Name: James KielarFrom: New JerseyYear: seniorMajor: fire science with a concentration in arson investigationPosition: USGA President
What made you want to run for USGA?Kielar: “I wanted to become USGA president because I really enjoy being involved with all aspects of UNH, and I like working with both students and the administration to help improve campus life.”What’s your favorite part of being USGA president?Kielar: “I love meeting new people so my favorite part of being president is having the opportunity to work with totally different groups that I’ve never met before. We have such a diverse campus community; everyone has different opinions and viewpoints and it’s pretty cool learning about all of them.”How do you deal with the increased responsibilities along with your studies?Kielar: “Yes, there is an increase in responsibility now that I’m president but I knew that going into it. Life is truly all about tradeoffs and being okay with the implications of those tradeoffs. In my case, I made the decision to run knowing that if I had won, the other aspects of my life would be affected, such as less of a social life, seeing my family less often, more work on top of my academics, etc. While those all suck, I’m cool with it because the position offers new opportunities that weren’t available to me beforehand. As long as you find a balance between your tradeoffs you’ll be okay.”Do you have any advice for future USGA president hopefuls?Kielar: “Advice for USGA president hopefuls? I would say develop relationships with as many groups of people as you can. Also, don’t be afraid to march to the beat of your own drum. Be different but down to earth and smile and laugh with people; they’ll remember how you made them feel.”What’s your plan post-graduation?Kielar: “To be completely honest I’m not sure what the future holds for me. I wish to find my way into a public safety job. I would really be happy with a career firefighter position, being a police officer, working federally or the military. I suppose time will tell.”