Q: What measures will you take to learn about student concerns at large and how will you address those concerns?

A: “I have always known that it is extremely important for the Student Body President to understand and represent concerns of the students. During our term, my Vice Presidential candidate, Leslie Mbara, and I want to:  1. Work with Campus Police to make the school safer (especially for students that feel unsafe walking to their cars when taking night classes). 2. Support disabled student programs. 3. Support the custodial staff to make Cerritos safe and sanitary amidst the chaos caused by Covid 19 (clean bathrooms, wipe down desks, etc.).  4. Open lines of communication between students and the student government to effectively represent concerns of the students. Leslie and I have built our platform by reaching out to students to see what improvements would most meaningfully impact the student experience at Cerritos College. We understand that these are representative positions, and the most important aspect of the ASCC President’s and Vice President’s duties are to give a voice to the students’ concerns.”

Q: What do you think you can realistically accomplish in your term?

A: “I want to start with realistic goals I know we can accomplish to make student life better at Cerritos College. For example, I want to improve bathroom sanitation across campus by offering sufficient support to the custodial staff. Once school returns to normal, we will more than ever need to help the custodians to keep the school clean. Something that multiple students have brought to my attention is that the fountains in the quad constantly run during Spring and Summer times. This becomes a huge issue because when the sun sets, the fountains attract swarms of mosquitoes. As someone who is very allergic to mosquitoes, I think turning off the fountains at dawn, during mosquito season, is a very good idea if it can be done. I also want to work on alternative means to make books more affordable to students.”

Q: In regard to COVID-19, if elected how do you plan on going about this  position’s duties and continuing to work with all groups on campus despite social distancing measures?

A: “As Director of Student Services, I currently serve on a Committee working to organize a movie night for students through online streaming. Although the collective isolation complicates matters, it is now more important than ever for students to be involved. This requires that they have the means to necessary technology in order for them to thrive. This is a privilege that many students are not afforded. I will work to fix this and to make sure students have access to devices that are necessary for participation in class and club meetings. One of the President’s duties is to select Cabinet members and run Cabinet meetings. I will select my Cabinet with people who have a different perspective from my own. The best way to grow is through listening and understanding different viewpoints. Together we will ensure students are given necessary devices. As a member of multiple clubs and an active member of the student body, I have already developed connections and made friendships with leaders of various clubs. Through these connections, I will continue to meet more amazing students with a multitude of interests, despite social distancing measures.”

Closing Statement:

“In order to respect the voters time, I will keep my closing statement brief. I deeply care about improving life for those I would be representing. I recognize Cerritos College has given me the opportunity to thrive as a student, which is why I am excited to help students by representing their concerns.  Most importantly, I understand that these are strange and trying times and that the election for Student Leadership positions may not be at the forefront of everyone’s mind. So no matter how you vote, I hope everybody stays safe.”

Q: As a leader of the senate, how would you encourage healthy discussion in the Senate between senators and other speakers?

A: “I believe a healthy discussion is one in which all participants are able to speak about an issue freely, understand them fully, and consider them honestly. Then they can come together with solutions and secure support from everybody. As a leader, setting a comfortable, respectful and professional environment is a key point for encouraging healthy discussion. By letting them know for starters that we are in this together, and I myself don’t have the whole answer but together we can find it. That will require each member to acknowledge that others bring their own wisdom to the table, and that we are all making it happen together!”

Q: How do you plan to expand student involvement beyond students in ASCC to students at large?

A: “With the amount of organizations, benefits, and resources that Cerritos College offers, they are not as introduced to students unless they know someone in government or in the program. I plan to put in place a more effective outreach methods, for example in campus using large posters, or a campus sms platforms that go straight to their phones and each month hosting an event to shares the advantages of been more involved in campus as well providing tips on how to be more involved and manage our school time, how it will benefits them not only academically but also on a personal development level and career wise in their future. In a virtual case I plan to reach out to department and organizations to create an email to students on what is happening on campus and how they can participate as well and be involved.”

Q: In regard to COVID-19, if elected how do you plan on going about this position’s duties and continuing to work with all groups on campus despite social distancing measures? 

A: “The advancement of technology even more in this current time has been extremely helpful to all, by keeping us connected and staying updated. I believe more than ever communication and support is what will help us get through this situation as smoothly as possible. Keeping in mind that not all students have access to the necessary materials such as computers, tablets or webcam, or might not know how to use them, and the fact that many are currently unemployed, I plan to work with the computer department to rent technology devices for those who need them. As well as offering virtual tutorial meetings to provide guidance on how to use them if needed. I would create a list of each resources into an email or create an announcement class page on Canvas to inform students about any informations and events as well as all the resources in campus so they get the guidance they need and despite all still have a successful semester.”

Closing Statement:

“You matter, your opinion and input matters. I am sincerely aiming to the very best of my abilities, with this opportunity to even better represent Cerritos College students, to contribute in helping you thrive as students, as I myself have the chance too, and have an even more great experience. Thank you for your time. Take care and stay safe!”