This week I got the chance to sit down with Isabel Baer, otherwise known as Izzy, to talk about her new campaign for Student Body Vice President as part of the MVision party. Serving on Central Student Government as an LSA Representative and Vice Speaker of the Assembly, this is nothing new for Isabel. She has dedicated herself to the needs of the school and you can read below to find out more information about her goals, initiatives for campus, and favorite parts about Central Student Government!
Her Campus: Do you think running for Vice President as a Sophomore gives you a greater advantage or disadvantage?
Isabel Baer: I think the fact that I’m a sophomore allows me to bring a different perspective to the executive office that has not been heard before. I want to represent underclassmen and their interests. A first year student has many different issues than a Senior and it is important to recognize these differences and adapt to their needs. I want to remind campus leaders that the student body’s issues vary by many factors such as age. A lot of what I emphasize on CSG is the importance of mentorship and relationship building with younger representatives. For the students who are just starting their Michigan experience I feel as though a sophomore voice is essential in representing their interests. Additionally, I believe something the executive office has lacked continuity in the past. Long term advocacy goals are extremely important but they can not be completed in one year. Long term goals have to align with longer term leadership.
HC: For the past year you have been an LSA representative on CSG as well as the Vice Speaker of the Assembly – what events took place over the year that led to you want to run for Vice President?
IB: I would say it was not my experience on assembly that shaped my desire to run for Vice President but it was my Michigan experience. During my freshman year I was hospitalized because of an allergic reaction in the dining halls. Immediately I saw simple changes that could be made in order to prevent that from happening to someone else who also has anaphylaxis. Or my experiences being a woman on campus and feeling as though I lack the role models my male peers has. As I previously mentioned, I understand the importance of mentorship, which is why I organized a Women in Government Panel with the Ginsberg Center. I hope to continue expanding panels such as this one for young women in other fields on campus. My experiences as a Michigan student have shown me that a single voice and small modifications can foster huge change, and I want to be a part of our school’s continual growth.
HC: A similar question, what did you learn about student government as a representative that will help prepare you for this role?
IB: My biggest takeaway is the knowledge that comes from working on projects outside the immediate scope of CSG. The projects that have the most lasting impact are the ones that start as collaborations across campus with different student orgs. I now realize that CSG is most effective when they help other institutions achieve their goals, instead of deciding what they think is best for that org. I remember in high school reading about a student organization that wanted to raise money in order to buy an ambulance for a small town in Tanzania. They were able to raise the funds and somehow send it to this small town. The ambulance broke down the first day it was in use because the town didn’t have paved roads. This story shows the importance of not assuming the needs of a community or organization from the outside, but asking the community what they need instead.
HC: What is the biggest goal you are hoping to accomplish as VP?
IB: I am hoping to empower young women on campus who are interested in getting involved with advocacy work or government while at U of M. I think one of the most powerful things to have as an 18, 19, 20 year old girl is a role model to look up to. I have an amazing mother who is ambitious and successful in a predominantly male field. Her perseverance in the office, and then her raising of my two sisters and I, made me realize we can do it all. I hope to show incoming first years that, while there will be obstacles, you can be visible, ambitious and successful as a woman on this campus.
HC: What is your favorite part of campaign season?
IB: My running mate!!!! Daniel Greene is the most dedicated, caring, charismatic and knowledgeable person I have met in my time at U of M. In the almost year that I have known him I am constantly speechless at the passion and hardwork he brings to our campus community. We stay up until all hours of the night brainstorming policy ideas, ways to improve the student experience, reading up on what is going on around campus and talking to other campus leaders. Those will always be my favorite memories of college.
HC: If you could give advice to your freshman self, what would it be? (specifically for freshman looking to get involved, but unsure of how to do so/ if they are nervous)
IB: Don’t try to do it all. Pick something you are passionate about and go all in. Once I found that in CSG I was able to accomplish so much more. There is no need to join 5 clubs so you can put it on your resume, it is so much more impressive and sustainable to pick one thing and make tangible change with that. It is also much more rewarding.
HC: Fun question: What is your favorite way to unwind and relax?
IB: I watch Madam Secretary, my favorite TV show in the world. I also like to scroll through photos of my dog, Teddy Baer, that my little sister sends me from home.