Miss President: Jaclyn D’Aversa

When did you first get started with school governments? Was it middle school? High school?
I first got started with school government in high school. I knew I was interested in school policy and it was a great way to get involved.

Why did you want to become involved with Barnard’s SGA?
I transferred to Barnard my sophomore year and I thought it was great how many leadership opportunities were offered through SGA. SGA has taught me so much about Barnard and introduced me to some amazing Barnard women. I am so fortunate to work with such talented and dedicated women on SGA. 
What is the biggest initiative you helped pass through SGA or that you witnessed as a member?
Last year I was the Junior Class Vice President and focused a lot of time on the Greek Life debate. Barnard was in the process of reevaluating the college’s participation in Greek Life. It was up to SGA to make a decision on whether to approve Greek Life for club status or not. I spent a majority of the year speaking to different student groups about their position on the issue and if they believed Greek Life would be an asset to Barnard. I also worked on a task force that constructed a student-wide poll on the issue. In the end, I think SGA was able to accurately represent student opinion and recognize Greek Life at Barnard.
What is something you look forward to accomplishing this year?
This year I hope the Senior Class Council will serve as an outlet from the pressures of thesis writing and job searching. Barnard can be a very stressful environment and I believe that the Senior Class Council can do the most good by offering fun, stress-free activities for seniors. 
What do you think is SGA’s image on campus? Do you want it to change in some way?
I think there is a population of students at Barnard who are unsure of what exactly SGA’s role is on campus. I am hoping that this year we can work on being more transparent to the entire student body. Our meetings are open to the public every Monday from 8:10 to 10:10pm. I would love to see more students come to our meetings and voice their opinions.  
What do you think you offer to the Senior Class council and to the Senior class?
This year Senior Class Council is comprised of a wonderful group of Barnard seniors who are dedicated to making this the best year for the class of 2012. I think as a council we will be planning exciting and original events. We have also worked closely with CCSC, ESC, and GS to plan Columbia wide events. We have seen huge turnouts at our monthly Lerner Pubs and for Homecoming there will be a Senior Tailgate for all CU seniors. 
When are you the happiest?
I am happiest when surrounded by my family and close friends. I have a huge family and we all live on Long Island so we are all really close. 
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
 Hopefully I will be traveling the world. Last year I went to Ghana and it has really inspired me to travel. There is nothing more exciting than meeting new people, eating different foods and getting lost in a place you have never explored before.
Worst Halloween costume:
My family was really into the whole matching costumes thing when I was kid. One year my dad, my brother and I were all characters from the Zorro movie. The pictures are really funny when I look at them now.
Mel’s or 1020?
Definitely a Mel’s girl. Brew Crew, here I come.
Name one thing most people don’t know about you.
Oreos are my comfort food of choice 
If you had 25 hours in one day, what would you do with that extra hour?
Sleep!