Interviewed by Mary Taussig
What is your major at CC?
I’m majoring in Political Science and minoring in Arabic and Middle Eastern Studies. I’ve taken two blocks of elementary and intermediate Arabic, and then this summer I’m going to Jordan to work for a grassroots non-governmental organization (NGO), which is similar to a human rights NGO, so I’ll hopefully be able to practice speaking Arabic. I will be doing a lot of research on migrant workers’ rights for the organization. The NGO is based in Amman and focuses on gauging what the situation is like on the ground and how the workers are treated. Two summers ago I worked for a similar organization in India, so I feel like I know what to expect, but then again it’s going to be totally different.
Why did you run for Student Body President?
I’ve wanted to be involved in CCSGA for a while, and especially after this past semester where our campus confronted a variety of challenges. From that, over the past couple of years I’ve been really involved on campus, so I just felt like it would be a good opportunity for me to take a leadership position to bring people together and hopefully keep moving forward in a positive direction.
When did you become involved in student government?
I was actually Student Body President in high school, but it’s so different here. I was in student government all four years in high school and it was such a rewarding experience. I’m really looking forward to joining such a wonderful community.
How will you make an impact as Student Body President in just one year?
I think one of the primary goals is definitely bringing different student groups on campus together towards larger, overarching, and common goals that involve diversity inclusion. You know, after last semester we recognized that there was a lot of fragmentation on our campus, but I feel like we have a bunch of really incredible student groups. It seems like each [group] is doing its own thing, which is fine, but I think making sure we are bringing groups together and that everyone is reaching for this goal of a more inclusive campus environment will make the overall CC experience more positive. Another thing that I really want to focus on is bolstering our sexual assault prevention programs—making sure that we are working to create a broader apparatus for education and outreach initiatives. It affects everyone on campus regardless if you’re a survivor or not. Everyone should feel safe, supported, and included in everything that they’re involved in throughout their CC experience.
What interests you most about CCSGA?
I think the ability of the organization because it is an organization that provides funding for all of the clubs and organizations on campus, but with that power it also has the capacity to bring people together. It’s more than just a body that brings money to different activities. I think it’s that overarching governing capability that is really interesting to me. I think it’s another opportunity to bring students together, and to be a member in that uniting drive really interests me.
Freshman year did you ever expect to be CC’s student body president?
No, no, not at all. Freshman year, I had no idea where I was. I took a bunch of classes, found what I’m passionate about, and here I am.
What do you do in your free time?
I love playing soccer. I’ve been playing for so long, so that’s one of my favorite things to do. I play on the club team here and on intramural teams. I also really love my comedy stuff. I run a women and comedy group so that’s like sketch comedy. We write sketches and perform them in shows. Recently, I’ve been doing stand-up comedy, which has been a total blast. It’s been really rewarding. I’ve also been an RA throughout my time here at CC. Sophomore year I was a RA in Bemis, I’m currently a RA in Loomis, and next year I will be a RA in El Diente, it’s been a really awesome experience.
Why did you choose to come to CC?
It’s actually funny I really did not want to come to CC. I’m from Colorado, so I was pretty adamant on going out of state, but CC just ended up being the best fit for my family. I kind of came to CC not really knowing what to expect, but then I went to the admitted students weekend and met people that I’m still friends with now. The admitted students weekend was such a positive experience and the way the school reached out to future students was incredible. After that, I learned more about the Block Plan and then by the time I got to CC, within my first block here, I knew it was the right place for me. I can’t imagine being anywhere else.
Do you see yourself working in the political field after CC?
I could see myself doing that. I definitely want to go to graduate school for foreign affairs. I would love to get my Masters at Fletcher at Tufts University, that’s my dream school. However, before getting my Masters I would like to get more experience working in the Peace Corps or working for an NGO. If I got the opportunity to work in the Peace Corps, I would love to be in Morocco. I worked for the state department last summer in D.C. and I realized that working for the government is kind of its own beast, but there are obviously a lot of rewards that go along with that. I’ve been very fortunate to have had positive experiences working with NGOs and so I feel like that’s what I would like to do at this point. I think possibly down the road I would consider working for the government.
What are you hoping to accomplish in your last year at CC?
Through CCSGA I really want to create a greater sense of community here. You know… I really want to avoid divisiveness and I think that’s something we experienced this past semester. I want to make sure people are committed to being there for each other. I also want to build upon the relationship between the administration, the Board of Trustees, and the student body, because I feel like as much as people reach out, there’s always these disconnects. I think it’s really important to keep building that foundation of trust between the other governing bodies, the student body government, and the students. I want to make sure CCSGA is fully functioning and constantly creating and striving to achieve goals. As for me, I want to graduate… goal number one, and just make sure I maintain strong relationships with my professors and friends here at CC.