One name has circulated more than most around Grounds in the last year: Student Council President Jequeatta Upton. She is involved in many other activities here, including Madison House, Summer Orientation Leader, UJC, University Guide Service, and Monroe Society. Upton gives a large amount of her time and energy in serving the University community.
Upton said her days at the University are never the same, but Student Council activities and classes take up the majority of her time. Upton took a sabbatical from the University Guide Service last semester to focus on her other commitments but is back now in full force, which she said is very exciting.
"I've worked with 'Queatta in a number of different capacities; each time, she never fails to amaze me," said Raleigh Anne Blank, third-year College student and fellow U-Guide. "Jequeatta cares about U.Va., not only where it has been and where it is, but where it is going."
Upton was her high school's student body president and began working with Student Council at the University when she was elected as a Student Council representative in the spring of her first year.
"I had the opportunity to be a representative on student council my first year, which is unusual in the first year," Upton said. "I liked the potential that student self-governance had."
Upton's daily life is packed with meetings, classes, work and, like most college students, some time for play. Upton enjoys movies, music -- especially 90s R&B -- and spending time with friends.
"I love having the opportunity to make brownies with my girlfriends and hash out our weeks," Upton said.
Third-year College student Kelley Mulfinger said Upton makes time for her friends.
"Jequeatta is always so much fun to be around, no matter how busy she is," Mulfinger said. "She is so personable and always up for a good time. She's a great friend."
Third-year College student Veronica Brooks went to Europe with Upton last summer.
"She's a beautiful girl inside and out and such a great friend," Brooks said. "I have no doubts that she's going to rule this world one day."
In addition to her many responsibilities, Upton also takes a full course load. She is a Sociology and French major.
Prof. James Arnold said no Student Council president before Upton has taken his upper-division 18th and 19th century French literature courses.
"I believe this says something not only about Jequeatta's work ethic but about the breadth of her cultural interests as well," Arnold said. "She is a dynamic member of a class that is remarkable for their engagement with the subject: the construction of the colonialist ideology in French literature of the 19th and 20th centuries."
While her many responsibilities take up a significant amount of time, Upton said it is all about achieving balance.
"If I feel like I am too busy then I have to take some time for myself," Upton said. "This position has taught me so much, not even with legislation but with knowing your limits."
Among the many groups that Upton is involved with, Student Council takes up the majority of her time. Upton said she is very passionate about her contributions to Student Council.
"Student Council is really important because it is supposed to be that group that advocates for students and can speak about student issues on Grounds," Upton said. "It's important to have people that are passionate about issues and are ready to better the University."
Another aspect Upton likes about Student Council is her ability to work with both students and administrators to better the University.
"To be able to work with [the] administration of the University is a real honor," Upton said. "One of my goals is to start the ball rolling on projects which leave the University better than when I came."
Upton said she does not plan on running for re-election but wants to stick around to see through some projects she started during her term.
"I've laid groundwork, and I want to be there as much as possible to see it through," Upton said. "I want to be there to avoid setbacks."
Through all of her responsibilities on Grounds, Upton said the most important thing any student can do is to interact with others as much as possible.
"Taking a couple extra seconds out of your day to see what other people are doing can really keep you grounded," Upton said.
One thing few people know about Upton is her martial arts experience.
"I was two belts away from receiving a black belt in tae kwon do," said Upton. "That was a long time ago."
In all of her contributions to the University, Blank said her friendliness is one of Upton's most outstanding features.
"Every time you pass 'Queatta on Grounds, the Corner, wherever, you get that smile that just makes your day," Blank said. "She's the kind of person who is always ready to help a friend no matter what her busy day holds."
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