I couldn't do that. I'm not cut out,'" he said, explaining he felt the same way as a freshman. "I tell them, 'If you apply and believe in yourself, then you could learn to lead as I did.'"
