Class: 2012
Major: American Studies/Journalism & Legal Studies
What are your current involvements on campus?
For the past year I have served as the Student Union Secretary, coordinating elections, managing the office area and sending out weekly emails to the Student Body. Through Union I had the opportunity to work with many club leaders to ensure their projects and events went well. As a member of the Executive Board, I helped coordinate Union initiatives, and assisted with the planning of the Inaugural Ball. Last fall, I served as Coordinator of New Student Orientation, spending the summer working with a five person Core Committee, planning out Orientation. I facilitated the entrance of over 750 students to the University, while coordinating a staff of 109 Orientation Leaders, and working with my Core to put on a fantastic week of programs.
I have also been an Orientation Leader, Senior Week Volunteer and Tour Guide. I have participated in Waltham Group’s Volunteer Vacations, Liquid Latex, Hillel, Crowd Control (an improv troupe), and I have been very active in the theater community, serving as Co-Coordinator for Brandeis Ensemble Theatre. In addition to acting, I have produced several shows including RENT and two Student-Written-One-Act Festivals. During my first year, I was a distance swimmer on the Varsity Men’s Swim Team.
All of these activities have allowed me to interact with almost every aspect of the Brandeis Community. Such experiences have given me a well-rounded college career, in addition to providing me with an excellent scope of the student body and its opinions.
What made you want to run for this position?
I knew nothing about the Union during my first year at Brandeis. But as I became more involved with the student body, I learned how necessary and potentially effective the Student Union could be. I liked the idea of helping fellow students, and I have appreciated being able to be active in the Brandeis community. I wanted a chance to make a difference on a wider-scale, and I was interested in Union as a possible vehicle by which to achieve my goal. Since my election as Secretary, I have fallen in love with the Student Union. There is so much potential within this organization, but it can only be fulfilled through efficient practices and creative ideas. And it needs dedication, passion and excitement. I have all that. Combine this with my initiative and the fact that I am well in tune with the Student Body, and I believe that I am the ideal candidate for the Presidency.
More importantly, I know I will be the most successful at the Presidency. When I step forward, I follow all of my initiatives through. I dedicate my entire self to projects, and I will dedicate all of my time and effort to the Presidency. I intend to forgo other extracurriculars in order to be completely involved as a Student Union President. The change in activity is very much worth it, and one that I want to make. I would not be running if I didn’t think I was capable or passionate enough to helm the Student Union.
What is your vision as Student Union President?
As Student Union President, I am going to be a visible and accessible leader, supporter and member of the Student Body. On behalf of the Union, I promise honesty and communication. Guided by my Executive Board, the Union will not falter with its projects or initiatives. Our communication within our branches and outside to the student body and media will be clear and informative. Despite any goal I make during my Presidency, I shall ask for initiatives to be shaped by the student body. It is the student body’s opinion which shall steer the Union.
As President, I will work hard to be both an administrator (understanding organization, logistics and reality) and a visionary (unafraid to think on the creative edge, looking for new ways to strengthen our community and get them involved with the Student Union). I have some specific goals: establishing an Off-Campus Liaison for students dealing with Off-Campus Housing, working to permanently instate students on administrative committees and constantly reminding administrators of whatever concerns the student body may have next year.
In addition, I will immerse myself in the Student Body. I will immerse myself as the chief receptor, the primary listener – the face of the Student Body. People should feel comfortable coming to me, sharing their thoughts and ideas. I want to have had the opportunity to visit every singe club and organization on campus. I want to attend events, see programs and marvel at the talents of our amazing community. I want to be the primary resource for the Student Body, and I am dedicated to making myself available for that purpose. Should I be elected, the Student Body shall never have to doubt my dedication, efficiency and most importantly my word. I give my word that I am the best person to helm the Student Union.
What is one common misconception students have about electing a new President?
I think in election season, people are always thinking so hopefully, but sometimes with too much emphasis on the idealistic goals instead of the realistic situations. As much as we might want a new residence hall built by the end of next year, in reality – that probably will not happen. That isn’t to say that the Union cannot accomplish that, but we must understand that such a process takes time. Part of being President is choosing your battles, and I will need to do that – the student body should understand. But I am also a dreamer. I also look for the ideals, while attempting to keep my feet on the ground. I will push for a new residence facility, but I will send the majority of my effort to matters that will immediately benefit the student body (such as an Off-Campus Liaison), and shall help our community on its way to long-term goals. The Union can do so many amazing things, it just has to be smart about the way it goes about these projects. I will help this happen as President.
What is one thing you hope the student body will consider in voting for you?
Hopefully by now the student body has seen how passionate I am about Brandeis and its community. Hopefully by now the student body has seen the fruits that come from my efforts. Together with a Core Committee I put on a successful Orientation. With the talented members of the theater community, I have put on successful productions.
I want the student body to remember that when I step up to the plate I am there to win. I am a passionate leader who with hard work, creativity and familiarity with the University, is the best candidate for next year’s Student Union Presidency. I am going to listen to the Student Body, and I will devote all my time into making sure the Union’s efforts are completely beneficial to the undergraduate community.
How do you envision yourself working with another new President, Frederick Lawrence?
Through Orientation and my work as Secretary, I have developed a very good relationship with Fred Lawrence. I am excited at the chance of us both coming into next school year working together. My familiarity with him and other administrators such as Rick Sawyer and Stephanie Grimes, allow me the comfortable privilege of presenting both my support for and complaints against the actions of the administration. My past experience as a student leader has earned me respect of the administrators, and I know my voice will be heard by staff, faculty and other members of the Brandeis community. I look forward to weekly meetings with Fred Lawrence, as we both strive to achieve goals that will better our primary community at Brandeis – the undergraduates.