Grade: Sophomore
Major: Journalism
Hometown: Santa Monica, CA
Claim to Fame: ASUO First-Year Recruitment Director
HCO: How did you get involved with student government?
My passion for student government began in elementary school and middle school. I stayed involved in leadership clubs, programs, and social justice organizations throughout high school and served as student body secretary and president. When I visited the University of Oregon, I found the ASUO office and immediately knew I wanted to work there. When I moved into the dorms, I found the applications for student committees and the internship class on the ASUO website…the rest is history!
HCO: What responsibilities does your position entail?
I work to recruit and develop student leaders, advocate for first-year students, and oversee the Outreach Committee on the Junior Executive. It’s crucial that students are working on what they are personally passionate about. If a student is interested in legislation, they are given opportunities to lobby on behalf of students in Salem with the Legislative Affairs Commission. If a student wants to be an event planner in the future, they can help out with the ASUO Street Fair or an upcoming concert. Those are just two examples of what the ASUO has to offer.
HCO: What ASUO event has been your favorite this year and why?
It is definitely a tie between the Social Justice, Real Justice Conference last month and the Homecoming Parade back in October (my team’s float won first place!).
HCO: What other organizations are you involved with?
I am a member of Alpha Chi Omega and the Vice President of Civic Engagement for Panhellenic Council. Being involved with Fraternity and Sorority Life has allowed me to meet countless friends and given me the opportunity to facilitate leadership in other areas of campus.
HCO: How would you like to use your experiences with ASUO in the future?
I am a journalism major, but my experience in the ASUO so far has only upped my inspiration for writing. I want to do sociological, cultural, and investigative journalism to share people’s stories with the world while bringing attention to important issues within communities. It’s also a little dream of mine to work on the School Board for the Santa Monica-Malibu School Unified District because I want to give back to the community that first instilled in me values of ethical leadership and student advocacy.
HCO: What inspires you to get involved?
With my job, I am able to talk to countless students who are brand new to the university and the ASUO. Their energy and passion for student issues inspires me to continue to provide support and resources for them to grow. I’m also inspired by TED Talks and corny heart to hearts with my friends.
HCO: Who is your role model?
Oprah Winfrey of course! She knows how to celebrate the positivity in our world while reminding her audience the importance of consciousness and giving back.
HCO: What is your favorite quote?
I’m just going to go full nerd on you. “Differences of habit and language are nothing at all if our aims are identical and our hearts are open.”- Albus Dumbledore