They're young, educated and endlessly ambitious. They've won accolades both in and out of the classroom, and now they hold the top posts in their universities' student governments.
What's next for these 20-somethings? Business, policy, law -- maybe even careers in Tallahassee?
Sunshine State News presents the first in a weekly series profiling student government executives from around the state. "Meeting Tomorrow's Leaders Today" is an introduction to dynamic young leaders who, someday, in the not-so-distant future, could become your colleagues.
The series kicks off with three student government officers from the University of Florida. They have very different career goals but share one thing in common: Their names one day will make headlines.
Jordan Johnson
Job: Student body president
Age: 23
Area of study: Pursuing a master's degree in management; holds a bachelor's degree in economics
When Jordan Johnson applied to college, there was no question in his mind about where he wanted to end up.
"I've been a Gator since Day 1," he said. "It was a no-brainer to me that when the time came, I was applying to UF first."
Several years have passed since Johnson was accepted to the University of Florida, the same institution his parents attended, and he's made a big mark at the university since then. Johnson, who hails from Celebration, held leadership roles in the student senate, and he's now finishing up his time as both student body president and a UF student.
Before tackling his current job, Johnson was chairman of the student senate's budget committee and then president of the senate, and he's focused his Student Government career on giving his constituents the best return for their money. Each year, UF students pay millions of dollars in fees, and much of that money is funneled toward SG.
When he was senate president, Johnson spearheaded an effort to install compact florescent light bulbs in the student union, saving about $40,000 a year.
Despite his political victories at school, though, he isn't aiming for law school or a job in politics.
Johnson, who says he leans conservative on fiscal issues but is more moderate on social ones, calls himself "a business guy." In SG, he's used business principles to make himself and the people he works with more effective.
In the future, Johnson sees himself pursuing an MBA and eventually entering corporate finance. For now, though, he's savoring his last weeks as a Gator.
"I just am extremely thankful and honored," he said, "to have had the opportunity and the experiences I've had at UF."
Larnell Vickers
Job: Student body vice president
Age: 21
Area of study: Pursuing a master's degree in management; holds a bachelor's degree in political science
Larnell Vickers has big plans for himself: law school, public office, philanthropy. But before he tackles any of that, he's taking on an even bigger challenge.
He's going to teach high school English.
Vickers, the University of Florida's student body vice president, has been accepted into Teach for America, the highly competitive program that selects college graduates to work in some of the country's poorest schools. After completing his education at UF, Vickers will move to Atlanta to start a two-year teaching stint.
"I really just fell in love with TFA and the mission," Vickers said.
The 21-year-old is no stranger to leadership roles. At UF, he's served as a student government cabinet director, a job that allowed him to advocate for campus organizations. He has also been vice president of the university's Black Student Union.
Vickers, who identifies himself as politically moderate, has traveled to Tallahassee and Washington to lobby for student issues like differential tuition, which allows universities to raise their prices incrementally. He also speaks with university administrators on behalf of UF's roughly 50,000 students.
University life is important to Vickers. Born and raised in Miami, he chose to attend UF because he "wanted to go to the best institution in the state," and he's come to love UF's campus and atmosphere. In 2009, he received his undergraduate degree a year early and is now pursuing a master's degree in management.
There are only a few weeks left, though, before his time as a student and stint as SG's No. 2 official draw to a close, so Vickers is looking ahead. He hasn't decided what sort of public office he wants to pursue; in the meantime, he's focusing on his future as an English teacher.
"I'm definitely excited to do it," he said.
Maryam Laguna
Job: Student body treasurer
Age: 22
Areas of study: Pursuing a master's degree in public administration; holds a bachelor's degree in sociology
For Maryam Laguna, a challenging budget has made for a challenging year.
Laguna, the student body treasurer at the University of Florida, has spent her term trying to make the most of an especially lean budget. Although money is tight, she's charged with ensuring students are still offered necessary services and enjoy perks like shows and guest speakers.
"Students don't like things being taken away from them, regardless of the situation," she said.
To that end, she's proud to say that Student Government has still sponsored concerts this year by artists such as Common and John Legend. Recently, comedian and "Saturday Night Live" star Andy Samberg also spoke at UF.
Laguna, 22, is a well-known presence around her campus. She's been president of UF's Multicultural Greek Council and has held a post in the SG Cabinet.
Laguna is also experienced in managing money: She previously served as treasurer of UF's 2007 Hispanic Heritage Month, overseeing a $60,000 budget. As student body treasurer, she watches over $14 million in student fees.
Although she says her stint in SG has given her valuable tools for the future, Laguna, who identifies as politically moderate, isn't so sure politics is her calling.
"I have a passion for education policy," she said, adding that she hopes to attend law school and eventually work for the state.
Who knows -- future UF students may even see Laguna around campus. At some point, she added, she may return to higher education to work as a university administrator.
Next Week: The leaders of Florida State University
Lyndsey Lewis can be reached at llewis@sunshinestatenews.com, or at (850) 727-0859.
