Editor’s note: Candidates’ responses have only been edited for minor grammatical fixes. Details about when and where to vote can be found here: Reminder: Student Senate elections coming up
Awista Sherzad, candidate for president
How long have you been at the college?
This is my second year at the college.
Tell me a bit more about your background?
I am a pre-med student currently pursuing an undergraduate degree in Neurobiology. I am really nerdy and think learning is fun! I have an extremely curious mind, and a deep appreciation for many different areas of study. Besides my school life, I am also a server at Gordon Biersch Brewery and Restaurant in Leawood. I am definitely a people person. Whether I am at school, work, home, etc., I am always interacting with others. Furthermore, I enjoy exploring new places—such as restaurants or museums I haven’t been to. Spending time outdoors is a must for me; there’s so much beauty in nature. In sum, I like to lead by example by living a fit, active and balanced lifestyle.
Why are you running for Student Senate president?
I am currently the treasurer of the Student Senate and I thoroughly enjoy how analytical and resourceful the Senate allows me to be. I want to take the skills and knowledge I have attained and continue to grow and build on them.
[The college] is a phenomenal establishment for higher education. I really want to give back to the college and help students maximize their experience at [the college] by raising awareness of the resources, events and activities.
What is your vision for the Senate and the student body if you get elected?
I would like to promote more student networking to establish a strong sense of unity within the student body. Strong bonds create lasting relationships, which are substantial in the success of present and future endeavors. I think the new Facebook App for [the college] is a great start of that.
Ultimately, my goal is to ensure the efficient operation of the Student Senate in order for students, faculty and members of the community to reap its maximum benefits.
Why should students vote for you to represent them in Student Senate?
My broad perspective and multicultural background help me relate to all walks of life. I genuinely care about people and look forward to working with them on both a personal and professional level. I am always looking for ways to inspire others and be inspired. I know that
I will make an exceptional president because I have the necessary analytical mind power, the proficiency of time management, and the element of leadership.
I am easily approachable and wide open to the ideas and opinions of others!
Lara Blomberg, candidate for president
How long have you been at the college?
This is my second semester at [the college], I came here last August from Germany. I moved here to live with my boyfriend (in Lawrence) whom I’ve met in my junior year in high school, which I spent in Solomon, Kan. in 2007/2008. I was here with an exchange program.
Tell me a bit more about your background?
I am currently getting my [prerequisites] done to transfer to KU Business School in 2013. I am planning on studying Business Management and going into fashion retailing. Hopefully, to, at one point, work internationally. I have spent a lot of time abroad in different countries and learned their languages. I somewhat consider that my hobby. Otherwise I am really caught up in schoolwork and extra-curricular activities. I am enrolled in the honors program, I just joined Phi Theta Kappa, I work at the Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art on campus, and of course I am a Student Senator. I do love taking a bike ride or just going for a walk though, if I find time!
Why are you running for Student Senate president?
I am running for Student Senate because I want to give back. This college has given me the change to come to America, reach my educational goal, and be with my boyfriend. I am extremely grateful! I am able to broaden my horizon and challenge myself here.
Student Senate gave me the chance to be part of something bigger than myself. It gave my voice a place to be heard. I have been part of Student Senate since late last semester, when Student Senate Vice President Erick Mbembati insisted I joined. I want to make sure that more students use the opportunity to be part of Student Senate. I feel like there are many more students out there like me, who just need someone to reach out to them, who might not know all the opportunities [the college] offers to get involved.
What is your vision for the Senate and the student body, if you get elected?
I want to get more students to get involved, which will enhance the quality of their college experiences, and broaden Student Senate’s influence. We will have to find new ways to make the senator position more attractive and most importantly educate more about the natural benefits the involvement offers. The greater awareness I want to create for student senate is also part of the next project: Student Senate has great projects, like ‘JCCC Gives’ and ‘Dollars for Scholars,’ which need a lot of attention to attract more donators. We do great things for the Johnson County community and I want to make sure we can continue to do good and do more good. Lastly, I want to win students’ trust for Student Senate. I want to make sure that our students know that the Senate exists, and that our job and our interest are to stand up for them and their interests. One thing in particular I noticed is that many students feel treated wrongly by their professors. I think most of these negative experiences are based on misunderstandings between the two parties. It would be great if we could find a way to mediate, in case misunderstandings occurred repeatedly with the same professors, simply to make for a learning environment, which is the main purpose of Student Senate!
Why should students vote for you to represent them in Student Senate?
Students should vote for me, because I truly care about the college and want to make a difference here. I can ensure that if I am elected president, students will have someone who will listen to their suggestions and problems and stand up for their interests. I can relate to a very wide range of students. Being a foreign student, I can easily relate to international students on campus. I know what it’s like to transition from taking a break after high school to going back to college, as I am 21 now and traveled before I enrolled at [the college]. Yet, I’m still young enough to relate to the 18-year-olds who just graduated last year. I’m open minded to any kind of view of the world, and I have learned to diplomatically assess every side of a problem, which is crucial for being a good mediator between students and faculty, which is exactly what the Student Senate president is. My nature is never to get myself into something without being well prepared, that’s why I have been antagonizing our current president Gina Galanou and vice president Erick Mbembati with questions about the duties of the president and impact we can actually have and I now feel well equipped to be the voice of the students!
Bruna Iacuzzi, candidate for vice president
How long have you been at the college?
This is my fourth semester.
Tell me a bit more about your background?
My major is Food and Beverage management. I work at Lidia’s Kansas City. During my free time I really enjoy playing basketball and go for a walk to some park.
Why are you running for Student Senate vice president?
I have been involved in campus since my first semester. I know many people, I know most of the regulations and I know the students most common problems. I know I can do a great job.
What is your vision for the Senate and the student body, if you get elected?
I want to make students aware of all the services and scholarship that [the college] offers.
I want to make sure that the Student Senate body gets benefits for its hard work.
Why should students vote for you to represent them in Student Senate?
Because I am incredibly qualified for the job. Other than being a member of Student Senate, I am involved with the academic excellence team, the hospitality management club and the international club. I am also vice president of leadership for Phi Theta Kappa. During my first year I was part of the [college] soccer team. I am in contact with students all the time, so I am aware of their thoughts about the college and I can help them to make their voice be heard.
Ibrahim Gul, candidate for secretary
How long have you been at the college?
It’s just been a couple of weeks since this is my first semester at [the college].
Tell me a bit more about your background?
My grandparents are from Afghanistan but I was born and raised in Pakistan. My family moved from Pakistan to here last October and this is our first time in the U.S. We came to Kansas instead of a bigger city because we have several relatives living here who used to tell us all the good things about Kansas before we came here, like it is peaceful, it has children-friendly neighborhoods and it has one of the best community colleges in the entire country. So my dad decided to move here and we really like this place.
I’m pursuing a degree in Petroleum Engineering and so right now I’m doing a double major in Mathematics and Chemistry. I plan to transfer to KU but I’m not sure as to when I would transfer. I’m pursuing this field because I feel confident and enjoy studying math.
My only hobbies are playing soccer and hanging out with friends. I’m especially passionate about soccer. I watch soccer, I play soccer and this year I will be trying for the [college] soccer team.
Why are you running for Student Senate secretary?
When I first came to [the college] I was looking for clubs and activities in which I could participate so that I would be more involved in college. Then I met Awista [Sherzada] in my math class. She told me all about Senate, about its purpose, its basic functions and the benefit of being a senator. I then started attending the Senate meetings and eventually gained enough confidence to stand up for the elections.
What is your vision for the Senate and the student body, if you get elected?
As the president of the public relations committee, if elected, I would take measures to increase the importance of joining the Student Senate among the students. I will make sure that all the senators are given incentives and sufficient publicity so that they are well known among their peers. I would make flyers, posters and pamphlets to encourage students to come to the Student Senate and express their ideas and opinions about the college.
Benjamin Brown, candidate for treasurer
How long have you been at the college?
I enrolled as a full time student in the fall semester 2010.
Tell me a bit more about your background?
I am nontraditional student. My hobbies include fishing and gardening.
After reaching the maximum number of credits that will carry over to KU, I will continue classes aimed at a bachelor’s degree in Biology.
Why are you running for Student Senate treasurer?
As a student at [the college], I have taken many opportunities to better myself and the community. As a student senator, I actively engage myself in leadership roles at [the college]. Furthermore, I am committed to serving the student body objectively with core values that promote equality and diversity with a focus, of course, on education. With the support of other students, I look forward to stepping up to the role of treasure on the Student Senate Executive Board.
What is your vision for the Senate and the student body, if you get elected?
I believe it is my duty to [the college] and its students to consider all decisions objectively without the influence [of] my personal bias. This is the primary reason that I completed the Safespace training. Too many students are continuously subjected to discrimination because of other people’s ignorance. Sadly, the voices of these students are often overlooked. In efforts to eliminate these hardships, I seek out students who may represent the minority and encourage them to step up their role on campus. This effort will have a positive impact on our [college] and the community as well as further encouraging diversity and equality by combating ignorance.
Neeraj Bang, candidate for parliamentarian
How long have you been at the college?
I started in summer 2010.
Tell me a bit more about your background?
I am studying in the paralegal program right now and also completing undergraduate requirements so I can finish my bachelor’s in English Literature at KU. I plan on attending law school after that and hopefully work in fields that interest me, such as human rights or international law.
Why are you running for Student Senate parliamentarian?
I have learned a lot in this last year and I think I will be an even more effective representative of the student body as I continue to build on my experience and challenge myself in a more demanding role.
What is your vision for the Senate and the student body, if you get elected?
I really want to make the Senate meetings and format more accessible to the student body. I hope we can keep informing the students of all the responsibilities of a senator and how they themselves can actively participate and learn more about their student government. For example, the ‘JCCC Gives’ initiative we started last year helped many families in the community and it would not have been as successful as it was without the help and goodwill of our student body.
Why should students vote for you to represent them in student senate?
I have been involved with Senate for a year and observed much from our current executives on how to manage meetings, successfully communicate with administration, and gain insight from fellow students. I hope anyone who has met me during my time here at [the college] can attest to the fact that I am very easy to talk to and always open to new ideas. Lastly, I think I am uniquely suited to be a parliamentarian from my experience and knowledge with the law classes I have had and can effectively transition into the new responsibilities which would be expected of me.
Compiled by Rachel Luchmun
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