Student Government Association’s first-year leadership program, Frog Aides, selected a new cohort of 50 first-year students in September. The program is helping students develop leadership skills, get plugged into the TCU community and make a difference on campus. 

The student-led organization offers interactive and hands-on leadership development, giving members the unique opportunity to learn and grow from fellow peers throughout college. 

During the spring semester, Frog Aides works on a project for TCU students.

Last semester, Frog Aides brought back the “Mental Health Mile,”  a one mile community walk around campus to promote mental health. The spring 2023 project is chosen in the spring semester. Until then, the cohort participates in small acts of service around campus.  

The new cohort

Frog Aides had 170 applicants and 50 members for this year’s cohort.

“It was definitely a very difficult process to choose because these applicants were so qualified and so amazing,” said Lia Perez, co-director of Frog Aides.

The application process starts with a written application. It moves into a group interview and then a one-on-one interview. The process takes place over a two week period.

Lucas Mendoza, a new member of the cohort, said the main reason he wanted to join Frog Aides was to participate in community service.

“I want to go into charity work so I saw this as the perfect opportunity as a freshman to be involved in an organization that can help me give back,” Mendoza said. “Yes, it is resume building but I was excited about the projects that Frog Aides does and I wanted to be a part of that bigger picture.”

Many first-year members go on to fill leadership roles. Ryan Thorpe was apart of the cohort his first year. He later became the assistant director of membership for the club.

“The biggest contribution that Frog Aides gave to me was 50 best friends that were given to me,” Thorpe said. “The people are absolutely amazing and I felt so poured into.”

Ella Meyer, previous co-director of Frog Aides, said it is important to pass down leadership through the program.

“The power of mentorship and being mentored is so evident in the way that people’s lives are moved through this program, and to watch cohort after cohort go on to lead our campus in so many facets is what makes the hard work worth it,” Meyer said. 

Building strong leadership skills helps many Frog Aides members later participate in other leadership positions such as SGA representatives, panhellenic executives and orientation leaders. Frog Aides does not conclude after students’ first year. Members have the opportunity to serve on the executive team as upperclassmen.