Elected as David Asbra’s running mate, Selyna Ybarra is returning to the student government next Fall as the executive vice president. As only a freshman this campus celebrity has managed to score the second-highest ranked position a student can hold at ULV. Whether she is walking around campus with a smile on her face, riding the shuttle to talk to students or rushing off to class Selyna always makes time to say hello. She is a superstar with a huge heart and her voice is one ULV should be proud to be represented by.
Name: Selyna Ybarra
Major: Business Administration
Year: First year
Age: 19
Hometown: Oakland, CA
School Involvement: ASULV and Phi Sigma Sigma Sorority
With the recent election, how does it feel to know you will be only a sophomore and the executive vice president of ASULV?
I feel so honored to have won this position, but I know I could not have done it if it were not for the support from my friends, family, the voters, and also my partner David. The fact that I am only freshman makes me more ecstatic than anything I have the privilege of not only having the chance to implement change and enhance our university, but also enjoy watching progression on our campus during my years as a student here.
What is your favorite part about ASULV?
My favorite part of ASULV is definitely the opportunity. By being a Senator, or a part of ASULV in general, you are granted a world of opportunity. From showing up to club meetings to putting together school wide events, being a part of ASULV gives you a free canvas to do what you can in order to satisfy our students to the best of your ability. I also enjoy the people whom I have had the chance to meet along the way. With the meetings, events, and having a small campus, it is so easy to get familiarized with the leaders around us.
What do you hope to improve on the La Verne campus?
There are quite a few things I hope to improve on campus. One of them most important focuses David and I have is communication; face-to-face, student-to-faculty, faculty-to-ASULV, and ASULV-to-Students. Though President and Vice President is a two-person position, David and I want to make it a collaborative school effort so communication will be vital. I would also like to improve the visibility of ASULV’s intentions and goals for the upcoming year. With that I mean I would like the school to be the upmost informed when it comes to what ASULV is currently working on, what ASULV devotes to students, and the responsibilities along with duties of ASULV.
What is your favorite quote?
People who live in glass houses should not throw stones.
Advice for fellow Leos looking to get involved on campus:
As for advice, I’d say do not be afraid. Fear is a state of mind; it cannot set you back in any way shape or form unless you allow it to. There are so many great opportunities to get involved and make a difference here on campus. So I encourage you to take advantage of the chances here at ULV. Another piece of advice would be once you join an organization make a few goals/promises for yourself, write them down, and come back to it when you’re feeling low. This will help you stay motivated and bring you back to focus in order to serve with excellence. No matter what position, what organization, or what motive, be sure to pledge to leave the organization better than you found it.
How do you balance schoolwork with activities?
The way I balance schoolwork and activities is simple. I reserve “me-time” for hopefully 3-4 times a week. For an x amount of time it is important to clear your head and spend your time leisurely, with no homework or obligations. It is simply a time to do whatever it is YOU want. My “me-time” usually consists of outside reading, watching a good movie, or surrounding myself with good company and donuts. Working out, spending some time outdoors, and scheduling my week accordingly also helps me balance schoolwork and activities efficiently.
What do you want to be when you grow up?
When I grow up I plan to be happy, genuinely. As for career goals and aspirations I have three roads I would like to venture off in. I hope to be an Executive manager of a very successful and well-ranked company such as Apple or maybe USPS. Another career goal of mine has always been a Human Resource management only because I love people. I know I can excel in executive decision-making and team building. A new career path of mine is to eventually become a traveling consultant and serve my sorority Phi Sigma Sigma.