Q&A With Now-Former SBP Khari Cyrus

Stephanie Tate | Managing Editor

What was your biggest accomplishment as SBP?

I’d say my biggest accomplishment was actually being a voice for the students. It’s one thing to hear the conversation and relay it to administration and leave it at that. But it’s something entirely different to be a part of those conversations. I’m glad I’ve been able to feel the pulse of the student body on issues, and then make sure the chancellor and other leaders of the university know how the student body feels, and more importantly, why they feel that way.

What was the biggest obstacle you faced as SBP?

I thought I’d be able to come in on day one and get started on the initiatives I campaigned on and only focus on those select things. But that’s not at all what the position entails. You can be focusing on planning a Blackout for a basketball game, and then get a call about a student death on campus. Just like that, your entire focus shifts and you have to put some things on the back burner. The biggest challenge was trying to accomplish the goals I set out to accomplish, while also addressing very real and very important problems that no one ever imagined would happen.

What do you hope to see from the next SBP and VP?

I hope to see them find their passions and act on them. It’s easy to get caught up in tradition but your best work comes out when you focus on something you truly care about. Ultimately, I hope to get on facebook at some random time next year and read an article from the Technician or Nubian and think “Wow, Paul and Brayndon are really doing big things down there.”

What’s next for you as an individual?

I’m actually heading off to law school next year. I’ll be up in Philly at the University of Pennsylvania. I was born in Goldsboro, NC and Raleigh always seemed like the big city, so I have no idea how I’m going to handle Philadelphia. I’m really looking forward to seeing how I can create change from a new vantage point.

What do you hope to see for NC State as a whole in the future?

I want to be able to come back in 10 or 15 years and think, “Wow, I wish I were a student here today instead of back in 2016.” I’m graduating as a proud alumni who will promote NC State until I run out of breath and I really hope that NC State continues to generate alumni with similar feelings.