Yassin Elalamy

What relevant experience would you bring to the position you are seeking?

There are two important experiences I would bring to the senate. One would be empathizing with others. Throughout my life, I have worked on numerous teams and groups where people argue against one another, and though problems within teams are not easy to fix, it is important as a team player or a person to understand where both sides are coming from. This makes sure that they are listened and understood to make more effective decisions. In the SGA, though it is an association for students, where student’s voices should be heard, the faculty of UMBC also work with the SGA, so I believe they should also have a say in decisions that the senate is going to make. If I were to become a senator, it is important to be mindful on the faculty as well as the students so that more effective decisions for the UMBC community can be made for the betterment of everyone. Another experience that would help the senate is determination. It is important for the senate to be committed to their work and determined to succeed so that they would be on an optimistic mind set and keep working through even if they face numerous obstacles.

How do you intend on fulfilling your role while working alongside other members of SGA? What strategies do you use to address conflict?

One way is to create a strong network among people in my department and throughout the whole SGA. Some events like a town hall between the SGA branches where they share their latest news and gain feedback and ask and answer questions would be beneficial not only for the SGA, but for some departments like the senate to make better decisions on initiatives based on a diversity of opinion and perspective. Also, I would definitely ask for help from others on things I am unsure about or need more clarification, that way, I can make better choices and decisions on initiatives and other things in the senate if I were to get elected. One way to solve problems is to put a pause on a problem for a short time. This would allow people to calm down and collect their thoughts so that when they fix their problems, they would be in a better state of mind.

What is your vision for UMBC and the UMBC student body?

My vision is to make sure that every voice is heard and understood. While it is hard to make sure everyone gets included in important things at UMBC, we will do everything in our power to find new ways of including people in our decisions to make a community a better place for all. At the same time, I would want UMBC to be real and authentic between the student and the faculty, so that both sides understand one another and they are able to respect and cooperate together to make better decisions.

How do you plan to facilitate communications with your constituents?

I plan to communicate with my constituents by first connecting with them on social media. Social media is popular and many people are more connected to it now more than ever, so if I were to get elected, I would post important SGA topics and general problems and initiatives to social media where the students know what’s going-on and they can voice their opinion to make sure they feel included and are a part of the community. Another way of communicating with containers is by hosting events relegated to the SGA and important to their community, so that they can close their opinions and we the SGA can make better decisions.