Meet Ama: USG Presidential Candidate

Name: Ama Appiah

Majors: Molecular and Cell Biology, Communications

Hometown: Middletown, CT

Current USG position: Chairwoman of Academic Affairs Committee, College of Liberal Arts and Science Senator

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I’m a junior double major in Molecular and Cell Biology and Communications on the pre-medical track. My love for UConn and connecting with others has led me to being extremely involved on campus. I am the current chairwoman of the Academic Affairs committee, two-time senator for the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS), CLAS Leadership Board Vice President of Marketing and Communication, PR chair and volunteer of Medlife, and PR chair of the 2018 UConn Global Health Symposium. I’m also a research assistant at the school of nursing, tour guide, member of SUBOG’s Concert Committee, sister of Gamma Phi Beta and a Her Campus blogger. I work with Aerie/American Eagle as a brand ambassador to promote their message of positive body image and female empowerment. My extensive leadership experience reaches far beyond campus. I have served as an advisor to the mayor of my hometown, launched a city-wide student discount program currently still in use, and worked tirelessly with CT governor Dan Malloy, attorney general George Jepsen and Traveler’s Insurance to create a teen safe driving campaign with high schools across the state in an effort to reduce the ever-growing issue.

How did you two decide to run together?

I’ve had the privilege of watching Wawa become an emerging leader from the beginning. Her unwavering enthusiasm and dedication is something that reminded me of myself, and it can be clearly seen in her amazing work and relationships with others. We developed a friendship very early and quickly, and I have come to know her as a force that cannot be dispelled. That being said, although we have maintained a close friendship, we have very different perspectives on many issues. In my search for a running mate, I specifically wanted to have someone who could provide a different outlook on a situation. Wawa does this well, and with her phenomenal experience, I knew that we would make a great team.

Why do you want to be USG President?

I want to be USG President because my experience at the university, both good and bad, has driven me to make sure that students are getting the maximum resources available to succeed in their undergraduate career and beyond. I believe that my enthusiasm for education can influence other students to take the steps necessary to take ownership of their university experience and incite excitement in the numerous opportunities available to them. I know that my work ethic and determination can truly put USG and the student body in a new direction – one that is independent, supportive and ambitious.

What are some of the issues you two plan to take on?

Our platform consists of six initiatives: maintaining an environmentally friendly campus, more diversity and inclusion, increased USG accessibility and transparency, improving advising relations, increasing support for post-undergraduate success and increasing accessibility to research opportunities. As experienced executive members in USG, these are some of the issues students have inquired about most. They are also the issues we are passionate about, and we know that we have the ability to bring about change in these areas based on our previous work.

In what ways do you represent the UConn student body?

I believe Wawa and I represent the UConn student body with our passion and dedication to make the college experience worthwhile. The UConn student body has demonstrated time and time again that they are determined to better themselves in preparation for the future, and as students ourselves, we share the same drive.

What challenges do you anticipate during your campaign? 

The biggest challenge for is the addition of a campaign to an already hectic schedule. Performing well academically and being highly involved on campus are two tasks that I take very seriously. However, adding a campaign to my schedule, is manageable and exciting.

What about you two, specifically, will make you good for the UConn student body? 

I strongly believe that out abilities to be personable and connect with others makes us a great fit for the UConn student body. We want to make USG known for being approachable and transparent. At the end of the day, as campus leaders, we are here to be a reliable support system to ensure that students are reaching their full potential during their time at the university. We want to move USG into a more positive, brighter direction.

All photos courtesy of Ama Appiah