Student Leader: Zenovia Goss

SGA Events Coordinator Zenovia Goss received a full-ride scholarship to Connecticut’s Quinnipiac University. However, because of Hurricane Michael, she decided to enroll at Gulf Coast, remaining in her hometown of Panama City. Goss is an outstanding student with a passion for leadership. I interviewed Goss to learn about her Gulf Coast experience and her plans after graduation.

Personal Background

Born in Puerto Rico to Andre and Yvonne Goss, Goss moved to Panama City when she was two months old and has lived here ever since. She was involved in SGA in middle school at Bay Haven Charter Academy and in high school at North Bay Haven Charter Academy, where she showed a penchant for leadership.

In college, Goss has served as an SGA senator, volunteered as a secretary for the Student Veterans Association and the Black Student Union, and is now SGA Events Coordinator. When I asked her why she is attracted to leadership roles, Goss told me they come naturally to her. She states, “I’ve always been the person to show leadership. I always stay busy. I don’t stay in one spot.” 

Major Problems

Although she has accomplished much at Gulf Coast, Goss has faced many struggles in college. Her major was one such struggle. When she first enrolled, Goss pursued an A.A. degree in accounting, reasoning that she wanted to make money. Although she is good at math, her accounting classes pushed her to her limits.

Between organizing events, studying, and questioning her calling, Goss suffered a breakdown. She credits Cindy Boshelle, Gulf Coast’s mental health counselor, for helping her cope with stress. “Use your resources on campus,” Goss recommends.

Eventually, Goss chose a new major: elementary education. Instead of balancing checkbooks, she fills her days with making lesson plans and observing classrooms. Goss’s studies still challenge her, but she is confident in her choice of major. “I’ve always been the person that likes to mentor and tutor, and I love kids,” she comments. After receiving her A.A., Goss plans to attend FSU PC to further her studies in elementary education. She dreams of teaching K-2^nd grade students and adopting foster children in the future.

Favorite Events

Goss loves organizing events and making students happy, making her a perfect fit for her current role. One of her most successful events was the Mr. and Ms. Commodore Coronation in the Fall 2020 semester. The coronation was an unprecedented event in Gulf Coast history. Goss noted that Gulf Coast had not crowned a Ms. Commodore since the 90’s and had never crowned a Mr. Commodore.

Goss is also proud of last semester’s Thanksgiving banquet, where SGA served food to hundreds of faculty, staff, and students. Another event from the Fall 2020 semester that Goss remembers fondly is her drive-thru Fall Festival event. “For about an hour and thirty minutes, cars kept coming and (people kept) getting candy,” she recalls, “that was a very successful event.”

Extracurricular Interests

Outside of her work and studies, Goss wears many hats. When she has time, she volunteers with Rebuild Bay County, a local organization dedicated to hurricane relief. She also tutors high school students at the public library. Goss lives by the phrase, “Work hard, then play hard.” Her hobbies include visiting arcades, bowling, and traveling.

Goss is an expert at bringing students together, and she is a joy to talk to because of her infectious positivity. Although Goss is approaching the end of her time at Gulf Coast, her future will doubtless be a bright and busy one.

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