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

Leadership experience and serving a constituency are not new to me. In the past I have served as the President of my High School’s SGA, being elected for two terms. I have also served under Senator Chris Van Hollen as a campaign worker and as an intern. I run a non-profit political advocacy group, dedicated to increasing mental health resources for students and teens. As for UMBC, I’m currently serving as the Vice President of the Susquehanna Community Council, where we provide community events and engagement for the residents of Susquehanna Hall. I have a history of leadership and problem-solving. I work well in a team both as a leader and as a follower. I know how to compromise and get legislation and action done. I know both how to take charge and how to listen, and that’s important to creating positive change.

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

Conflict will happen. If there were always an easy solution, we wouldn’t need government, in the first place. My plan is to first and foremost serve my constituency. The SGA serves to help the student body and advocate on their behalf. I intend to take a win through compromise approach. I will work with my fellow SGA members to get things done, and I will compromise to get the big things done. However, I will not back down on the significant issues. When it comes to conflicts, it will only be against policy not the person. I plan on resolving conflicts through debate and voting. What works best for the group overall is what I will go with.

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

Most see UMBC as an up and coming university, with a focus in the maths and sciences. However, I see UMBC as a university that has up and came and is focusing on getting better. I look at UMBC’s future, and I foresee an expanse of student organisations and campus activities. I see UMBC being more than just a commuter school. I hope to provide the student body with not only more clubs and options, but also funds for these clubs so that they may flourish here. I also hope to have more community activities, so that all students, be they residential or commuter, can enjoy the campus and the school spirit that I know UMBC has to offer.

How do you plan to facilitate communications with your constituents?

I plan on using extensive social media and ad campaigns to stay in touch with my constituents. I plan on hosting monthly town halls and several online polls in an attempt to reach the most amount of people. Through social media, I plan on using a combination of Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat to inform constituents on the significant issues that are going up for a vote and how they can make their voice heard. And of course, my phone number and direct lines of communication will be made public for anyone to ask questions at any time. No one should feel left out or feel like they do not have a voice. I plan on making sure that every student at UMBC and every student I serve has a voice and has a way to make a change.