Personal Statement

Through strong participation and diligence, I will extend a voice for all individuals to coordinate efforts between administration and the students to make University of Kentucky a more efficient and enjoyable learning environment.  From working with students in activities like Dance Blue and UK fusion, I've had great opportunities to meet a lot of students and hear the concerns relating to their organizations.  With those concerns in mind I'm coming into this election open minded with a desire to create a positive change as well as bringing in some ideas of my own.   Because I feel I am such a people person, I know I can relate well to the students of UK and communicate well with each one.  I can then draw their concerns and ideas out of them to bring those into student government so that we can make the changes they want to see.  I think I am a great candidate for the position of Senator-at-Large.  If given the opportunity, I will work to the best of my ability to serve the student body with all of the passion that I have for my own Kentucky community.  

1. As a student leader, you are aware that there is an emphasis on diversity issues at UK. What are some issues related to diversity that you believe are apparent on campus, and what do you plan to do to create change?

I've had great opportunities to meet a lot of students and hear the concerns relating to their diversified organizations. Specifically, the need to diversify our campus leadership concerning greeks and non-greeks.  I know that the reason I became involved in Student Government was because someone previously involved reached out and sparked an interest within me.  I feel that whether someone is greek or not, I would like to spark that interest to build a strong diversified leadership to uphold everything great we have here on campus and continue working for positive changes.

2. What are your plans to help create an end to sexual violence and promote safety on campus?

First off, the cats path is supposed to be controlled by officers continuously.  However, they have been countless times in which I have never spotted an officer. Therefore, it is important to increase foot patrol.  My plans also include continuing working with woman’s place spreading awareness and violence prevention to both the female and male population and continuing  presentations such as “In our own voice.”

3. In light of the recent budget issues in state government, what action should Student Government take to help maintain affordable higher education?

It is the student government’s responsibility to inform students of recent budge costs.  I feel that as a senator I would work hard to make sure the student body at the University of Kentucky receives all the correct information so that I may encourage more participation such as writing state legislators to make a change.

4. What action, if any, do you believe is appropriate for Student Government to take to increase voter education and participation both in on-campus elections, and general elections?

Student Government should take the responsibility to bring those involved in general elections to campus in order to address to the student body specifically on issues that effect us significantly.  Conventions holding speakers will hopefully spark an interest in voters, as well as holding those with responsibility and power to be held accountable for words and actions taken.   One could also say participation is strong on campus, however, it is sad that this year, although a great candidate for student body president, is running unopposed.  This means that it is apparent that there are so few people who know what is actually going on in student government.  I feel it is our job to make it even more apparent to the student body to realize what an impact students can have once involved.  I hope the student government can reach out to voters to see the importance and break the isolated barrier. 

5. What are your plans with working side by side with landlords and the Lexington Fayette Urban County Government on off campus student housing?

My plans including working with landlords and Lexington Fayette Urban County Government to express the need for off campus student housing.  I will express the importance of landlords and tenants rights so that students will not be taken advantage of.  I would like to provide more advertisements to students by asking the landlords to place student off campus open housing in the Kentucky Kernel.

6. Leaders often face the struggle of understanding the people they represent. UK has a very diverse student body in terms or race, class, gender identity, culture, ethnicity, religion, nationality, sexual orientation, and ability status. What measures will you take to educate yourself on these issues? In what ways will you commit yourself to better understand and represent this diverse student body?

Because I feel I am such a people person, I have discovered that the best way to educate one’s self on any matter is to get out there and absorb yourself.  What I mean is that I will continue to interact with diverse friends and many organizations.  In doing so, I know I can relate well to the students of UK and communicate well with each one. I can then draw their concerns and ideas out of them to bring those into student government so that we can make the changes they want to see.

7. What are your thoughts on improving sustainability on campus? Considering current green issues such as recycling, renewable energy, and biking. What plans do you have to make UK a more green-friendly university?

I see it as unfortunate that the topic of green issues continues to arise.  Recycling has always been an issue of students and yet bens are not nearly as available as one would hope.   I suggest more resources become available as well as looking into other products. This can include the use of real plates and forks. As well, as speaking with organizations like University of Kentucky’s Greenthumb Environmental Club and Residence Life Recycling.

8. What is your response to the recent research proposal to log sections of UK-owned Robinson Forest? Would you be willing to voice a student opinion different from your own to higher administrative positions at UK?

No response

9. Use this space to address any additional ideas, plans, concerns, or platform ideas you have.

No response