Students describe their campaign platforms and why they are running for student government
BY MONICA ECHOLS, CULTURE EDITOR
Dawson Weinhold, Junior
Major: Public Administration, Minor: Economics
Why did you decide to run for Senate?
I decided to run because I’ve always been interested in government and believed I could help improve the university experience for all students.
Could you briefly describe your platform?
I’m running on a platform of fiscal responsibility and experienced leadership. I believe Student Government should show constraint when spending the money the university has provided to us. We should seek to get the maximum utility out of the funds we have, and we [can] do that by cutting out wasteful spending.
What is at least one change you hope to make on campus?
I hope to change the culture of wasteful spending student senate has developed.
Are you already involved with Student Government or any other organizations on campus?
I’m running for my second term in student senate. I’ve sat on the university services committee, government and community relations committee and the diversity and multiculturalism committee throughout my time in [the student] senate.
What is one fun fact about you?
I’ve lived my entire life in Northern Virginia.
Photo courtesy of Summer Brown
Summer Brown, Freshman
Major: Conflict Analysis and Resolution, Hoping to add double minor in Korean Studies and Asia-Pacific and Northeast Asian Studies
Why did you decide to re-run for senate?
Honestly, it’s a really long explanation, but it boils down to three things. One, advocating for others and making improvements at Mason is something I thoroughly enjoy, and would seek to do it regardless of Student Government. Two, I enjoy working on projects and initiatives as a team and I am definitely group-oriented when it comes to goals and success rather than my own individual success. And three, I love being able to represent a diverse population of students here at Mason so that they may have a voice in matters that actually is their own, and that I may be their liaison for that voice.
Could you briefly describe your platform?
So, my platform is all about having to do with the creation of and promotion of positive change here at Mason. In Student Government, I found myself … really enjoy[ing ]the Services Committee as 95 percent of my initiatives fall under that category, as [my platform] has to do with anything that falls under the category, such as different offices, facilities, HRL, the environment and etc. I feel like my best effort to improve Mason for the student body as a whole came from that sector of Mason, especially since the issues students discussed with me had to do with this as well. I hope that, if elected, I can continue to provide hard work with the departments and initiatives that I already have been working on.
What is at least one change you hope to make on campus?
Because I am currently the Conflict Free Ad Hoc Committee Chair, I may be a little biased, but I really hope that the initiative for converting Mason to a conflict-free campus becomes a reality. When the initiative was first presented to us as a whole during one of our Senate meetings, I found myself incredibly moved to take action on this matter because the concept would impact so many lives, near and far, on an amazingly high positive note—definitely a change I would love to see go beyond our university. Among all of the initiatives I’ve been working on on campus, I feel like this is the biggest one that interests me, perhaps.
What is one fun fact about you?
I’ve learned at least eight languages. I’ve sadly only been able to be fluent, or next to fluent, in two, but I hope to continue learning languages so I may communicate with any amount of people.
What do you think makes you stand out as a leader?
I’m not entirely sure what makes me stand out. Perhaps my ambition to serve the public? Perhaps my constant craving for positive change? I don’t really assess myself very well as I cannot tell what I seem to be in the eyes of others and nor do I like to put words in their mouths, but I feel like if I had to choose one, it would be that I always try to be down to earth and never see myself as someone above another. In reality, I see myself below others as I always try to make others’ lives easier or happier through my efforts of change. I feel like this allows me to be more collaborative and a better listener when it comes to the issues of others so that I may improve their lives on a day-to-day basis.
Veronica Mata, Freshman
Major: Government and International Politics
What inspired you to run for student senate?
I was inspired to run for [student] senate because I want to be a leader at Mason and I want to implement changes that will improve the student body’s experience.
Could you briefly describe your platform?
My platform is centered around compassion and advocacy. My platform is rooted in my care and concern for the experience that students have at Mason. I want to advocate for everyone at Mason and encourage a feeling of transparency from university offices and a feeling of safety for the students.
What is at least one change you hope to make on campus?
One change I hope to make is to help the student body feel safer on campus by creating more transparency with certain George Mason offices.
What is a fun fact about you?
One fun fact is that when I was a little kid I almost drowned and was saved by a lifeguard, and then when I turned 17 I became a lifeguard and I’ve saved one little girl.
Why do you think you would be a good leader?
I would be a good leader because I have a passion for people. I feel that talking and connecting with people is the key to being a good leader. By connecting with students, I can help make the changes we as a student body want to implement.
Phylicia White, Freshman
Major: Integrative Studies, Legal concentration, Minor: Social Justice
What inspired you to run for student senate?
I witness a lot of change happening with people and the community in Mason, and I want to help aid in that. On the other hand, I see people struggling with obstacles such as financial aid and housing, so I want to breach that gap. I want everyone to remain positive/smile their way through college, because these are supposed to be the best years of our lives.
Could you briefly describe your platform?
My platform or campaign is called P.O.P. It means Positive Overarching Perspective. It’s a campaign to aid Mason in efforts of inclusion, diversity and a safe environment for all to thrive. Smile longer, stress less.
What is at least one change you hope to make on campus?
I hope to see students of different races, ethnicities, creed, religions, sexual orientation, physical limitations, mental illnesses etc. all thrive like “traditional” students would.
Are you already involved with Student Government and/or any other organizations on campus?
I am not involved with student government now but I’m a vocalist in Green Machine, play intramural basketball, [am] a part of Pop Out Dancers [and the] neighborhood council and I work part time at GIANT.
Why do you think you would be a good leader?
Well anybody can have the qualifications to be a good leader but some traits to keep in mind would have to be patience, understanding/good [listening], open-minded and approachable.
Nicolo Allado, Freshman
Major: Computer Game Design
Why did you decide to run for student senate?
I have always been interested in Student Government ever since fifth grade. As a senator, I want to use my power to make initiatives and legislation that promote and advance the welfare of my constituents. There are many issues around campus that I wish to use my powers as a senator to resolve.
Could you briefly describe your platform?
My campaign platform centers on promoting trust between the students and the university. I espouse transparency, accountability and security. I want to stamp out corruption within the administration and make it much more efficient than in the past.
What is at least one change you hope to make on campus?
I want to further the transparency on campus between the students and the administration. I also want to implement trackers onto ID cards in case students lose them. There are many changes that I wish to make, but I have to see if they are possible.
Are you already involved with Student Government and/or any other organizations on campus?
I was elected to the Senate during my first semester. I am also involved in the Anime and Gaming Society, GADIG and Honors College Connects.
What is a fun fact about you?
Remember that one long rap line by Lafayette in “Guns and Ships” from Hamilton? I can nail that line perfectly.
Why do you think you would be a good leader?
My longtime service in Student Government has provided me a wealth of experience in regards to leadership. I place great value on teamwork, for I see it as the means to success. I give out much effort in a task if given the time and resources, and I try to get work out ahead whenever I have the time. I also have a penchant for taking in requests and feedback from others, which helps me maintain a good relationship with both my fellow [student] senators and my constituents. Lastly, I tend to try and try again whenever I do not succeed, and thus I never give up.
Photo courtesy of Sean Biment
Sean Diment, Freshman
Major: Biology, Minor: Spanish
Why did you decide to run for student senate?
I am running for senate because I have a desire to serve, because we face many challenges on campus today and [because] I want to serve as a representative of the student body to alleviate them.
Could you briefly describe your platform?
My platform focuses on expanding Mason PD safety measures, maintaining Mason and keeping campus clean, partnering with community veteran groups, increasing Patriot Pride through developing campus traditions and giving out more Mason swag, combating sexual assault and violence on campus and keeping Mason inclusive for all students. I believe we have a responsibility to create a safe, nurturing learning environment where all students can thrive.
What is at least one change you hope to make on campus?
I want Student Government to actually make a difference on campus. Too often, the image of Student Government is diminished through unnecessary drama, but I am focused on serving the students in any capacity I can. My title doesn’t matter to me. I want students to feel safe on campus, to feel their voice is heard and that we can make the changes they desire. It’s not our job to sit in a room and play politics, it’s our job to serve you all.
Are you already involved with Student Government and/or any other organizations on campus?
I am a member of the Filipino Cultural Association, NAACP, Green Patriots, Appalachia Service Project and I serve as a [student] senator in Student Government.
What is a fun fact about you?
I am Filipino-American, as my mom is an immigrant from the Philippines, and I hope to serve as a Physician-Assistant in the United States Navy one day.
Why do you think you would be a good leader?
I believe a leader needs to have integrity, civility and personal responsibility. I will admit when I am wrong, listen to those I serve and ensure I do what’s right. I truly care about the students and this university, and [have] a very empathetic personality. I am passionate, and … have a strong work ethic, drive and desire to serve.
Photo courtesy of Francisca Fuentes-Vasquez
Francisca Fuentes-Vasquez, Sophomore
Major: Government and International Politics
Why did you decide to run for senate?
Being an activist and helping the Latino community find its voice is my passion. I decided to run because it will be a great way to get involved and an opportunity to represent the Latino voice on campus.
Could you briefly describe your platform?
Fierce, community-oriented and open-minded. To be elected in the Senate will allow me the opportunity to take part in working to continue promoting an inclusive campus, vocalizing the needs of students and applying my advocating skills to open up dialogue within the Senate.
What is at least one change you hope to make on campus?
One of the things I’ve notice[d] is the disconnect of students to campus life. I hope to build a better community atmosphere for Mason students.
What is a fun fact about you?
I am 4’11 on a good day.
Why do you think you would be a good leader?
[I grew] up in Chirilagua, a low-income and Latino-based neighborhood in Alexandria. From a young age, I witnessed racial injustice due to the language barrier, families financially struggling and gender discrimination. As a Latina, I felt the responsibility to help families in my community because there was little to no support from others. I decided to volunteer as a translator at health fairs, parent-teacher conferences, toy drives and helping filling out documents. Later on, I became a local leader with a non-profit organization in Chirilagua.
Through these experiences, I’ve gained leadership skills in advocacy, being organized, leading volunteer groups, working with others, expressing compassion, and most importantly, being an attentive listener. I believe I can vocalize the Latino voice, in addition [to promoting] the prosperity of all identities on campus.
Photo courtesy of Natalia Kanos
Natalia Kanos, Freshman
Major: Government and International Politics, Conflict Analysis and Resolution
Why did you decide to run for student senate?
I decided to run for [student] senate because there are issues on campus that need to be changed, and I believe that the best way is through Student Government.
Could you briefly describe your platform?
I am trying to bridge the gap between Student Government and the student body. I want to be able to partner with the Student Government and get their concerns and issues addressed and pushed forward. If elected, I plan to work on making the hugely diverse population of Mason feel like there is a place for them to be the best and truest version of themselves.
What is at least one change you hope to make on campus?
I hope to partner with RSO and not make Student Government as exclusive, [to] tackle diversity related issues and lastly make the shuttle routes more direct.
Are you already involved with Student Government and/or any other organizations on campus?
Yes, I am. I am currently the chair of diversity and multicultural. I am also part of [the] African Student Association, Mason Service Council and Brains then Beauty.
What is a fun fact about you?
I am an international student for Jos, Nigerian
Why do you think you would be a good leader?
I am a good leader because I am extremely good at listening and addressing concerns,picking the important issues for conversation and developing a plan to address these issues in an effective way. Lastly, as a conflict major, I am effective in dealing with conflict and crisis situations.
Photo courtesy of Petro Zinchenko
Petro Zinchenko, Junior
Major: International Politics
Why did you decide to run for senate?
I’ve decided to run for the student senate to get to know people who are actively participating in student life and understand the decision-making process within the student government.
Could you briefly describe your platform?
My platform is [that] tuition cost must go down, parking permits cost must go down [and that the] bookstore monopoly and expensive books should go away.
What is at least one change you hope to make on campus?
Changes I wish to accomplish are to make students understand that they are responsible for the university and to make the university aware that it is accountable before the students.
Are you already involved with Student Government and/or any other organizations on campus?
I’ve joined [a] Schar undergraduate student organization, plus a pre-law student fraternity.
What is a fun fact about you?
Fun fact: I know how to make Molotov cocktails.
Why do you think you would be a good leader?
I don’t aim to take a leadership role right now. It’ll depend on how things go with the new [student] senate. There are certain issues I want [to] discuss with other senators and the execs, but I’m confident those problems must be resolved collectively, not unilaterally.
Arya Rashidian, Sophomore
Major: Criminology, Law, and Society
Why did you decide to run for student senate?
I wanted to run for senate because I want to make Mason more inclusive, exciting and supportive.
Could you briefly describe your platform?
Our platform includes improving [the] Mason Dining experience, supporting Mason LIFE, making Student Health a priority and, most importantly, listening to Mason students.
What is at least one change you hope to make on campus?
I would like to make student health a priority because students’ well-being is our priority in supporting a happy and healthy campus life.
Are you already involved with Student Government and/or any other organizations on campus?
Currently, besides the student government, I am the president and founder of Patriots of Persia, an organization here on campus, promoting freedom of speech and religion in Iran.
What is a fun fact about you?
Fun fact: I love powerlifting.
Why do you think you would be a good leader?
Why would I be a good leader? I think I would be a good leader because I would try and listen to my voters and incorporate their ideas on new policies I would propose. Also, I would make sure to give Mason students credit as well, if they so choose.
WOW Coalition
Shelby Adams, Freshman
Major: Integrative Studies with a concentration in Legal Studies, Minor: Criminology
Monet Ballard, Sophomore
Major: English with a concentration in Writing and Rhetoric, Minor: Legal Studies
Cassidy Whitehurst, Freshman
Major: Criminology, Law, and Society, Minor: Legal Studies
What inspired you to run for student senate?
Shelby: I have a passion for helping others. I want to ensure that everyone at Mason feels as though they belong and have the necessary resources to excel in any big or small goal they want to achieve.
Monet: I want to run to help the student body understand that we are here to listen to them and [that they can] reach out.
Cassidy: I have loved our past year in the student senate learning about the students’ wants and needs on this campus. I get to see the ins and outs of Student Government and how much we truly impact the student body.
Why did you all decide to run as a group?
We all got along really well, and we all also had the same ideas for the future of Student Government and the student body.
What’s your platform?
We are running on the platform of academics, inclusivity, and the health and safety of students. Academics is the most important aspect of being a student, so of course we want the academic needs of students to be accommodated. We focus on inclusivity, because we know that this school is one of the most diverse campus in Virginia, but we want the school to be uphold those ideas of our diverse community. Finally, health and safety of students is something that should be a priority for the school to be transparent and make sure that the students have a safe atmosphere to accomplish their studies.
What is at least one change you hope to make on campus?
A big goal [we] wish to accomplish is building connections or relationships with RSOs and with different offices and departments around campus. With a good working relationship, a lot of things can get done that could benefit the student body.
Why do you think you would be a good leader?
Shelby: I believe that I’m a good leader because I have the ability to listen and sympathize what other people have to say. We can learn so much from other peoples’ experiences that are different than our own.
