With the election having just happened for next year's AUSA executives, what was it that motivated you to run for president last year?I have always found myself drawn to leadership roles. I was President of my class in 8th grade, 11th grade, 12th grade, and during my Sophomore year at AU. In all those times, I wanted to make changes and improvements for my peers. I like to be able to be involved in those decisions. One huge aspect of nursing is being a patient advocate. And maybe I like that about leadership, too. You can work as the President to advocate for others when you have more access to make their voices heard. I definitely had some motivation to run from last year's team. They saw me as someone who could be a potential President in the following year, and they encouraged me to run and gave me a better understanding of what AUSA entailed.
How did you continue to do your AUSA responsibilities despite the limitations from COVID?
I love a good challenge, though this was one that I did not anticipate. As an athlete, I have been set against opponents numerous times that I may or may not have known the skill level of. What I always knew was, regardless, I had to do my best. So that is what I have done: the best I can, with what I have. We have had to social distance, clean mics, and limit capacity, but we have done it. We have catered as best as possible to our student body, and are always working to do better.
Cardinals have, for a long time, been symbols of beauty in the midst of darkness, hope in sorrow, and renewal in winter. As a Cardinal, I have tapped into my ability to find beauty and hope in all of the sorrow and darkness that COVID-19 has brought to us this year. Though it isn't easy, it's what we do.
Do you have a favorite memory from your time as AUSA president?
This is tough! It's been such an interesting year. One of them would have to be playing taboo with my officers during our on-campus retreat (thanks COVID) a week before the start of fall semester. Though things were not as we imagined them, the games that evening were fun and hearing the funniest answers during taboo made it a great experience.
I also have overall loved seeing my team come together to make great things happen, whether that be opportunities for students or events. I still have a little time left, so one of my favorite memories could still be yet to happen! I guess we'll see.
What's a challenging part about being AUSA president that you think a lot of students aren't aware of?
I think a lot of people don't realize that desire does not equal execution. There are many things that we want or wish we could do on this campus, but there are numerous obstacles sometimes to meeting those goals and making those things happen. Especially now with all of the various regulations that we have to follow.
Some people tend to forget that this is an actual job. It is not just a hobby or something you do when you feel like it, it requires a bit of work and effort. In addition to this, being run by students who also have other classes, part-time jobs, and stressors is something that people don't consider! It is also important that they share what they are struggling with and changes that should be made, as AUSA cannot work on what they do not know about. AUSA is a team of students working hard for and on behalf of other students, and it is not always easy, but we do our best.
Other than AUSA, what are some other clubs that you've been a part of, and what kinds of hobbies do you have?
I have been a part of TheSound, BSCF, Adelante, AUSNA, UNICEF, WEAAU, the Carribean Club, ASA, the DMV club, and probably a few other clubs which I cannot remember the name of right now. The hallway used to be a crazy place for signups. The only one that I was an officer for was the DMV club.
Some of my other hobbies include writing poetry (or writing in general) as well as cooking and baking. I like playing different sports such as soccer, basketball, and running, and I love trying new activities and potential hobbies out!
What's your favorite thing to do around Michigan?
Though I have been in Michigan for the past 4 years, I have to say, I haven't experienced very much here. I can really mostly give you the basic things: going to the beach and going out to eat. We're in a small town, and that's really all I've left campus for! Walking is also really nice, though.
I did really enjoy when they had the county fair! So much fun. My friend Maya and I, who recently graduated, went together and they had these phenomenal little fried donuts. My mouth is watering just thinking about them now.
Things are always good with good company.
What are your plans after college? Any specific career goals?
Well, as I am in my final semester of nursing, I have hopes of completing a residency program and working for a couple years while pursuing a few different side hobbies that I've wanted to do for awhile but couldn't juggle very well while in school.
Following this, I would love to pursue another degree to earn my DNP. There are so many avenues that you can take as a Nurse, so I'm excited to see what I do with this field. Another thing I like about nursing is that it can allow you to curate your schedule in different ways, maybe not to work every single weekday. Keeping this in mind, though some of my plans and goals aren't specific to my career, I think that you can have a few different passions in life. One of mine is helping others, which falls well into nursing, but some of my other ones don't necessarily line right up with my career. Some people feel like you have to wait until you retire to pursue those passions, or quit work to do it, but as I mentioned, nursing schedules can be a bit more flexible that way. So, I am looking forward to maybe using those days off to work on some of my life's other passions.
Is there anything that you think you're going to miss about Andrews after you leave?
Yes! There may be a few things, but I'll say the Sam's Chicken and Mashed Potatoes from the Cafe (I know Cafe BonAppetit gets a lot of hate, but c'mon. It's Sam's Chicken). My friends and I have a little group called the Sam's Chicken Stans. Every time that there's Sam's Chicken in the Cafe, one of us sends out an urgent message that there will be Sam's during the week. It's an all-star meal. Definitely one I'll miss.
Do you have any advice for the next AUSA president?
I would just remind them that they are working for the students. Though there are many considerations to make, it is important that we continue to advocate for the students, using resources and pushing for them to have the best there is to offer, even when it's difficult. Put your spin on your presidency, and regardless of the circumstances, do the best with what you have! Doing your best to create fun and make the lives of the students a little easier is so important. And of course, be gentle with yourself! Consider your health and plan things out so that you get the best of the year, too.
The Student Movement is the official student newspaper of Andrews University. Opinions expressed in the Student Movement are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors, Andrews University or the Seventh-day Adventist church.