This is the second most-often asked question while campaigning, right behind “why should I vote for you?” It was asked at the Candidate’s Forum last Thursday, and today while out chalking I was asked it a half dozen times. Every time, I’ve given incomplete or paused answers– but now that I’m in the comfort of my own office with no rush in the world, I’ve decided to nail down my answer once and for all.
The short answer: because this position provides an effectual opportunity for student interests to be represented, and my experiences and leadership style are germane and pertinent to the role.
The long answer: involves some background.
My first opinions of student government.
I was introduced to student government at UC Berkeley and saw it (to my disdain) as a huge popularity contest. That is after all what got you elected: how many folks you knew, and how you could mobilize them to support your candidacy. When I arrived at Cornell, I expected nothing different. However, I did have a lot of experience in IT security and knew my way around a campus environment, so I decided to stay aware of campus IT issues by enlisting in the SA’s committee to CIT.
Why I got involved with the GPSA.
After the T&AM department folded later that year, I wondered if there was anything we in T&AM could have done. My questions led me to the GPSA. It was set up to be a no-politics body– no public elections required to get involved, the executives serve to direct the work and are of similar “rank” to voting members; it’s just a bunch of graduate students that wanted to stand up for students.
When a number of issues that interested me became the business of the GPSA, I got involved in the debates. Later, a voting seat was vacated, and I was torn between my drive to stay involved and my distrust of campus positions that require elections. Regardless, I decided to throw my hat in the ring and have enjoyed the position.
Why I’m running.
I believe I speak the same language of college experiences as many students at Cornell. My influence on the GPSA has been colored by my business-grounded background, which has helped me sometimes (in strategic planning and translating goals to action items), but has hurt me too (when jockeying for votes, primarily). Thankfully, the Board of Trustees operates by consensus and not by razor-thin voting margins.
I take my responsibilities on the GPSA seriously, but I also recognize that a majority of campus politics do not affect students. Life would go on if student governments didn’t meet for a month, or a semester. Nevertheless, governance groups provide a chance to make a difference. I have cherished the opportunities to be a positive force for students and to speak out on issues that can change peoples’ experiences on campus for the better, both here and at UC Berkeley.