ASPC Election Candidate Statements

South Campus Representative

Jen Jia
Hello South Campus! My name is Jen Jia and am a citizen of the world. I speak Chinese, French, and English fluently, and lived in China, Montreal, and Pennsylvania. Ive walked in many shoes in my short 18 years of life. Ive been the frustrated academic geek, the unhealthy risk taker, the weird botany-lover, the bullied kid in the corner, the totally-dependent-on financial student, and the crazy political activist. I might be still all of these. I am a committed ally of the LGBT community, an opinionated feminist open to suggestion, a person of color who believes in equality, but above all, I am one of you. Im not without faultbut I try my best to listen to others. Catch my on the street and I would be glad to stop for a chat. I am here for South Campus. And Ill always be here for the community.

Conner Roberts

Why not get involved? If it means getting to represent the people you live with and help make decisions that effect them positively... why not? Thats why Im running for your South Campus representative! Vote for me and I will serenade you with my guitar and Ill perhaps bring chips. I need your vote, Conner Roberts

Alex Samuels

Johnny Le

Eating-sleeping-cooking-running-studying-reading-writing-dancing-volunteeringMartial Arts fighting-exploring, new fields and avenues-teaching-working-leading-guiding-loving-embracing. Limitless I was the Color Guard Captain at Sunny Hills High School. I led my team to first in championships, all while withstanding the gender pressures imposed upon me by my colleagues in school through my involvement in the sport. Bold I am a Martial Arts instructor, working with students of all ages, from the youngest, unruly children to adolescents to the oldest members of our society, the sages. Flexible I have worked as a secretary, employing my time in the supply side of the world. I have experienced tremendous pressure in the work environment, developed a quick mindset, and creative intelligence. Experienced I have combined and conglomerated all of these traits and experiences into a force to be reckoned with. There are no obstacles, no pressures, no conflicts I cannot break through. I am as diligent as I am multifaceted. Driven

Over the course of my year on various ASPC committees (including the Residence Hall Committee and the Committee for Campus Climate and Diversity), I have noticed a disturbing increase in the disconnect between administrative proceedings and student values (as exemplified by last years worker documentation debates). As South Campus Representative, I would strive to make the Senate accountable and accessible to the student body. My goals for the coming year include incorporating disparate backgrounds and experiences into a cohesive campus community, pushing for more sustainable practices (e.g. minimizing sidewalk-watering, encouraging improved composting), and increasing awareness of subtle forms of marginalization that negatively impact campus life. I will attempt to facilitate inter-sponsor group interaction as well as improve sophomorefirst year interactions on South Campus in order to develop a more unified campus culture by breaking down barriers between classes, sponsor groups, students, and administrative officials.

Rishi Sangani

Harry Manin

Tired of being slapped around? Let me fight for you! Thats the campaign slogan I used in high school in the Bronx. Back home, the line made sense. Here, at our new home, were lucky it does not. So Ill advocate for you by strengthening relationships among students, Dining Services, and the Office of Campus Life. Like my Spama and Spapa taught me, be respectful to everyone be they students or dining hall staff. Graduates walking through the college gates read the appeal: They only are loyal to this college who, departing, bear their added riches in trust for mankind. Community comes first. Pomona will always be part of who we are. Well use it to identify ourselvesothers to identify us. Im proud were linked. As your South Campus Rep, our united Pomona will be a bumpin Pomona. Vote the Man-in office. PS You should see the other guy.

Snack: the shining city on a hill made of cereal, the beacon of hope to late-night studiers, the haven to lost Pub-goers. I remember Snack in all its glory, and I know that we can restore it to its place of high esteem. My name is Rishi Sangani, and Im running for South Campus Representative because I know the standard of excellence that Pomona students deserve, and I know how to get us there. My experience with ASPC and history of getting things done makes me the best candidate for the job. From throwing Super bowl parties to serving on Student Affairs Committee. From scheduling CDO-Sponsor group visits to sitting on the 5-C Budget Committee hearings. From being Freshman Class President to winning Freshman Cup. A vote for Rishi Sangani is a vote for experience, efficiency, and excellence.

North Campus Representative

Warren Szewczyk
YO. First of all thanks for taking an interest in your student government. Im Warren Szewczyk, a sophomore transfer student hailing from Missouri. Now, there are many reasons why should be your North Campus Representative; I was senior class president of a class of 600, I was on Student Government at my old (much inferior) college, I help old ladies cross the street, and yada yada yada. Whats really important is that I am a 100% purebred Polish person. You may ask yourself, why is this important? Well, Polish people are good at three things: making Kielbasa (Polish sausage), working hard, and being invaded. So, as a Pole, I can guarantee three things: that you shall always have great Kielbasa, that I will devote my time and effort into improving the North Campus and Pomona in the way YOU want it improved, and that I shall protect you from angry, genocidal mobs!

First Year President

Lazaros Chalkias
I am a genius. And so are you. Together, we can make the Class of 2016 a Pomona Class to remember. This year, I am requesting your vote, to help me establish a freshman presence in campus government and fight for the advancement of our community. As a candidate for President of the First Year Class, I am committed to strengthening the current policies against Discrimination and Harassment, to promoting programs of Sustainability, to reviewing the bike policy, and finally completing the long lasting review of the use of fines and sanctions. Together, we can strengthen the relationships between all Classes and between faculty and students. Having grown in Greece, 8000 miles away, I came here to listen and serve. Being a freshman doesnt have to be difficult. Unite!

Jun Park

Trying to sell yourself on paper really sucks. Especially if youre only there for 150 words or less. Im sure that the people listed below me or above me have found better use of this space, but I firmly believe that I want to do you all justice by meeting you in person. No fancy words or empty promises, but a genuine smile and a good attitude. You might know me as the guy who stood up for his spibling when he raised his hands to clap but didnt have a question, or the guy during Freshmen Skits with the annoying voice trying to be the all mighty Seth Allen. But what I hope you will know me as is Jun. Like the month but without the e because e stands for estrogen, and Im a boy. So with the five words I have left: thank you for your time!

Philipp Schmuecker

Nico Kass

My name is Nicholas Kass, although I go by Nico, and Im from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. I went to a city public school called Taylor Allderdice. In high school I played varsity soccer, was president of Model UN and Student Hunger Action Coalition, won awards in both Model UN and JSA, and participated in student government where I was homeroom representative for 2 years and Junior Class Vice-President. I am currently considering neuroscience and philosophy, politics and economics as possible majors. I have been described as a good listener and am dedicated to following through with anything I start. We, as the class of 2016, deserve a representative who can be a passionate voice for all of us and for our needs and desires as well as a relentless force to see them acted upon. I believe that I can be that voice and that force.

Hi friends, I am Philipp and I am thrilled to have the opportunity to serve our community and continue to improve Pomona! Being a true Sagehen I am a multi-facetted person with an interest in various subjects which is why I cherish our diverse community. I am convinced that we can build an even stronger community, learn more and get involved with projects that matter. I have been ardent about my community service at the AIDS center and a retirement home, charity projects for sustainable energy in Africa and running. Thus I believe that we can be even more sustainable and promote our primary aim: helping each other to master the challenges of college and resolve the concerns of members of our community.

Leyth Swidan

Min Joo Kim

My name is Min Joo Kim and Im running to represent all of you as your Freshmen Class President. Serving as Class President for two years than a year as Student Body President in my high school, I have learned a great deal about the true value of holding a representative position for such an exceptional group of students. But a student can never stop learningso if I win this election I hope to gain new levels of leadership, understanding, and community only available from all of you. Also, coming from an experience of representing the largest and most diverse high school in Alaska I can offer new perspectives and insights to the campus and our activities. Thank you for taking the time to read this and I would be thrilled to serve an assemblage of a class as talented and unique as the Class of 2016.

I personally learn and grow from experience, and have proven myself to be an effective leader. I plan on drawing from my high school experiences that have honed my leadership and communication skills. Ill try my best to fix snack and for those of us who are tree huggers, like me, use less water for the sprinklers so we dont drown in flood water anymore. From becoming more involved in the city of Pomona to engaging with communities abroad, I have big plans for this little school. And thats only the beginning. I love Pomona, and Ill definitely better this place that well call home for the next four years. I have a loud mouth and Ill speak out for all 400+ of us. Dont worry Class of 2016, youre in good hands. Youve seen me all over the Facebook Page, Now watch me take the Political Stage!

Sachit Taneja

Andrew Palmer

Some say he can hand sew his own bro tank. Some say he can frequently be seen only wearing short shorts. Others claim he can make any equation simplify to 47, but all we really know is that his name is Andrew Palmer and he is running for Freshman Class President. Though 3rd person makes for a good intro, I want to stress that I am running in this election in the interest of the Class of 2016 and will take my campaign seriously. My strategy is quite simple; I wont harass you with flyers and lofty promises, I seek to communicate what the freshman want and need to ASPC in order to align our goals and make our first year a great and memorable transition. If you think something is a relevant issue, I want to be the guy you can approach anytime and tell how you think we can fix it. Please come to Frank Dining Hall this Sunday at 6pm to hear a full speech about my policies and goals!

Coming to America has been a silencing experience, not because of the people, but because of the culture gap. Before nearly every phrase I constructed I ran over the words making sure that there were no different interpretations of the words I spoke. I had to make sure it was appropriate and make sure that it would be accepted by the crowd. By the time I stamped the final wording as perfect, the oppurtune moment for it to be birthed had passed and an abortion was performed. Gruesome isnt it? Its trying and its testing. But its a daily experience Im willing to bare for the next 4 years because I want to know you people and learn from you. That is my commitment to being your representative, I will make sure that the perfect birthing of your voice and ideas is made. And I will get shit done, so vote taneja.

Gage Taylor

Hi, my name is Gage. I know what youre thinking. Its probably something like, Ugh. Another blurb about freshman class president? Ive already read ten of these things. Its not like I even know most of these people anyway. Im just going to vote for the one from my OA. I dont blame you, but Im still going to try to change your mind just a little. I have a background in student government and debate. Im familiar with most of the problems that could come up in Senate this year, and even if Im not, Im ready and willing to work through the issues. Im committed to representing all of your voices. Theres only 400 of you, so I have it easier than real politicians. If I win, I promise Ill be there to talk. Wig room 13. Anyway, nice to meet you. Lets make it a Gagehen year.

Elicia Epstein

Being able to represent the Sophomore Class in the ASPC is one of the primary responsibilities of the President. As President, I want to be on the beat about the issues on campus you care about and the changes you want to see happen. Small issues can make a big difference, and I think one of the strengths I bring is an ability to listen and communicate those concerns. I will also work toward more transparency between the ASPC and our class, doing my best to keep you updated on Senate activity and how you can get involved!

Ted Gkoo

Pranay Reddy Yeturu

Hey class of 2016! My name is Pranay Reddy Yeturu and Im running for Freshman class president. I went to Claremont High (yeah, this Claremont) and during my four years there I was fortunate enough to have several leadership opportunities. I was captain of a nationally ranked student-run debate team with over 100 members, and co-chaired a committee that acted as a liaison between the students of Claremont and the city council. During my time on that committee I pushed to create new bus routes for students who had no other means of transportation around Claremont. If you choose to elect me as president I will bring that same innovative drive and passion for meaningful change to Pomona. As President, I would first create an ad hoc committee to facilitate more frequent and less awkward interaction between freshman at Pomona and those at the other 5Cs. Get Reddy for a great year Sagehens.

Hi! I come from South Korea, 6000 miles across the Pacific Ocean. Gratefully, I feel very much at home here in Claremont. The truth is, I didnt always feel at home in America. Where I went to high school somewhere in the Deep South I felt out of place, disaffected, and I missed my friends and family. Wherever we may be from, we are all away from home. I know what its like to be away from home. And I know that through effort even a distant planet can become a homely abode. Are you as happy here as you are back home? Do you feel as attached to Pomona College as you are to your hometown? Will you look back 5, 20, 50 years down the road and say, Pomona College was my home? Vote Ted Gkoo. Make Pomona Your Home.

Michael Someck

Sophomore Class President

Hannah Brown
Im running for sophomore president because I think that I could do a good job of representing our amazing class. I want to work on bringing our class together and highlighting the incredible things that you all do. Because we have such diverse interests, backgrounds and personalities I want to use this opportunity to increase our class unity. I feel like we could all benefit from getting to know each other a little bit more and I also want to make sure that all of your views are represented and appreciated. To do this I will always be available to listen to your ideas or just chat and have fun together. So yeah, vote for me!

So I know that the chance that you are reading this is pretty slim. Wait. No. I take that back. The chance that you are reading this is 100%. But thats not whats really important. Even though it kind of is. Anyway Why me for sophomore class president? Well, I have little experience in student government, I cant predict what issues will come up this year, and I cant make premature promises about things that I will accomplish. What I can promise, though, is complete honesty, transparency, diligence, and a willingness and desire to hear your opinions. And when issues do come up, I will do everything in my power to do something about it. My doorWig 009is (figuratively) always open. Cue cheesy campaign slogan: Dont settle for so-so. Vote for Someck.

Don Swan

Reina Buenconsejo

My name is Reina Buenconsejo and I am very excited to have the privilege to run for sophomore class president. We are a very special class and I hope will give me the opportunity to represent our needs and concerns in our student government. While the first years have sponsor groups and various other support networks on campus to ease their transition into college and the upper classmen are well accustomed to the Claremont life, I think the sophomores can sometimes find themselves neglected. If elected, I hope to be a voice for our class and better express the needs of the sophomores to ASPC and the greater Pomona community. Ill always make it a point to listen to input on all school issues and to be responsive to our class concerns. I hope you all will give me the opportunity to serve you as class president!

My name is Don Swan, and I am running for Sophomore Class President. I am friendly, organized and a genuinely nice guy. I served as my high schools Student Body President and am a member of the Pomona-Pitzer football team. I also served as President of the National English Honor Society and Vice President of the National Honor Society. My vision is to keep the class united through more on campus events and to create more school spirit. I really love putting on activities and getting people involved. If you have any questions about me, my cell phone is 541373-0817 or you can stop by my room in Blaisdell 009.

The ASPC election will be held from 9 p.m. Monday, September 17 until 9 p.m. Tuesday, September 18. Students can vote online atwww.aspc.pomona.edu/vote. All students are encouraged to vote.