Meet Chandler Carlson, the recently elected Vice President of Undergraduate Student Government. Before he and Tess Greenwald’s (his counterpart and our President) campaign, you probably knew him as the kid with the beautifully golden flow who considers wearing shoes optional.
Chandler’s response to the simple question, “where are you from” sounds like the plotline to a movie. Growing up with a fighter pilot as a father meant moving every two years. From living in small town Alabama to Germany to Las Vegas and everywhere in between has made Chandler an expert on adapting to new situations and developed him into the outgoing individual he is today. With travel as the norm, Chandler’s had the chance to experience more of the world than some people ever will in a lifetime. Another perk of this nomadic lifestyle is the recycling of Halloween costumes. For years he and his three siblings dressed characters from the Wizard of Oz because it was always new to everyone else.
Before choosing where to study abroad Chandler asked the Office of International Education what would be most challenging and that’s how he ended up in Northern India. He was afforded the rare opportunity to think without distraction after he forwent the luxuries of life in America. Chandler is now learning to balance his go-go-go mentality with the leisurely task of reading and reflection.
Though Finance is not his passion, it is his major. Chandler believes it provides a number of valuable tools for a career in foreign policy and working in underdeveloped countries. He’s always had a heart for helping others. In high school he was able to ignite passion in his peers in order to raise over $30,000 for water projects in India and Ethiopia. As you might guess, this stands out as a formative moment for Chandler; it was one of his first experiences leading others and it taught him about human potential for compassion. Upon hearing this story Vice Presidency feels like a natural step.
Flashback to Orientation Week 2013: Mike Schutte, USG President at the time, was running laps around in Mangus chanting, “Neers, Neers, Neers!!” (Despite the fact Mike was never going to make “Neers” happen, he still inspired Pio pride in the incoming class and we can all appreciate that.) It was during this moment that Chandler’s dad leaned over and said, “That could be you one day.” Chandler undoubtedly has what it takes to make positive changes on campus and add value to our DU experience.
If there’s one thing you should know about Chandler it’s that the needs of people are at the heart of he and Tess’ campaign. Meaningful relationships don’t constitute a resume line, but they remain one of his top priorities. When Chandler isn’t serving others he enjoys surfing alongside his Labrador, Caleb at home in Kailua, Hawaii. Without photo proof we’re going to have to take him at his word on this one. He prefers savory to sweet, except for in the case of crêpes. And, his favorite drink is a cortado or, a “baby latte” as he likes to call it. So, the next time you’re in Beans, make sure you give this delicious half milk, half espresso drink a try.
Rest assured that Chandler’s already planning for Halloween 2016. It might finally be the year he trades in the tin man costume.