Photo Courtesy of Pat Grady
Name: Patrick Grady
Major: Government and International Affairs
Year: Sophomore
Position for candidacy: Student Body President
Why are you running for this position?
I have been in Student Government my entire collegiate career because I believe in creating positive change from the inside out. During my time in Student Government, I have dedicated my time and efforts on increasing school pride, improving our community’s well-being, and advocating for student safety. This work has been extremely rewarding, and I feel as though I have more to offer the Student Body.
With that said, in my time in the Student Senate last year, and now this year in the Executive Cabinet I have noticed many systematic issues with Student Government such as a high membership turnover rate, fractured communication, divisive politics, and a lack of impactful results. Having held leadership positions in both the Legislative and Executive branches of Student Government, I believe I am in a unique position to affect change within Student Government that will last more than just my term.
What do you hope to accomplish if you win?
I hope to unify Student Government around the ideals of improving communication, expanding collaboration, and changing the way Student Government operates. First, I hope to improve the way Student Government communicates with the Student Body by increasing outreach efforts and making Student Government more accessible. I also expect to improve the way Student Government collaborates with student organizations that are already doing incredible things to improve the greater Mason community. Last, I intend to reform Student Government to facilitate greater cooperation between the two branches and between members themselves. I want to create a precedent of trust, respect, and positivity for the future. Ultimately, these goals are centered around the idea that one year is not enough time to solve every problem on campus. Student Government must create sustainable practices, like the ones I have outlined, so it can consistently respond to the concerns and needs of the Student Body.
What’s one thing voters might not know about you, your life, or your interests that was not mentioned in the first two answers?
I love to hike. This past summer I had the opportunity to hike a few mountains on the Appalachian Trail with my friends. That experience sparked my desire to someday do a thorough-hike of the Appalachian Trail. With life moving so fast, and everyone overbooking themselves, I hope that someday I make time to embark on a through-hike. I feel very strongly that nature remains one of the last true escapes from a world of constant notifications, schoolwork, and club meetings. Given this, I find that hiking gives me perspective about what is truly important in my life.
Photo Courtesy of Amir Jones
Name: Amir Jones
Major: Global Affairs
Year: Junior
Position for candidacy: Student Body Vice President
Why are you running for this position?
Currently, I devote my time to community development and advocacy outside of Student Government’s domain. Whether it be expanding access and equal opportunity for Fairfax County students through the InvestinYOUth mentorship program or bridging cultural gaps through performing arts at the Embassy of Indonesia, I seek out avenues that utilize social investment as the foundation for progressive change. Understanding that students are investing in their communities in many different ways, I want to help empower their work and amplify these voices at Mason.
In accordance with Pat’s vision and my personal passion for empowering others, I hope to use my experiences outside of Student Government to inform new approaches to ongoing issues. Ultimately, this candidacy reflects my intentions to invest in the overall betterment of our community by way of mobilizing Student Government’s resources and untapped potential.
What do you hope to accomplish if you win?
By way of 3 core principles, Communication, Collaboration, and Change, I will help plant a seed that invigorates short-term outcomes as well as long-term impact and development for the Mason community. As an advocate, my voice is the student voice. Thus, establishing and implementing multiple lines of communication, via in-person meetings and online forums, will strengthen my ability to represent our community. As a community organizer, I will leverage the work that is already being done. I hope to collaborate with the plethora of student organizations on campus to connect them to vital resources and enhance the impact of their work. As an agent of change, I must pave the way for generations to come. I will work to make Student Government a more efficient entity from a structural level so that the ramifications of my work prosper after my time in office.
What’s one thing voters might not know about you, your life, or your interests that was not mentioned in the first two answers?
Dance is my first true love. Ever since I was 8 years old, this art form has allowed me to express myself and find a unique type of serenity in life. As the Artistic Director of an Indonesian cultural youth group, I am able to explore the cross-cultural intersection of American hip-hop and traditional Indonesian art forms as well as work with kids who I deeply love. Dance has also landed me on Disney Channel as a finalist on Shake it Up which was an incredible experience to say the least!
