Below is the list of candidates who will be listed on the 2024 Student Government Election Ballot! If you are interested in learning more about these students’ platforms directly, please attend the Presidential Debate and Candidate Expo, on February 28th and March 5th respectively. Both events begin at 6 pm in the Cape Florida Ballroom on the third floor of the Student Union.
If you are interested in joining them in running, there is the opportunity to run as a write-in candidate! Sign in to KnightConnect, scroll down to forms, and apply here: https://knightconnect.campuslabs.com/engage/organization/sgaec
Also, don’t forget to “Saddle Up & Vote” from March 11th through 13th on myUCF!
Please direct any questions to the Supervisor of Elections at sga_ec@ucf.edu
Why do you think you qualify for this position? We chose to run for President and Vice President because of our passion for leadership and service to the UCF student body. It is this same passion that has allowed us to identify key areas amongst the UCF community that we know can be improved by our initiatives. We have given great thought into initiatives that encompass all aspects of UCF, represent the well-being of all students, and can catalyze an even greater campus experience. We understand the scope and importance of these position attributes, and we are determined to listen to the concerns of the student body. Overall, we chose to run so we can utilize our skill sets in making UCF even better.
How can this position be used to help the student body? We qualify for these positions for several reasons, but most notably due to our desire to serve the student body. We both possess extensive leadership capabilities and combined with our understanding of the student body we will fight for what students really need. Students want to see competent leaders fill these positions, leaders who are fresh to Student Government and can paint paths through bureaucracy and into avenues that benefit all students. We are empathetic leaders with a passion for service, and our many competencies will allow for a seamless transition into these roles. Our combined experiences leading and working on executive teams will assist us in the formation of an executive branch focused on the promotion of student safety and wellness, diversity and inclusion, and many other initiatives.
What is your prior campus involvement and how will it affect your time in office or leadership style? Qualities that we both share include communication and leadership. Communication is necessary in these roles as it encompasses how we listen and understand the student body needs, how we interact internally, between branches, and to administration. Our ability to communicate effectively will allow for heightened transparency and understanding between Student Government and the student body, which is something all students want. Our servant leadership attributes allow us to formulate initiatives and action plans. We will not only represent the ideas that students want to see, but we will work tirelessly to implement them. Our disciplined nature will allow us to formulate and lead an effective and capable cabinet representing the student body.
What qualities do you have that would help you succeed in this position, and how will you apply them? With the Presidency and Vice-Presidency being elected as representatives of the student body, our first responsibility is to the protection and benefit of all students. One of our initiatives focuses heavily on student safety and wellness. Promoting and expanding resources for students struggling with mental or physical health is integral to our campaign. Recently, on our campus there have been several incidents of threatened gun violence. Our campaign intends to ensure students, faculty, and staff are educated and trained on how to respond to crises. Ultimately, our primary role is to advocate on behalf of students on all relevant issues. With the President sitting on the Board of Trustees and the Vice President sitting on various committees our commitment to protecting the interests of students is paramount in our campaign.
Why did you choose to run for this position? Bryce possesses a comprehensive skill set acquired through academics and past campus involvement, which has helped mold him into the leader he is today. Bryce is a computer science major and has learned valuable project management skills through his coursework. He has put those skills to practice through his various leadership positions. As an active brother of Sigma Chi, he has served as Director of Alumni Relations and as Risk Manager. Additionally, Bryce has served on the Interfraternity Council executive board as the Executive Vice President. In all of these roles, Bryce has served and led under several principles, but most importantly servant leadership. It is this servant leadership style that allows Bryce to understand and listen to the needs of students, and organize executive boards to be effective and efficient. A versatile skill set, understanding of executive operations, and servant leadership has led Bryce to this campaign. All of these qualities will follow him into office. Alexander is a finance major, and through his coursework in UCF’s college of business, he has developed an understanding of the importance of fiscal responsibility, operations, and management. It is these passions that have catalyzed his involvement in various aspects of UCF. Alexander is an active brother of Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity where he served as President. Additionally, he served on the Interfraternity Council executive board as the Vice President of New Member education, this is also where he and Bryce first met. One of his most rewarding experiences has been serving on the Activity and Service Fee Budget Committee. On this committee, he assisted in the allocation of funds to Student Government agencies and departments that directly influence the student experience. His developed ability to understand and improve the effectiveness of organizations, and an empathetic attitude has led him to the role of Student Government Vice President.
Why did you choose to run for this position? The position of Senate chair for the College of Arts and Humanities stood out because of its direct position to advocate for the student body and enact change throughout our UCF campus. While this position requires immense responsibility, it grants the unique privilege to represent the student body and encompass a leader who can consistently work towards enhancing the experience inside the classroom and beyond during an individual’s time at the school. Additionally, numerous areas of change have yet to be implemented on campus. There are always ways to further ensure students are receiving the learning environment best suited for their success. With this, it is essential to have individuals who will advocate for change across campus and through policy, especially regarding smaller colleges such as the arts.
Why do you think you qualify for this position? I am a double major working towards earning a degree in Biology on a pre-health track and English for creative writing. Between the two, writing is my passion and what I choose to invest my free time into improving, influencing my decision to run for the College of Arts and Humanities. I qualify for this position because of the inherent traits that allow me to demonstrate leadership abilities throughout our UCF community. I have significant community involvement working alongside organizations such as the Adult Literacy League, teaching English to non- native speakers to improve their abilities in the workforce and larger community. Additionally, I volunteer with Advent Health Hospice, regularly traveling to offer respite to patients and their families. Both positions have enlightened my view towards community outreach and how important it is to have the foundation of a strong community working to prosper alongside one another, something I believe should be further implemented into our community here at school. Through the leadership experience I gained outside of campus, I hope to draw from these various roles to advocate for the student body and ensure UCF is consistently growing and improving.
How can this position be used to help and protect the student body and its interests? One of the strengths of the student body government and especially of the student senators is that the main pillar of our candidacy is the fact that we are students too. We sit in the same classes, share some of the same professors, share so many experiences that make up Knight Nation that we know firsthand some of the issues that we work to improve on the senate floor, such as opportunities like paid internships and co-ops being hard to come by as well as having a central hub for academic information. Even if a senator does not have a personal experience with an issue, constituents are more than welcome, encouraged even, to come to us and voice concerns that we will then work on. At the end of the day, student senators are students first and the importance of our position is that we exist to listen, interpret, and help the student body and its needs.
What is your relevant current and prior campus involvement, and how will it affect your time in office and your leadership style(s)? As a current senator, I sit as the Chair of the Womxn’s Caucus, where I aim to bring many experiences of the women and gender-neutral community to the core of our caucus’ work. I also concurrently sit on the LGBTQ+ and Latin/Hispanic Caucuses as well as the Scholarship and SBA Committees, where I aim to continue the momentum started with letters of recognition, resolutions, and other bills or initiatives that recognize and act on the student body’s needs. Outside of Senate, I work for the campus bookstore (don’t be afraid to stop and chat with me at the registers!), write and edit for the UCF chapter of HerCampus, and an active student and former peer mentor in the LEAD Scholars Academy. Working at the bookstore not only lets me chat and see the everyday lives of each student, it also lets me appreciate the importance of SG initiatives like the free scantrons and greenbooks as well as SG Scholarships. HerCampus keeps me connected to my Arts and Humanities roots while also letting me stay informed about everything happening on campus and in Orlando as a whole. LEAD Scholars, however, is most responsible for teaching me not only how to be a leader but also how to take everyone into account in my leadership.
How can this position be used to help and protect the student body and its interests? I am a firm believer in systems that involve checks and balances. With that, the Senate is a crucial part of the system of checks and balances the Student Government has and though there are 72 members of the Senate, I believe I am outspoken enough in order to speak against unfair legislature or legislature that will not provide great value to the student body. As a representative of the business school, I will strive to not only enhance the current offerings of the college, but create new opportunities for students.
What is your relevant current and prior campus involvement, and how will it affect your time in office and leadership style(s)? I have done a lot in my short year and a half I have spent here at UCF. I am currently a double major in Business Management and Digital Media in the Burnett Honors College. Furthermore, I am a member of the Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity, holding multiple positions including being our active Treasurer and representative member of our Board of Advisors. Moreover I was a member of the UCF Wrestling team and was a national qualifier as a Freshman. On top of all this, I run my business, SoFlo Retro Games, where I am projected to do five conventions this year as a vendor. Though I have many time commitments, I am always one that is devoted to my work and makes sure all business is done before the fun; I think this is represented by my 3.62 GPA in the Honors College while juggling all of the other things in my life. All in all, I think I will provide a unique angle in the senate and become an outspoken leader very quickly there.
Why do you think you qualify for this position? I believe I qualify for this position for various reasons. I served on the Senate Leadership Council 2 years ago during the 54th session and recently served as the Deputy Pro Tempore of Legislative Affairs during the 55th session. I have extensive knowledge of the legislative branch and would like to continue my term in Student Government to continue conducting the work that needs to be done. I have also served in different areas on campus, including the College of Business Office of Professional Development and First Year Experience as an Orientation Leader. I’ve been exposed to many different departments and agencies on campus, as well as a variety of students. The exposure that I have on this campus will only aid in my ability to understand where to start and what work needs to be done.
What qualities do you have that would help you succeed in this position, and how will you apply them? A few of the qualities that I possess that would aid in my success in this position includes organization, time-management, strategic thinking, humility, and authenticity. As a senator, you are entrusted with many important responsibilities, but you are also sometimes asked to do tasks that may push you outside of your comfort zone. With the qualities I have listed above, I can assure you that these events won’t deter me from carrying out my mission of serving this student body. I am able to balance being both a student and an advocate. I will use strategic thinking to make well-informed decisions, and I will take accountability for all my actions, good or bad, during my term.
What qualities do you have that would help you succeed in this position, and how will you apply them? I am an extremely open-minded person and enjoy meeting new people. Hearing their thoughts and opinions on what could be improved in the college of business is something I look forward to doing.
How can this position be used to help and protect the student body and its interests? I believe I can be a voice for business students in Senate. I can listen to their feedback on issues that concern them and bring them to the attention of the Senate as a whole.
Why do you think you qualify for this position?
I qualify for this position due to my leadership style, and leadership experiences. I have been a captain of many sports teams in the past and I currently run all of the social media for a big name non profit organization. I have led teams and led big groups of people my whole life and I believe I am well prepared to fill in a position like this.
What is your relevant current and prior campus involvement, and how will it affect your time in office and your leadership styles?
I am a freshman currently and have not participated in many on campus activities. I am currently in the social fraternity Tau Kappa Epsilon. I have learned many leadership and business skills from this fraternity and plan on taking lessons learned from my experiences to better benefit the student government and the student body as a whole. I believe I will be able to lead great with my current experience now and the leadership skills I have learned in my past.
How can this position be used to help and protect the student body and its interests? The position of senator for the College of Business is crucial to protecting the UCF creed, the student body’s values, and interests. Senators help define what it means to be a Knight by advocating for students. Without senators, campus life would not run efficiently. Having senators from each college ensures advocacy for major problems and issues within their college. Senators advocate for students through meetings with faculty, tabling events, and so forth. Thus, Senators play a crucial role in effectively representing and protecting the student body.
Why did you choose to run for this position? College of Business (COB) is one of the biggest colleges at UCF. As a student of COB, I have made observations and notes on things I as a Senator can do to improve COB students’ experiences and opportunities. Currently, I’m part of SGLC, and seeing the work and passion Senators have for their college and collectively the student body provokes me to run for the COB.
Why did you choose to run for this position? As a returning Senator, I choose to continue my service because of the profound impact I’ve witnessed and the opportunities it presents for ongoing advocacy and leadership. Having already experienced the fulfillment of making positive changes and representing my peers, I’m motivated to build upon that foundation and further amplify student voices. Serving as a Senator allows me to deepen my understanding of campus dynamics, foster meaningful connections with fellow students and administrators, and continue driving initiatives that enhance the student experience. It’s not just about personal growth but also about the collective progress we can achieve together as a community. So, I choose to run again because I am committed to the ongoing betterment of our university and dedicated to being a steadfast advocate for all students.
How can this position be used to help and protect the student body and its interests? I recognize the pivotal role this position plays in helping and protecting the student body and its interests. By actively engaging with students, listening to their concerns, and advocating for policies and initiatives that address their needs, I can effectively represent their interests within Student Government and university administration. Moreover, I see this position as instrumental in fostering increased representation within communities on campus and ensuring that all voices are heard and valued. By actively engaging with diverse student groups and communities, I can advocate for policies and initiatives that address their specific needs and concerns, thus promoting inclusivity and equity within the university. Through proactive monitoring and advocacy, I aim to safeguard student rights and promote a safe, inclusive campus environment. From advocating for resources to support mental health and campus safety to ensuring accessibility and affordability of services, I am committed to utilizing this platform to prioritize student well-being and ensure their voices are heard and respected.
What qualities do you have that would help you succeed in this position, and how will you apply them? The main qualities that come to mind are being open-minded, being a listener, a leader, a learner, and a friend. I can listen to our student body, take their main points, and transfer it efficiently to solve any problem. My leadership skills have grown greatly since starting at UCF. I have learned from the best leaders in this country about all walks of leadership and have gotten many opportunities to execute and practice it. I want to take these qualities and bring them to the student government. I can quickly pick up new procedures, systems, or ways of doing things. Change is no stranger to me, and I’ve learned to accept it and use it to my advantage. Being friendly and open-minded are qualities that would separate me from others running. My willingness to listen and understand others gives me the ability to work with many different types of people and do so in a way that pleases all sides. I want to bring all of these to the student government to better our school, organizations, and most importantly, students.
How can this position be used to help and protect the student body and its interests? We can use this position to advocate for the needs and wants of the student body and organizations to our student government. I am currently a senator holding the Vice-Chair of CRT who reviews and tracks funding for our students and RSOs. Distributing these funds helps our students greatly. It is a major morale booster and can grow them physically and mentally to become more effective students and members of our world. If they need help with funding, I will be there supporting and helping them.
–What qualities do you have that would help you succeed in this position, and how will you apply them? My sheer consistency and passionate love for politics of all shapes and sizes will keep me dialed in on Senate meetings, the responsibilities of being a Senate member, and keeping an example up for all UCF Students! My compassion and empathy will help me understand students who are struggling financially and my sense of teamwork, developed through my own businesses, allows me to be open minded as a leader.
–How can this position be used to help and protect the student body and its interests? This position can help dictate what funds go to certain activities, which can massively improve the quality of life here at UCF! This position can also show an example to other students and how to get other people involved. NOBODY IS PARTICIPATING and I can turnout people and voters like no one else has here!
How can this position be used to help and protect the student body and its interests? My qualities that will help me succeed the most are my strong communication skills, leadership ability, organization, and most importantly my adaptability. These skills will be applied in several ways to ensure that I have a smooth transition into office and that I can quickly start representing the student body by creating positive change. I will quickly show my leadership ability by taking initiative toward change and collaborating with other senators. The most important quality of adaptability will be used to find innovative solutions to some of the problems that plague the student body.
What is your relevant current and prior campus involvement, and how will it affect your time in office and your leadership style(s)? I choose to run for this position so that I can be provided with the unique opportunity to make a positive impact on the campus. I look forward to representing the interests of the student body and acting upon them. I am excited for the leadership experience that I will gain from this role that I will be able to apply later in life. Most importantly however, I look forward to being able to make a difference that will be noticeable and very positive towards the community of UCF.
Why did you choose to run for this position? I believe UCF was founded by and for engineers and would like to further the College of Engineering & Computer Science’s interests. More broadly I am interested in supporting the Military and Veterans Caucus to benefit military students and veterans and perhaps tying it in with my fraternity’s philanthropy which supports the United Service Organizations for veterans. Additionally, I’ve been interested in government, law, and debate my whole life. I have experienced and enjoyed student body government as president in high school and would like to continue doing so. I want to help allocate resources and represent my student body to benefit our campus community. My dad was also in UCF SG and inspired me to follow in his footsteps.
What qualities do you have that would help you succeed in this position, and how will you apply them? I’m social and energetic, this will allow me to work with others and bring positive vibes to discussions/meetings. I’m critical but open minded; I believe I hold a good balance between the two which allows me to filter through ideas and solutions quickly. I have a strong passion for congress and would be devoted to fulfilling my role. I have experience managing people and money and am well organized. I describe myself as the “get it done” guy because that’s what I’ve done my entire life and career working. I’m also experienced in congressional debate, where we would review, debate, and rule on proposed bills. I was president of my student body in high school where I I’ve worked with others, and solved monetary and logistical problems. I’m experienced with Robert’s rules and have been interested in politics and congress for my whole life. Overall I think these qualities are invaluable to one representing his student body’s interests.
How can this position be used to help and protect the student body and its interests? With UCF being such a huge school of over 60,000 students, I believe it is important to have a representative for each major. I transferred here from a school that did not care about my major and it does put a strain on the student body to not feel heard. I want to be in a position where I can make sure every college is being treated with respect and can receive what they need to succeed.
What is your relevant current and prior campus involvement, and how will it affect your time in office and your leadership style(s)? I currently do not have any campus involvement outside of my coursework. When I transferred here last semester I wanted to get situated first before I jumped into campus involvement. If I were to be elected, this position would take priority in my life.
How can this position be used to help and protect the student body and its interests?? This position can be used to help and protect the student body and its interest by effeicnlty representing their concerns and needs of the student body as a whole, so everyone can get the assistance they need, whether academic or personal. Many students sometimes are unaware of the many resources and help UCF offers, escpaicially with the large variety of resources in the college of Engineering. This position could be used to relay and and better inform the students of all the resources available to them. This position also allows for a better understanding of the students needs and concerns, while actually giving out the help and assistance needed.
What is your relevant current and prior campus involvement, and how will it affect your time in office and your leadership style(s)? I would say I am pretty involved on campus. Im currently the IFC Vice president of Judicial, and Hausing Manger of Phi Delta Theta. I am very organized and well prepared when it comes to time management, so these wouldnt interfere with my time in office. I would say having these current positions have definletey taught me alot about leadership, and what it means to lead a group while positively impacting them and assisting to their needs.
Why did you choose to run for this position? Ever since I started attending the University of Central Florida, I knew I wanted to do something that would be able to have a positive impact on the brilliant students who attend this school. I realized that the best opportunity for me to do so was in Student Government. After being accepted into the Student Government Leadership Council and learning about all the ways one could get involved in the organization, I found the Senate to be the most appealing due to the fact that you have the opportunity to advocate for your fellow students and push for change. Many engineering students have expressed their concerns to me about various things that affect them such as RSO funding, advising, and other topics. I want to be able to advocate for these concerns and the best way to do this is by being a part of the Senate.
Why do you think you qualify for this position? I’m fully qualified for this position due to my drive and prior experience in student leadership. I was a part of the Student Government Association in my high school for all four years. I was even elected as the Senior Class President and served as a liaison to the administration for my fellow students throughout my senior year of high school by advocating for their concerns. I also had the amazing opportunity to create and lead different events for the senior class, boosting spirits and morale throughout the school year.
What qualities do you have that would help you succeed in this position, and how will you apply them? Three key qualities I bring to this position are empathy, innovation, and resilience. Empathy allows me to genuinely understand and advocate for the needs of our diverse student body. My innovative mindset, cultivated through my Computer Science studies and extracurricular activities, enables me to approach problems creatively and find effective solutions. Resilience, developed through balancing my academic responsibilities with my roles as a Resident Assistant and active community member, ensures I can navigate challenges and persist in achieving our collective goals. I plan to apply these qualities by actively listening to student concerns, pioneering initiatives that leverage technology for community betterment, and tirelessly working to overcome obstacles that hinder our progress.
How can this position be used to help and protect the student body and its interests? This position provides a powerful platform to amplify student voices, advocate for necessary resources and policies, and implement programs that directly benefit the student body. By effectively representing the College of Engineering and Computer Science, I can work to ensure that our curriculum remains cutting-edge, our facilities meet our needs, and our community is inclusive and supportive. I aim to use this role to foster a stronger sense of belonging, push for initiatives that promote mental health and well-being, and advocate for resources that enable all students to achieve their full potential.
Why did you choose to run for this position? I’m running to be a senator because I want to advocate for engineering and computer science students and I believe the UCF senate is the best place for that. As someone who was a senator in the 55th session, I’ve seen the immense impact that senators can have towards improving students’ lives on campus and I want to continue to be a part of it. The college of engineering and computer science is the foundation that UCF was built on. I believe that our college deserves senators who will continue to drive us towards excellence and I know that I’m the right person for the job. In the past session, I was the chair of the student body advocacy committee where I was able to successfully help implement changes to campus that will help the student body on a daily basis. Whether it was adding allergy notifications to the student union kiosks or assisting senators in writing transformative legislation, I’ve done a lot to help UCF and I wish to continue making it a better university day by day.
What qualities do you have that would help you succeed in this position, and how will you apply them? I’m a very determined person. When I set my mind to something, I’m going to complete it. Along with this, I’m also detail oriented so when I complete something I want to ensure that it’s perfect. I have great time management skills so I can balance my classwork and extracurriculars with being a senator. As a Senator, most people are going to have big aspirations about things they want to complete during their session. I plan on using the qualities I stated above to turn my aspirations into tangible change for students.
Why do you think you qualify for this position? I have been a senator since I was elected last cycle. During this time, I have been a continuous member of the FAO and ORS committees and have learned a great deal about the fiscal aspect of Senate, which is one of the most direct ways that SG impacts the students. I also recently became the chair of the ORS committee and am steadily gaining experience in that role. In short, I know the process and how to get things done.
How can this position be used to help and protect the student body and its interests? Senators act as the voice of the student body in that they listen and respond to student concerns and represent student interests at a high level. With this ability, they can improve the everyday lives of each student. For example, at the semesterly dean meetings, senators get the opportunity to voice the concerns of their constituents directly to the deans of the college. At my spring dean meeting, I advocated for action to be taken on the high prices of online homework. The deans are now aware of the issue and are investigating ways to move forward.
How can this position be used to help and protect the student body and its interests? As a senator, I will be the liaison for information from my college to the student government that needs to be brought up. I want to make sure that the students feel heard and their issues are being addressed. I knew that I wanted to make an impact here at UCF and being a senator will allow me to do just that. Being in college can be very difficult, especially when you are facing challenges you have little to no control of. I hope to make the college experience for everyone I am representing as extraordinary as possible.
What is your relevant current and prior campus involvement, and how will it affect your time in office and your leadership style(s)? I knew coming into UCF that I wanted to be involved in as many extracurriculars as I could. I had always been big into Student Government along with theater, so those are the two groups that I looked into joining. Outside of all of my classes, I am really only involved with Project Spotlight and SGA. Project Spotlight only meets two days a week to rehearse for an upcoming performance. Although I would like to join more clubs, I understand that I only have so much time so I should put my effort towards things I am passionate about. I have had a lot of leadership experience in the past and I hope to only gain more knowledge to help me become the best leader I can. This position will help me improve my communication skills and learn how to lead in such a large group of people.
How can this position be used to help and protect the student body and its interests? This position provides a platform to address student concerns, advocate for necessary changes, and ensure that policies are in the best interest of the student body. I will work to enhance campus life, promote inclusivity, and safeguard the well being of students.
What is your relevant current and prior campus involvement, and how will it affect your time in office and your leadership style(s)? My involvement in SG senator, lead scholars, working in Undergraduate Research, the Excel program, A Director at Next Gen Engineering club, on the VP committee at SHPE, the Florida Space Institute rover director, Publicity and Hospitality Director for Leadership week, Campus Activities Board’s Associate Council, Discovery program Blackstone Launchpad, NASAs L space Mission Concept Academy where I learned to coordinate NASA missions, NASAs L Space NPWEE. TAMID education co director (A business RSO), Jewish Changemakers Fellowship, Sinai Scholar, and CHABAD, a part of Knights rocketry projects, Knight Light Team has given me insights into the diverse needs of our student community. This experience will shape my leadership style, emphasizing inclusivity, collaboration, and a proactive approach to addressing challenges on campus
Why did you choose to run for this position? I chose to run for this position not only to become a part of this school in a bigger way but also to help represent the College of Engineering in a good positive way. I heard about this position through my engineering lecture, then started to do some research. I noticed that there were 4 vacant seats in the College of Engineering section, to me that did not sit right with me, if there is room for more representation then I believe that it should be filled. In all my past schooling experience I found that once I became more involved in campus, especially the betterment of the school, I was able to enjoy my time at said school more. So, I have been trying my best to implement that into UCF by joining clubs and groups related to my major, and this is another fantastic opportunity to do so while also working towards the betterment of my school and specified college.
Why do you think you qualify for this position? While only being a first-year student I have not had many opportunities to show my leadership qualities in college but, in high school I was and did demonstrate them in numerous ways. I was actively involved in my school’s student government all four years and through that process I was a part of district meetings, bringing and competing with service projects on a statewide level winning many awards and honors, while also still leading the daily classes. This taught me time management skills and ways to effectively lead a team by delegating tasks and taking charge when necessary. I have also had multiple jobs serving as manager and shift lead. When I was just 16, I worked my way up to the managerial position by showing hard work and leadership qualities in the workplace. I have also held many positions in various clubs and organizations throughout my life, and by doing so I have connected these organizations to local businesses creating good relationships and making reliable donors.
What qualities do you have that would help you succeed in this position, and how will you apply them? I am very committed and dedicated to making UCF better for the students. I am organized and great at listening to others. Being organized is a major benefit as it will allow me to keep track of all my work and get everything in a timely manner. I will also be able to thoroughly listen to other students’ recommendations and relay them to the other members of the student body.
Why did you choose to run for this position? I chose to run for this position to gain experience for my future goals. In the future, I want to do something involving management and computer science. Being on the student government board will allow me to assist other students in need, which is a skill I will need in the future. I enjoyed collaborating with others, managing programs, and planning events. Because of these skills and my experiences in leadership roles, I wanted to continue using my skills to better my UCF community.
Why did you choose to run for this position? I decided to rejoin SG as I have found that representation of graduate students and the College of Graduate Studies has always been an area lacking within the Senate. Many graduate students lack the representation necessary to fight for housing assistance, food security, and better pay for graduate assistants and fellowships. All students, regardless of age or standing, deserve a wage that allows them to live and thrive in Central Florida. I also believe there is always more work to be done to tackle issues around housing, safety, transportation, diversity and inclusion, support for RSOs, good ethics from those in positions of leadership.
Why do you think you qualify for this position? As the former Speaker of the Senate during the 54th Session, I am well-versed in the inner-workings of Student Government and believe that my past experience as a Branch Head would allow me to work effectively in delivering results for the College of Graduate Studies and the wider student body. As someone who also works full-time on campus, I have continued to grow professional relationships that would be of benefit for providing knowledge that can better support SG’s ability to understand how UCF works and what can be done on issues that matter to the student body.
Why did you choose to run for this position? I am uniquely qualified to serve as a Graduate Student Government senator due to my extensive experience and heavy desire in mentorship and leadership roles within the UCF community. As the Guest Services Coordinator at the Student Union, I have honed my skills in effectively managing a diverse team of over 30+ highly skilled students, fostering an environment of collaboration and excellence. My commitment to mentorship goes beyond my professional responsibilities; I am genuinely passionate about guiding and empowering fellow students to reach their full potential. Through relevant community service work within my brotherhoods of my Fraternity and Professional organization, we work to in still the proper values into the next generation of students and provide a positive support system when it can feel like they don’t have anyone. Furthermore, my dedication to giving back to the UCF community is deeply ingrained in my values. I understand the importance of fostering a supportive and inclusive environment where every student has the opportunity to thrive. Through my involvement in various campus initiatives and my hands-on experience in student engagement, I have developed a keen understanding of the needs and aspirations of our diverse student body. If elected as a Graduate Student Government senator, I will leverage my experience, passion, and commitment to advocate tirelessly for the interests and well-being of my fellow students. With a proven track record of effective leadership, a genuine desire to make a positive impact, and a deep understanding of the issues facing our community, I am confident that I am the best candidate to represent the voices of graduate students at UCF.
What is your relevant current and prior campus involvement, and how will it affect your time in office and your leadership style(s)? As the Guest Services Coordinator here at the Student Union at UCF, I’ve honed my ability to supervise and manage a large team while promoting the vision and safety of the Student Union. This experience instilled in me the importance of clear communication and fostering a collaborative environment to ensure seamless operations. My administrative expertise, including coordinating general administrative functions and managing budgetary expenditures, will enable me to efficiently handle the responsibilities of office, from organizing information to overseeing financial matters. Previously as President of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., I cultivated skills in parliamentary procedure and impartiality, essential for fair and effective leadership. By maintaining close communication with stakeholders and holding members accountable, I fostered a sense of responsibility and unity within the organization. These qualities will guide my leadership style, emphasizing transparency, fairness, and accountability. Furthermore, my involvement in Delta Sigma Pi Professional Fraternity and IM Sports as a Brother and Team Captain, respectively, has reinforced the importance of teamwork, discipline, and perseverance. These experiences have shaped my collaborative leadership approach, prioritizing teamwork and mutual respect to achieve common goals. Currently, as the Secretary of the Orlando Professional Chapter of Progressive Black Men, Inc., I’ve developed organizational skills and attention to detail, crucial for maintaining accurate records and facilitating smooth operations. This role has also highlighted the significance of effective communication and responsiveness in fostering strong relationships within the organization and beyond. In addition to my campus involvement, my ongoing pursuit of an UCF Graduate MBA provides me with a deeper understanding of strategic management principles and business acumen. This academic background equips me with the analytical skills and strategic thinking necessary to address complex challenges and drive positive change. Overall, my diverse campus involvement and ongoing academic pursuits have shaped my leadership style to be inclusive, transparent, and results-driven. I am committed to leveraging these experiences and skills to effectively serve and represent the interests of the community in office.
What qualities do you have that would help you succeed in this position, and how will you apply them? I think the biggest things that would allow me to continue being successful as a Student Body Senator are my time management and organization. I know from my prior engagement with Senate how big of a commitment it is to be a senator, and how especially difficult it is to be a kinesiology student at the same time. My time management and organization skills allow me to be an effective senator and represent my constituents in the best way possible, while still continuing to be academically successful.
Why did you choose to run for this position? I made the decision to run for this position largely due to my experience in the SG in the past, including the fiscal committees and the Activity & Service Fee Budget Committee. My biggest goal within Senate has always been to make sure SG funds are impacting students in the most significant way possible. I think my knowledge and experience will allow me to represent the College of Health Professions and Sciences in the best way possible. My experience also means I will be able to help any new senators adjust, as well as have a strong voice to advocate on behalf of our students.
Why do you think you qualify for this position? I believe I qualify for this position because I’ve always been good at finding how I can help people and advocate well for people. I spent the last semester or so in student government and learning more about senate. During this time, I consistently learned new things and gained knowledge through mentorship and attending the senate meetings along with committee meetings. What sets me apart from other candidates is my desire and ability to combine leadership and people skills. I value building long-lasting relationships with the student body and advocate, to the best of my abilities to ensure a successful future for everyone in CHPS.
How can this position be used to help the student body? I decided to run for a seat on senate in CHPS to help the student body in various ways. One personality trait I have that I think will help is my ability to talk to anyone. I am very outgoing and I am an active listener. I want to help make UCF a better place along with my college.
Why did you choose to run for this position? I chose to run for this position because I want to advocate for the wants and needs of the University of Central Florida students. As a student who is a part of the College of Health Sciences and Professions, Philosophy, and Burnette Honors College, I want to advocate for the needs of these students in particular, on top of the general population of UCF. As a member of the Senate, I can directly help make a change to UCF and help improve the opportunities.
What is your current and prior campus involvement, and how will it affect your time in office and leadership style(s)? I am a member and the External Affairs Director of the First Generation in Medicine Club and an active member of the Rotaract Club and Pre-med AMSA. I am very organized with my time and do not have trouble managing the directorship and participation in the clubs. As a director in the FGM, I reach out to relevant professional figures and experts in areas such as physician assistants, Doctors, Financial heads at Medical Schools, Professors conducting research, etc. My communication skills have grown through this experience, along with my leadership skills, and I plan to apply them to the Senate. Through the Rotaract Club, I have learned to be an active member of the community, and I want to get more involved in the UCF community via this opportunity. Pre-med AMSA is a club I am passionate about as a pre-med student, and I hope to also advocate for pre-med students’ needs in the Senate. My participation in these other on-campus clubs only adds to my passion and skills that will help me succeed in the Student Government at UCF.
What qualities do you have that would help you succeed in this position, and how will you apply them? I prioritize listening to others and understanding their needs. Communication between myself and others in a group setting is highly important to allow for progress and goal achievement. I understand the importance of teamwork, time management, and critical thinking. These qualities have helped me with my previous leadership positions, and I will be able to use them as a senator to work with others at the same college to create the needed changes.
How can this position be used to help and protect the student body and its interests? This position can be used to help and protect the student body by maintaining student interests and campus culture. It will allow students voices to be heard and respected. This allows students to guide senators to create the changes they need for a better campus experience.
How can this position be used to help and protect the student body and its interests? Being so open and available to all students is an integral part of being a senator, and embodying this role means that that open communication and willingness to understand will manifest in different areas of UCF which I am involved in. Since I have a background events and outreach for students, I comprehend how to approach those conversations.
What is your relevant current and prior campus involvement, and how will it affect your time in office and your leadership style(s)? I am very involved with Rosen Life as I am the Assistant Student Director. That being said, I have made arrangements to be also present at main campus to help with my senate responsibilities as well as any events.
What is your prior campus involvement and how will it affect your time in office or leadership style? Besides my involvement with Student Government, I have taken the initiative to involve myself with various other areas of campus. I did this to develop myself and to ensure I understood our University’s processes and the impact of Student Government on every area at UCF – and also to find ways to help the neglected areas. As a Senator in both the 54th & 55th Sessions, I made sure to use my voice and connections to their fullest extent. Regarding my involvement, I am a Burnett Honors Scholar within the Burnett Honors College. With that, I have been involved with the Dean’s Leadership Council (DLC), in which I have worked with the Honors College Deans to host events, showcase the college, and collect student input. With this, I have become more aware of issues Honors students in various majors face, and understand more about the Honors College as a whole. One of the things I did as a Rosen Senator that I was able to bring DLC into was the creation of Rosen’s first-ever Honors course. With the success of the first wine class this past Fall, the course has continued into this semester and is expected to expand! Without my connection to both the Rosen and Honors Deans through Senate and DLC, this may have never happened. Another piece of involvement is with general Rosen RSOs. I made sure to keep in contact with RSOs I represented in Senate, and also helped many of them get funding to travel or host events. Some of the most notable RSO’s trips I assisted include FTPLA’s trip to Disneyland in California, and Casino Resort Club’s trip to Las Vegas, Nevada! In addition to this, at Rosen, I was an Undergraduate Admissions Ambassador, and that allowed me to identify issues at Rosen, such as food options, general accessibility of campus and classrooms, shuttle schedules, and more. As a Senator, I was able to combine my experiences with Undergraduate Admissions to have those discussions and bring concerns so many students have at Rosen to Dean Wang. I hope to continue these efforts with whomever the new Dean is. As an Event Management major at Rosen, I have also worked my way into event roles on campus and served as the Programming Director for Late Knights, where I learned a lot about events and event processes, but also more about SG-funded entities as a member of both Senate and an SG Agency. This has helped me when serving on committees like SG’s Finance Office and the A&SF Budget Committee. For some other pieces of my involvement, I was involved with the LEAD Scholars Program and have served in several leadership positions in various RSOs, including a baking RSO I helped found. Overall, I have a deep understanding of our campus due to my involvement, and I will use that to find solutions to issues and inform the Student Body. As a Senator for the 54th, 55th, and hopefully 56th Student Body Senates, I will continue to advocate for any student who needs me, especially for the students here at the Rosen College of Hospitality Management.
Why do you think you qualify for this position? I believe I qualify for this position because of my involvement with Rosen, in Senate currently, and what I’ve been able to accomplish so far this year. If you read the above, you will see the impact I’ve made with things Rosen students care about and things that general students have concerns with. But in addition to that, I have been very involved during my time as a Senator. To explain my efforts in Senate, I have been Conference, Registration, and Travel (CRT) Committee Chair, Operations Review and Sanctions (ORS) Chair, Disability Caucus Vice Chair, Finance Office Vice Chair, and Activity and Service Fee (A&SF) Budget Committee Vice Chair. I won’t go into absolutely everything I’ve done, but I will touch on some highlights. During my time as CRT Chair, I was able to help fund over 750 students and RSOs to attend conferences, compete in competitions, present research, conduct service trips and observational research, and more! During my time as Disability Caucus Vice Chair, I worked with the committee to get wheelchair charging stations in the Student Union. As a member of general Fiscal Leadership (ORS Chair, CRT Chair, Finance Office Vice Chair, A&SF Budget Committee Vice Chair), I was able to meet with UCF’s CFO Gerald Hector to work on improving transparency in A&SF’s Budget and UCF’s Budget generally going forward. In addition, just acting as a Senator, I introduced at least 9 of the 42 Fiscal Bills, all 3 of the Constitutional Amendments, 12 of the 32 Internal Bills, and 3 of the 36 Resolutions seen by the 54th Student Body Senate. This means that as a singular Senator, I was responsible for nearly 24% of all legislation seen by the body – more than any other Senator. With my extensive knowledge of the Student Body Consitution and the Student Body Statutes, I can find ways to make sure I represent Rosen well and fix issues not only at Rosen but also within Student Government and our processes.
What qualities do you have that would help you succeed in this position, and how will you apply them? I believe that during my time at UCF thus far, I have been able to sharpen my skills of leadership both inside and outside of the classroom. This has enabled me to see the value in the opinions and perspectives of others when making decisions affecting a group and majority. In my role as senator, I will apply this by making decisions to benefit the greatest number of people in my college. To that end, I have been able to immerse myself comprehensively in the field of medicine through clinical and nonclinical experiences. For such a hands-on and experience-based field, it is imperative to have this knowledge for making the most informed decisions. Further, although I am a pre-health student, I have been able to see the value in expanding one’s time to the plethora of other offerings provided by UCF’s departments in the means of seeing how one may best fulfill their goal: healing the patient.
How can this position be used to help and protect the student body and its interests? A position as representative as a senator should be filled by someone who has the views of the student body in the back of their minds. An individual can leverage their lived experiences, successes, and mistakes to best reflect the needs of the student body both in the present and in the future. I have myself seen the beauty of our school and its tremendously large, diverse, and thought-provoking population. For this reason, this open mindedness to a variety of ideas, thought processes, and perspectives as they apply to the overarching and incredibly important field as medicine is what I hope to bring during my time in this position.
How can this position be used to help and protect the student body and its interests? As a senator, our whole purpose is to represent and advocate for the student body by voting on issues that directly affect them and by bringing up issues that are currently affecting them and might need to be changed. For example, if I were to be a senator representing the College of Medicine, I could really listen to the needs of my peers on campus, in my classes, and in my organizations, and there might be something like getting more funding for certain STEM or pre-medicine RSOs, or having more resources to prepare COM students for the MCAT, and I’d be able to take those issues and advocate for them. Beyond just being a senator, there is also the opportunity to get involved in the various committees and caucuses in Senate, as well, where I could also strive to make a difference within. I believe that by really listening to the needs of fellow students and by being one myself who can relate to them, that this position would be an amazing chance to represent the interests of the student body and help to protect those interests.
What is your relevant current and prior campus involvement, and how will it affect your time in office and your leadership style(s)? Since last year, I have been involved with the Forensic Science Association, and starting this year I have been a part of the Neuroscience Alliance, as well as the Student Government Leadership Conference. I think that being involved in all of these organizations would affect my time in office by making it more possible to relate to and represent other students. Each of these groups has a variety of students with different campus involvement backgrounds and each has a common goal or shared interest among them. I think being involved in these groups and being around my peers where we all have a common interest, will allow me to be a better, more compassionate leader because I can better understand the student body’s needs, as I myself have been around those students in different RSOs and orgs and shared those needs with them.
What qualities do you have that would help you succeed in this position, and how will you apply them? Honesty, creativity, and empathy are qualities that I have that help me succeed as a student senator. My honesty allows me to communicate clearly with my fellow senators about issues that may arise and clear communication on how to resolve them. Being able to find possible unconventional ways to attack an issue is sometimes the difference between success and failure and creativity is needed to see outside the box. Finally, empathizing, and being able to rapport as well as creating a sense of community allows me to successfully represent the interest of many groups on campus.
How can this position be used to help and protect the student body and its interests? The position of student senator can be used to help protect the student body and its interests by ensuring all concerns are addressed as well as maintaining a community feeling with all the various students. The position is used as an intermediary between the student population and campus policy. I want to make sure that students’ concerns are addressed with the utmost importance because the student body is UCF. The position serves as a platform for student groups on campus and I want to aid the student population in amplifying their voice.
Why did you choose to run for this position? I chose to run for this position because I’ve always loved getting involved with campus leadership and this position will allow me to make a positive impact and give back to UCF. Being a part of the student government leadership council has exposed me to the branches of student government, and I’ve been closely involved with the legislative branch through the council. I admire the ability to contribute to the positive changes within our college community and be able to be a part of the inner workings of our strong and driven student government. I’m passionate about leadership and I promise to represent my college and the students if given this opportunity.
What qualities do you have that would help you succeed in this position, and how will you apply them? Some of my qualities include patience, communication skills, teamwork, and integrity. I will always be as patient as possible in limiting circumstances that create pressuring situations. Losing patience creates terrible circumstances, hence that’s something that I will avoid by being organized and understanding my peers. Additionally, communication is a core part of any student government role because advocating for students means being able to voice their opinions and concerns. To be able to do this, I will try my best to hear out every opinion and do my best to work to fix the negative ones. Teamwork is another quality that I excel in because working in environments with other people creates growth and is always a learning process. We learn from others and are given the opportunity to teach what we know to them. I will always try my best to engage with the faculty and students with this position. Last, but not least, our work is most valuable when it has our own values behind it. One of these values are integrity. All actions and decisions of mine will be guided by honesty and integrity.
Why do you think you qualify for this position? In high school, I was given the opportunity to participate in many different leadership opportunities. My three biggest involvements being attendance at Boys State in Tallahassee during the summer of 2022 where I was elected to the House of Representatives, leadership positions in my High School’s Air Force JROTC program, and serving as Vice President of my School’s Health Occupations Students of America Chapter (among other involvements). These experiences taught me to appreciate public service, community outreach, and the importance of leadership and personal development. Skills which are quite conducive to positive leadership and involvement as a senator. Now, as a Knight, I have furthered my leadership development through my participation with the LEAD Scholars Academy here at UCF.
How can this position be used to help and protect the student body and its interests? Despite having the College of Nursing located at the Main Campus, a new nursing building under construction at the Lake Nona campus, and two satellite campuses (one in Cocoa and the other in Daytona Beach), the college of nursing currently has no senators (appointed or elected) to make policy suggestions on their behalf. As a senator, I will advise policy decisions in the best interest of not only our Knight Nurses in Orlando, but also our Nurses in Cocoa and Daytona Beach. Nursing students are some of the most empathetic and hardworking people. At the very least, they deserve to be heard.
Why do you think you qualify for this position? My involvement in Model UN during high school honed my skills in diplomacy, critical thinking, and collaborative problem-solving, providing me with a solid foundation for effective leadership. Additionally, my tenure as a bartender afforded me valuable insights into interpersonal dynamics. Moreover, my years of active engagement in the voting community have granted me a deep understanding of the pressing issues facing our society, from historic division to contemporary challenges. Through this lens, I recognize the imperative of transcending partisan divides and uniting in pursuit of common goals, a perspective that I am committed to bringing to the forefront of our college senate. It is the combination of experiences and perspectives that I believe uniquely qualifies me to serve as a dedicated advocate for our student body, striving to foster unity, empathy, and progress within our college community.
How can this position be used to help and protect the student body and its interests? The role of a senator extends beyond mere representation; it is the solemn responsibility to safeguard the rights and well-being of every student. Drawing from my technical expertise in photonic engineering and my philosophical inclination toward ethical governance, I envision implementing innovative initiatives aimed at enhancing student life, promoting academic excellence, and fostering an inclusive campus environment. By advocating for accessible resources, equitable policies, and meaningful student engagement, I am dedicated to ensuring that every voice is heard, and every concern is addressed. Together, let us forge a brighter future for our college community, grounded in collaboration, empathy, and unwavering dedication to student prosperity.
What qualities do you have that would help you succeed in this position, and how will you apply them? My critical thinking skills, listening skills, and ability to effectively communicate in groups are all qualities that would help me succeed in this position. With my communication skills, I will be able to work with other senators well in order to make beneficial changes to help the university and the College of Sciences. My critical thinking skills will help me think about topics from different perspectives and how various topics would affect individuals in the College of Sciences and the University. By being a good listener, I will be able to listen to the needs and wants of the student body and consider them in my decisions and actions.
What is your relevant current and prior campus involvement, and how will it affect your time in office and your leadership style(s)? Currently, I am involved with many different organizations on campus. I’m a member of the Student Government Leadership Council, the Experience Committee for this council as well as the Senate Leadership Council. I am a Lead Scholar and a member of the Social Committee for the Lead Scholars LLC. I’m in the Neuroscience Alliance and a member of the Psychological Society. My involvement in Student Government and the Lead Scholars Academy has allowed me to grow my leadership and has taught me how to be the best leader possible. I will use the skills I have learned from these organizations to help improve our school through this position. My involvement has given me the opportunity to meet many students on campus and I believe this will help me make educated decisions for the student body.
Why did you choose to run for this position? I have decided to run for the UCF Student Government with a deep commitment to championing the principles of fairness, integrity, and justice. My goal is to ensure that these core values are at the forefront of our collective efforts, shaping policies and initiatives that reflect the diverse needs and aspirations of our student body. By fostering a transparent, equitable, and inclusive environment, I aim to make a meaningful difference in the lives of my peers, ensuring that every voice is heard and respected. This commitment not only reflects my personal values but also embodies the spirit of our university community.
Why do you think you qualify for this position? My qualifications for this position are rooted in my comprehensive experience within the Student Government, where I have served with dedication as an Associate Justice and as the Chair of the Military and Veterans Caucus. In these roles, I have honed my ability to make fair and informed decisions, advocate effectively for our military-affiliated student population, and lead initiatives that promote their welfare and integration into campus life. My tenure has equipped me with a deep understanding of the intricacies of student governance, a strong commitment to justice and equity, and the leadership skills necessary to navigate and address the diverse needs of our student body. This unique blend of experiences and skills makes me well-prepared to take on the challenges and responsibilities of this position, with a steadfast commitment to serving all students with integrity, empathy, and effectiveness.”
Why did you choose to run for this position? I chose to run for Senate because I am passionate about helping the student body. Before coming to UCF, I knew I wanted to be a part of student government. I saw the reach of UCF SG throughout the campus during my first college tour. This inspired me to apply for the Student Government Leadership Council (SGLC). Now, after being a part of SGLC, I hope to leave a lasting impact on campus by being elected as a senator.
What is your relevant current and prior campus involvement, and how will it affect your time in office and your leadership style(s)? Currently, I am the chair of the Experience Committee in SGLC, I am in the Burnett Honors College, and I play intramural sports. My campus involvement prepares me to be a senator in several different ways. Being the chair of the Experience Committee has taught me more about leadership in the student government setting. I have learned how to organize, lead, and manage committee meetings. With the Burnett Honors College, I can represent the interests of the Honors College as they do not have a seat in the Senate. Finally, with intramural sports, I have learned more about working collaboratively as a team, which I believe is essential to being a senator.
What qualities do you have that would help you succeed in this position, and how will you apply them? As a journalism major, I am extremely talkative, friendly, and open-minded; I am willing to hear anyone’s perspective no matter what it is. I will apply this skill by making sure everyone on campus is served to the best of my ability. I am an extremely hardworking individual, and I rarely sit idle. There is always something to be done. I will devote a lot of time to Student Government, making sure that I am pushing myself to the best of my ability.
How can this position be used to help and protect the student body and its interests? So many people have so much to say, but they do not. They might be afraid, or they simply just do not have the means to speak up. This is the reality of the United States government, and the reality of our own Student Government. Senators on the Student Government have an incredibly special role that allows them to speak up for those that may not be able to or do not want to. There is no one more qualified than a student to speak for the students. Being within the community itself allows a student senator to truly understand the needs and wants of the student body compared to faculty members.
Why do you think you qualify for this position? I am qualified to represent the College of Sciences in the senate, because of my vast experience in leadership positions specifically serving as a void of the students. Currently, being the External Legislative Assistant (ELA) for the 55th Session. As the ELA I advocate for the needs of all students, passing legislation based on meetings with administration that direct benefit students.
How can this position be used to help the student body? Senators must listen to everyone and represent every one of their constituents. I believe as a member of the Senate this prior session, I represented and advocated for the needs of everyone in the College of Sciences and beyond, to ensure everyone gets the most of their academic and social experience at the University of Central Florida. As the External Legislative Assistant (ELA) for the 55th Senate Session I passed and sponsored various pieces of legislation to better each college, after meeting with College Deans’ and voicing our concerns based on your feedback and receiving their concerns to better the different Colleges within UCF!
Why did you choose to run for this position? I chose to run for Senate because I have a passion for letting people’s voices be heard. I didn’t always feel confident enough to speak up, but after finding my own voice, I have developed a passion for advocating on behalf of others. This is why I love the idea of reprinting UCF students and why I chose my future career as a lawyer. Throughout various leadership experiences, I have been able to not only represent students within our community, but also by lobbying for UCF needs at the state capitol. Because I have so many interests and involvements, I feel that I have great perspective on what the student body cares about, and the work ethic to enact real progress.
Why do you think you qualify for this position? I have held several different leadership positions which have given me the qualifications needed to be a student representative. Since my first year of college, I have always had an interest in joining student government. I was a member of the SG Leadership Council, and have since moved on to join the UCF 55th Senate Session. I was appointed by the Student Body President this spring and confirmed by fellow senators. This not only gives me the opportunity to learn how the Legislative Branch functions, but I also actively participate in voting that impacts the student body. Besides this, I have also had the opportunity to be the LEAD Scholars Academy Special Events Director, where I plan all of LEAD’s largest events. This role has allowed me to sharpen my organizational, budgeting, and public speaking skills that will only be beneficial to the position of Senator.
Why did you choose to run for this position? I chose to run for this position because in my past two years of Student Government experience, I have found that it is so rewarding being able to provide services and utilities to students. Being able to plan events, allocate funding for academic or extracurricular based trips, and speak on behalf of the student body to administration is a pleasure and an excellent way to keep in touch with campus and the overall Orlando community. My past year as a College of Sciences senator has taught me so much about collaboration, leadership, and campus involvement, and it would be an honor to continue to serve the students of UCF.
How can this position be used to help and protect the student body and its interests? This position can be used to help protect the student body’s interests through the linkages that tie Student Government to administration. Student Government can be thought of as a bridge between students and administration, specifically the deans of each college, as senators attend semesterly meetings with each dean to discuss plans and ideas as it pertains to the student body As a senator, there is a responsibility to reach out to students and facilitate conversations regarding concerns and apprehensions affecting the university environment, and collaborate with other senators and members of Student Government to make change and address the issues at hand.
Why do you think you qualify for this position? I have been involved in political activism since highschool and am committed to doing the work to listen to and elevate the needs of the student body. These past two terms, I have been heavily involved with YDSA, an socialist political activist RSO, which has given me valuable experience in reaching out to other students to learn and act on what the student body needs. In addition to watching Senate procedures from the gallery and speaking to the Senate during open forum, I have recently become a Senator as a sign-over, allowing me to be fully immersed in the Senate responsibilities.
- What qualities do you have that would help you succeed in this position, and how will you apply them? I am dedicated and persistent, and I am insatiably curious. I will put in the consistent effort and dedication required to complete Senate responsibilities and advocate for the student’s needs. My curiosity opens me up to hear from students with diverse backgrounds and learn about their needs so that I can then represent those ideas in Senate.
Why do you think you qualify for this position? I know I’m qualified because the website said no experience required! All jokes aside, I believe I would be a stellar choice for the Senate because I have a drive for advocacy and making college (a unusual, new tribulation for most students) as accessible, affordable and of course as INTRIGUING as possible.
How can this position be used to help and protect the student body and its interests? The Senate works to uplift, support and encourage the student body throughout their college years, whether it be financially for RSOs to have events and travel for conferences, working with colleges and resources on/around UCF to have fantastic campus wide events, and even through student advocacy. Being a part of this team yields a lot of power that can greatly impact the morale and reputation of our school and the students, so I believe it best to be just and fair leaders that work closely with our peers, faculty and staff so that everyone can truly live it up at UCF! ?
What qualities do you have that would help you succeed in this position, and how will you apply them? In pursuing the Senate position at UCF, I know I possess the qualities that align with the responsibilities and expectations of this role. Throughout my academic and extracurricular experiences, I have demonstrated the ability to effectively communicate and engage with different viewpoints. I believe this is one of the most essential tools for this position. My ability to meet with different students, faculty members, and address their concerns, and know how to resolve them, stems from my ability to communicate. My proficiency as a valuable collaborator is a key asset in the Senate position. I will use this skill to foster cooperation and build consensus. I recognize the significance of creating an inclusive environment where all voices are heard and accounted for in a large and high-stress setting. Furthermore, my passion for student advocacy and engagement will propel my approach in this position. I am dedicated to being an effective advocate for the interests and concerns of my fellow students and working with other members and branches of student government to address the problems that matter most to the students at UCF. In applying these qualities, I plan to work alongside my Senate colleagues to implement positive differences, as well as propose and support initiatives that work to enrich the student experience and gain feedback from the student body. I am committed to developing an environment that promotes inclusivity, transparency, and works to strengthen the overall well-being of UCF students.
How can this position be used to help and protect the student body and its interests? The Senate position will be used to help and protect the student body and its interests as the main role of the Senate is to create proposals, bills, and resolutions to pass legislation to better serve the students of UCF. This allows the Senate to address the concerns of the student body and work to change and fix the issues on campus. If I were selected to represent the Senate for the College of Sciences, my main priorities would be addressing issues related to student life, including student organizations and student services, by developing policies to enhance a student’s experience if they are not equipped to adapt to a college campus. I also plan to change the current emergency preparedness model by updating it to better equip for disaster response and recovery and by allocating resources to emergency services and preparedness programs to reduce, and hopefully eliminate deaths from automobiles and outside invaders. My leadership skills and understanding of the issues students face uniquely position me to represent their concerns and interests effectively in the Senate. I am excited about the opportunity to serve my fellow students and contribute to the continuous improvement of our University.
Why did you choose to run for this position? I want to be able to represent the interests of transfer students at UCF since I believe they are not adequately heard currently in senate. I am a transfer student myself so I bring experiences and perspectives that will better help serve that community. I know firsthand how jarring adjusting a new school is so I would plan to work with the transfer connect center and transfer student centered RSOs to have Student Government help however they can to smoothen that transition process.
Why do you qualify for this position? I have a wealth of experience that would make me qualified to be a competent senator. I am the founder of an RSO here on campus, so I know what it takes to start, run, and manage an RSO. I will use this experience to better serve and understand RSO needs. I also have the necessary political experience to be a competent senator. I’ve interned with the Rep Eskamani office so I have a good understanding of how to read and write bills so the learning curve will not be that bad for serving in Senate.
Why did you choose to run for this position? Overall I want to run for this position because I believe that we are never short on student body advocates across campus, and I wish to be that for the UCF community. I have always been passionate about civic engagement, and allowing change within our communities and running for this position allows me a platform where I can listen to the issues that affect my peers, as well as educating them on issues they may not be aware of but are important nonetheless. I wish to implement policies that ensure everybody is included and accommodated for, as well as innovating within the School of Politics, Security, and International Affairs.
How can this position be used to help and protect the student body and its interests? Being a student senator ensures that the students that do not wish to run for this position have an advocate within student government. With committees such as SBA and the caucuses that reside within the Senate, students are able to have their interests represented through a senator and I would be honored to be their point of contact and see that changes are made that benefit them. Without senators, the student body interests would not be taken into account and the university would not be a pleasant institution to be a part of. We need to ensure that students are heard and that those discussions are not empty promises but real action that leads to change.
What qualities do you have that would help you succeed in this position, and how will you apply them? I am goal-oriented and compassionate when it comes to assisting my UCF peers. I am also a huge advocate of helping. Helping people find their voice is crucial and necessary, in any context. Countless student organizations are present on our huge campus and they are constantly looking for change. I would love to play a role in helping accomplish that for the student body. For instance, the Senate is composed of committees and caucuses in which Senate members can work on specific initiatives and legislation representative of students of those niches. By having a set goal such as an initiative in committee, I can allow myself to stay organized and maintain my progress in my initiative. Additionally, I view myself as understanding. Oftentime, I understand that Senate members may have different approaches to combating an issue but I believe that collaboration can lead to clarification which can oftentimes lead to compromise. This form of understanding can be used in any situation, especially with a large-scale audience such as in the Senate chamber.
How can this position be used to help and protect the student body and its interests? It is imperative for senators to advocate for their constituents and I deem taking the role of a senator a sufficient way to do so. The Senate serves as a branch for students to lean on, whether it be for funding club events or for responding to students’ concerns. Not only does the Senate work on specific initiatives within their respective colleges but it also takes into account students and their backgrounds in order to enhance the lives of students overall. By collaborating on legislation, whether it be in committee, caucus, or in the formal Senate chamber, Senate members overall work to provide a safe and inclusive environment for students here at UCF. In my time as a senator of the 55th session, I have encountered numerous organizations who have come to speak before the Senate chamber and ask for help.
Why did you choose to run for this position? I am choosing to re-run for this position simply because I wish to serve the student body to the best of my ability. Student government is an excellent way for students to make institutional change within UCF, and to represent the needs of their fellow students, as well as their respective college. I believe in the power that students possess, the power to make and advocate for change to better ourselves and future generations of students. Ultimately, I am re-running because I would like to be a part of this change.
How can this position be used to help and protect the student body and its interests? This position can be used to protect the student body and its interests through the representation of the interests and desires of the student body. Student government is a student-led institution within UCF that can have legitimate and long-lasting impacts on the student body. Student Government can implement change through legislation, urge UCF to do or change certain policies and actions, and to further engage students within the function of the university they go to. On the whole, Student Government can build collective power for students. A senatorial position can have drastic impacts as to the decisions and actions of this institution that intends to empower students. If elected, I plan to continue this further empowerment and representation of the student body here at UCF
What qualities do you have that would help you succeed in this position, and how will you apply them? I am, first a foremost, attentive and observant. This would help me to succeed because I weigh out the effects of all choices before I decide on a definitive answer on any and everything. I am also exceptionally good at putting myself into other’s shoes and/or just simply listening to their viewpoints on different topics. This helps and qualifies me for this position because it means that I would never make decisions on behalf of my peers without first consulting those around me to see how they feel about them first. Finally, I am a team player, am very dependable, and ambitious. When I am given a task, be it my own or for those around me, I always put my best foot forward and dedicate myself to making it known that I can be trusted to complete my duties.
How can this position be used to help and protect the student body and its interests? This position can be used to help and protect the student body and its interests because I recognize and embrace the fact that I stand for the student body and their interests. The position of senator is to be a voice for the collective and to resolve their concerns. By simply listening and advocating, this position proves to be one of great interest and a source of protection for the student body.
Why did you choose to run for this position?
I am running for this position because I am a dedicated Knight who will work hard to ensure that the voices of my peers are well-represented in Student Government. I believe that by taking an active role here, I can contribute to creating a more inclusive, supportive, and engaging campus environment for all of us. I am committed to representing the diverse voices and concerns of our student body while working collaboratively to address the issues that matter most to us.
What is your relevant current and prior campus involvement, and how will it affect your time in office and your leadership style(s)? I am a member of the Marching Knights, the largest organization of students on campus and a group that commits itself to cheering on our teams while entertaining the crowd at games. My love of this activity will be channeled into hard work and an unwavering loyalty to the success of our students. UCF athletics and the arts are incredibly important to me, and I will fight to ensure that they remain strong and meet the highest standards among colleges.
Why do you think you qualify for this position? Before UCF, I served as senior class president and study body vice president of my high school’s student government association. The experiences I had in these roles greatly strengthened my leadership skills and ability to effectively advocate for those I’m representing. As such, I knew stepping into my collegiate experience that I wanted to further my involvement in student government. This past year, I was accepted into the Student Government Leadership Council, a commitment which guided me through the overall framework of SG and all its different branches. It was here that I realized there are so many ways to be involved and advocate for any number of issues or concerns on campus within SG. Additionally, I connected with students from all kinds of different backgrounds, and I realized I wanted to be a part of all the potential ways I could make students feel heard and cause tangible improvements on campus. Eventually, my interest leaned more towards the capabilities of Senate and its ability to evoke real change. This semester, I began my involvement in the Senate Leadership Council which has deepened my knowledge, understanding, and connections within Senate. These commitments have solidified my skills and qualifications for a position within Senate as well as my passion to be involved.
How can this position be used to help and protect the student body and its interests? For those that are not familiar with Senate, it is currently a body of 72 students that are elected by the student body. Generally, Senate allocates funds to students or organizations to travel and register for academic conferences as well as to campus-wide events and projects. Additionally, through various committees, senators can directly impact and provide valuable insight towards issues that directly regard the student body. More specifically, senators work on their own initiatives that are either college-specific and/or campus-wide to further the change they’re able to implement throughout campus. As a senator, I would use my position to utilize student feedback/concerns to directly impact and implement any change needed. Furthermore, as I build my experience writing legislation and gathering RSO support, I will use these abilities to call attention to issues or concerns on campus to effectively resolve them, improving the UCF campus and making it more reflective of the student body as a whole.
Why did you choose to run for this position? During the summer of the current session, I was appointed to the senate in the College of Sciences, I wanted to become involved in SG for a period of time, and decided to commit to it, and I couldn’t have made a better choice. I have gained a good understanding of how the branches work, and how they are effectively managed, and have even worked on my own personal initiatives that got me the position. Through my initiatives, I have been able to successfully advocate for students and their needs and make useful connections between different agencies and bodies on campus.
What is your relevant current and prior campus involvement, and how will it affect your time in office and your leadership style(s)? As a STEM major in the College of Sciences, I have the skills to effectively manage my time and efforts, making sure that all the work that I present is of quality, and am effectively distributing my time and resources where they are needed. Being able to work collaboratively is essential to finding success in Student Government, and especially as a senator, working with the other 40 senators who serve on the body, as well as members of the other branches in SG. I currently serve on the GAP and SBA committees, and successfully advocate for the student body, and those specifically in the College of Sciences, and serving as Vice-Chair in the SBA committee. Outside of Student Government, I serve as an ambassador for the College of Sciences, working with the Dean’s office. Additionally, I advocate for K-12 students in the Greater Orlando area, working with the Initiatives in STEM Department at UCF, as a STEM ambassador. My on-campus involvement provides me with the sufficient experience and qualities that a SG senator should have.
No official candidates are running, but there is the opportunity to run as a write-in candidate! Sign in to KnightConnect, scroll down to forms, and apply here: https://knightconnect.campuslabs.com/engage/organization/sgaec
This college will hold 2 senate seats in the upcoming cycle.
This group will hold 1 senate seat in the upcoming cycle.