Student Spotlight: Harrison Baro
During his time at Tech, Harrison Baro, an environmental engineering student, has actively participated across campus. He served as the Student Government Association (SGA) executive vice president. This year, Baro is the president of Student Ambassadors, acting as the external representative for the organization at all Alumni Association meetings and campus events, and was recognized last fall by Student Center Programs Council (SCPC) as part of this year's Ramblin' Royalty. He is also a member of the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity. After graduating in May, Baro will pursue a master's degree at Tech.
He recently reflected on his contributions at Tech and shared advice for students looking to get more involved on campus.
What motivated you to get involved in leadership roles across campus, and how did you decide where to focus your efforts?
I have always loved public service and community as an Eagle Scout and a volunteer. I got involved in SGA because a few mentors at the time had been involved and recommended that I join. I ended up loving the organization and felt that the work I always tried to do in student government focused on having a tangible impact on students' lives — even if it’s just one person versus a multitude. Student Ambassadors allowed me to meet people I would not have met because they are involved in different cultural groups, schools, and majors. It provided a perfect environment for people to come together and share their love for Tech, and, as president, I wanted to give back and make that organization better. My commitment to giving back inspired my involvement.
Can you share a moment during your time at Georgia Tech when you felt particularly proud of the impact you've made?
I felt especially rewarded by last year’s reintroduction and revitalization of the Home for the Holidays program, which had been discontinued because of Covid-19. It connects students staying on campus over Thanksgiving break with hosts who provide holiday meals. Being able to facilitate that was an awesome moment.
What would you say to students who aspire to make a difference at Georgia Tech but may not know where to start?
Attend the organization fair hosted at the beginning of the year. We have 500 to 600 registered organizations, so there is absolutely a place that aligns with some of your interests — a cultural group, a competitive engineering club, or student government. Get out there and see what you like. Get involved as much as you can. Get out there and find your community. You don’t have to be a leader or on an executive board to have an enriching time; you can be a contributing member and love that.
What does being named Ramblin' Royalty mean to you personally and to your journey at Georgia Tech?
It is a big honor. I knew that when I stepped onto campus, I wanted to represent Georgia Tech because I love this school, and every year, I have fallen more in love with it. Georgia Tech has given me a lot of opportunities and introduced me to friends for life that I would have never met otherwise. This recognition is the culmination of my time at Tech.
Now that you've earned this recognition, how do you plan to continue serving and giving back to the Georgia Tech community, both during your time here and after graduation?
I take any opportunity to represent Tech because I find it such an honor to even be considered. This school is so large. Being selected among undergraduate and graduate students by my peers and faculty is a meaningful achievement, so I feel a responsibility to represent Tech as much and as well as I can. If there is an invitation to do something, I will hammer the yes button.