Sam Chiang has learned a lot about UC Davis’ student body, getting involved in ASUCD, Model United Nations, and our very own Her Campus. Additionally, she has battled a bout of mental illness. Her experiences have helped her gain a clear sense of what can be improved on campus, and she plans to keep them in mind as she campaigns for ASUCD Senate.
Her Campus: Tell us a bit about yourself.
Sam: Hi Melissa! Thanks so much for having me. I’m a second year English and Psychology double major. When I’m not binging on Netflix, you can find me sprawled out in the quad or on the third floor of the MU, where I currently work as the Director of Public Engagement for the ASUCD executive office. I’m also involved in Pre-Law Association, Model United Nations, Her Campus, and Vagina* Our Stories. These communities help me achieve an amazing balance between professionalism and personal growth. In my spare time, I enjoy reading, heading downtown with friends, and playing IM soccer. I’ve also recently taken up cooking, with mixed results.
HC: What inspired you to run for senate so early in your career at Davis?
S: Actually, most people run for ASUCD senate during their second or third year. It’s a great way for those already involved in ASUCD to use their resources and connections to build a better campus. For me, I had actually never planned on running for elected office at UC Davis. I was content as a member of the Executive Team, and I was thinking of just working in the background. However, last quarter, I was struck with anterograde amnesia and severe anxiety. I realized how important it was to have mental health representation on the Senate table so that students could not only sympathize, but empathize with people battling mental illness in college.
HC: What are your aspirations as senator/working with your slate?
S: First and foremost, I want the Regents to establish mandatory mental health training for professors on a UC wide basis. Over 25% of collegiate students battle mental illness, yet there is still so little understanding of these issues in academia. I want to change this. I don’t want other students to have to struggle the same way I did last quarter. I also hope to put study supplies, coffee, and snacks in the library, create an online letter of recommendation request system, and publish anonymous, end-of-the-quarter evaluations.
HC: Do you hope to one day serve as ASUCD president?
S: *Laughs* This is a little premature considering I haven’t even been elected onto the table yet, and honestly, seeing how hard our current president, Mariah, works scares me. It’s over 40 hours of meetings, phone calls, and office hours each week. That being said, I wouldn’t say that the possibility is off the table.
HC: What sparked your interest in ASUCD?
S: It started with a desire to explore the different communities on campus. My mentor in Model United Nations was Elections Committee Chair at the time, and he recruited me for his staff. ASUCD has the resources to really impact students’ lives; we have a 13 million dollar budget that funds everything from Coho to Unitrans. I wanted to be a part of that.
HC: What do you like to do in your free time?
S: Eat. Sleep. Repeat. But in all seriousness, self-care is important. I try to sleep as much as I can, in between frantic 1 AM phone calls and meetings that last until 12 AM. During my leisure time, I enjoy reading, having picnics, and spending idyllic days with friends. I’ve learned to take time for myself recently, which means cooking and baking, even if I fail every time.
Be sure to vote February 16th-19th!