Major: International Studies
College: CAHSS
Representatives must sit on at least one committee. How will you work with your fellow student representatives and committee members to solve problems, raise awareness, or make changes at UMD?
I believe that Student Government is the strongest connection between the University and the student body politic, and that it can only operate with the consent of the people. In line with that view, I believe that the Student Government can only function with the cooperation and commitment of all representatives. I'm not saying that all representatives need to agree on every detail; in all likelihood, they don't and won't; but there must, at minimum, be an open-mindedness towards inclusivity and opposing viewpoints from each member, in order to ensure the full functionality and effectiveness of this organization.
As a freshman, one of the biggest issues I have faced in my brief time here has been the navigation and management of the UMD website, as well as the Canvas system. Many teachers don't formally introduce the programs utilized on campus, and the resources new students are given in order to manage them are obfuscated and few in number.
I know I am not alone in this assessment, and I also know that many students in my class do not have the confidence or ability to bring these concerns to light; many people I've talked to say that, while they struggled, and still struggle with the system, they feel alone in this endeavor, and don't feel that it is a problem they can bring to their advisors or teachers.
I see the Student Government as the bridge between the students and the wider system, and I intent to be a mouthpiece to voice these, and other, concerns of our current crop of freshmen. I hope to work with the skilled and adept individuals currently in the Government to create and produce new resources that will help future classes manage the intricacies of adapting to college life. I intend to collaborate with and assist fellow representatives in our shared goal of developing each other's ideas and strategies to make UMD an efficient and welcoming school.
Describe any leadership experience you have.
I was captain of my school's Debate team for three years, and acted as a senior authority on the swim team. I have also worked with the Minnesota Dept. of Education to develop social studies curriculum on the topics of the holocaust, indigenous genocide, and other genocides, for the foreseeable future. These changes are anticipated to be implemented next school year.
Describe the relationship between Student Government Association and the student body. Explain how you as a leader and a member of this collaborative organization might strengthen and/or maintain this relationship.
The SGA is the main bridge between the Student Body Politic and the wider University system, and serves to voice the concerns of the students, and advocate on their behalf. As a freshman, I feel like our class is especially vulnerable to being lost adrift within the wider concerns of the school, and I hope to serve as a voice for the people who struggle to find one. I intend to do my utmost to advocate for our freshmen, and hope that my presence can serve as a way to address and solve the issues facing the average new student.
Diversity of opinion is one of Student Government Association’s most important characteristics. In many cases, you will have individuals expressing opinions that are different from your own. How might this idea be beneficial when making critical decisions for the organization and the student body? How might you handle a situation like this as a representative?
It is important to at least hear all ideas - no matter how different from your own - in order to maintain an effective and lasting democracy. Efficient institutions are not run by yes men, and I fully intend to encourage and hear out opposing viewpoints from other student leaders so that I may better understand the issues facing us as a collective, and develop new ways to solve current matters through collaboration.
What is a song that you think describes you?
HOT TO GO by Chappell Roan; It's a favorite between my brothers and I (:
