Personal Statement

Empower members through participation in programs within the college, and outside through volunteer services.

Graduate positive leaders who will make an impact in the lives of those in need of rehabilitation services.

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?

As a student leader, not only on campus but in Greek life as well, I have experienced some of the obvious disparities between the different races on campus. A lack of knowledge is mainly to blame for the ignorance that can occur between groups and integration is the only way we will see change. Through the administration of groups and activities, cultural awareness can be increased with the integration of people from all races.

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

Unfortunately, a complete end to sexual violence is unrealistic. Nevertheless, UK excels in its rape crisis programs. However, to fight this battle the problem must start with the individual. We must start from the beginning, before students start their college years at the University of Kentucky. At college tours it should be stressed how UK does not tolerate sexual violence of any kind. We must also understand where and why sexual violence occurs. Safety Cats and other safety walkways have shown to be helpful, and should be utilized more by students. An alternate plan would be to develop safe routes off-campus where the majority of sexual violence occurs.

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

The previous term has done an excellent job at involving the student body in the state’s fiscal issues and increasing awareness about the impact these issues have on higher education. Student representation has also shown to have a tremendous impact on the state’s economic decisions. Because Student Government represents the students themselves, continuing this practice is the best plan of action for working towards affordable higher education. 

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?

Lack of political involvement is a profound issue among young people. If students became more aware about how certain issues affected their social, economic, and academic lifestyle, they would be more inclined to participate in both general and on-campus elections. Furthermore, if the voting process became easier and more accessible from different locations, there would likely be a greater turnout from the student body in Student Government elections.

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

There is an obvious shortage of affordable housing for off-campus students. Due to an appreciation of land value, monetary expenses are only increasing. In addition, this cost can offset by decreasing the amount of destruction and vandalism off-campus student housing experiences. Furthermore, students can decrease their monthly expense by increasing the number of people that live together. There are several renters that offer discounts if there are more people in a house, and by working with these landlords on such opportunities, off-campus housing can become more affordable.

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?

Being a student leader, I will personally attend programs I would not normally attend in order to educate myself on the culture and lifestyle of different individuals. Also, Student Government should sponsor such events and the entirety of the members should attend. Promoting the mixing of different types of people is beneficial on a social and personal level.

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 have personally experienced this issue in that Greek housing does not offer recycling options. Certain things such as the use of Styrofoam over paper plates and plastic utensils only contribute to this problem. Environmental sustainability is cut short because of budget issues. I will help make UK a more green-friendly university through the utilization of recycling in Greek housing, followed by encouraging on- and off-campus students to utilize recycling in their own homes.

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?

It is my personal opinion that Robinson Forest should not be logged for research purposes in order to keep with UK’s outlook of environmental sustainability. However, being a student leader requires one to represent the ideals and virtues of the student body. That being said, I would be willing to sacrifice my personal opinion for the better good of our campus.


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

No response