When he became Student Government president in April, Keshav Rajagopalan knew exactly what he was signing up to do and since then has spent 60 hours a week connecting with students, faculty and staff to improve campus life.
Rajagopalan began his Student Government career his freshman year when he began working with members through a program called the Longhorn Legislative Aide. The application-based internship gives students the opportunity to work closely with the Student Government executive board, representatives, committees and agencies.
The senior Plan II and political communications student was elected president this year after serving as the organization's internal financial director.
"Student Government is the official voice of students to the university administration, the Board of Regents and the Texas Legislature," he said. "Whenever student input is needed, we are the ones looked at and it is for the entire student body - undergraduate and graduate."
The organization's mission is to protect and preserve the traditions of the university and support student organizations in their academic and community endeavors.
"In Student Government there are no boundaries. If you have an initiative, it's a great place to get the resources and backing of Student Government," he said.
As president, Rajagopalan works hard and plays hard. He spends 60 to 70 hours a week shuffling between meetings on campus and at the Capitol and at night he catches up on schoolwork. Despite his hectic schedule, he still finds time to watch and play sports.
"What motivates me is falling in love with this place," he said. "You realize what is out there when you see the amazing students and faculty that come everyday to make sure you are getting an education and an experience that is unparallel to anywhere else.
"If I can take one more step to make somebody's life here a little bit better, I can go home and say 'that was a good day.'"
