Personal Statement

As your fellow UK student, I have the same concerns that you have, and the desire to change our campus for the better.  I feel that this is a critical time for student’s voices to not only be heard, but listened to.

If I am elected Senator-at-Large I will focus on using Student Government funding to support useful programs that students want.  I will encourage the University to make providing a quality undergraduate education as important as the recruitment of top researchers.  I will encourage diversity and plan events with the purpose of bringing different student groups together, and I plan to work together with students to create solutions to make UK more environmentally friendly.

I strongly feel that UK’s students are its greatest asset and resource, and I want to accurately represent what is most important to you.  I want to work closely with students with a variety of different interests and be connected with our many student organizations. I will make the lines of communication between students and their Student Government open so that everyone can and will want to participate.

My goal is to make students see Student Government as a force that can actually enact the changes that they want, and that can make UK a community where students can thrive. 

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?

The biggest issue with diversity that I see on our campus is a lack of interaction between student groups, especially those associated with a certain ethnicity.  I would like to sponsor events that provide a fun way for different groups to come together that would not normally intermingle. 

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

UK is very fortunate to have the VIP center, which is always actively working to raise awareness about the prevention of sexual violence.  I have participated in the SEEDS (Students Educating and Empowering to Develop Safety) program provided by the VIP Center for the past two years.  It was an experience that has changed me, and also brought to my attention the importance of the “by-stander” and not being afraid to intervene in a potentially threatening situation.  I would like to encourage many more students, especially student leaders, to attend the SEEDS program to educate themselves on the issue of sexual violence and become an agent of change who educates other students about what they can do.  Each of us has a responsibility to make UK a safer place.

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

I believe the first action that Student Government should take is to clearly express to the University students’ concerns about being able to afford their education.  At the state level, Student Government should consistently make the needs of UK known to lawmakers by meeting with them, when needed.  Student Government needs to develop a good reputation with lawmakers so that they will agree to hear our concerns when we organize things like the higher education rally.

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?

I believe that it is not only appropriate for Student Government to take action to increase voter participation, it should be expected.  It seems many students don’t have much faith in the system, and are apathetic when it comes to voting in any election.  I have always felt that voting is important.  I think that if you do not vote, you should not complain about what is or is not being done, because by not voting you are essentially saying that you do not care enough.  I think providing incentives for students to vote, such as handing out coupons for discounts at local places, would be a good way to increase voter participation.  I think that voter guides such as this one are great for educating voters about the different candidates by asking them about issues that students care about, and should continue to be used.  Voter guides are also a great way to hold candidates accountable if they do get elected, because you have in writing the promises they made and goals they set for themselves.

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

The main way that I would work with these groups is to make sure that students who choose to live off campus are being fully informed when making decisions about where to live.  I would also work to make sure that students are not being taken advantage of because it is their first time signing a lease, or because they do not understand all the terms of the contract they sign.  Hopefully Student Government could figure out a way to provide the information students need to protect themselves and make informed decisions when looking for off campus housing.

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?

To educate myself on the diverse student body that I would be representing, I would try to attend meetings of as many of the student groups that I could, so that I could interact with them and hear straight from them what they expect of student government.  I would be sensitive to students’ needs as I become aware of them, and I would welcome anyone’s input because the more people who express their concerns, the more I could better represent them.  I would do the work to try to seek out students concerns, instead of waiting for them to come to me with them.

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?

UK already has a strong student movement based on making UK more sustainable, and I am very impressed with their hard work to make that happen (and I totally agree with them.)  I would consult groups such as Greenthumb to hear their suggestions for legislation.  I would like to have receptacles for recycling paper located in the classroom building and other high traffic areas. 

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?

I feel that it is the responsibility of a representative to voice the opinion of those they represent, and also exercise their own good judgment on issues that students are unsure about.  With the possible logging of Robinson Forest, students have showed overwhelming concern and have clearly voiced their opinion about it.  In a case such as this, I would definitely feel obligated to express that opinion to the administration, even if it was different from mine, if that were the case.

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

I have become concerned that with our goal of becoming a top 20 research university, we could possibly not be focusing on the quality of our undergraduate education enough.  Some professors are hired for their research, and that is what they focus on, instead of being an effective teacher.  Especially in math and science related areas, students really struggle if they do not have a teacher who is willing to take the time and make the effort to help them understand the subject matter.  If I am elected, I will express this concern to the administration.  I feel that providing an excellent undergraduate education is just as important as research, because it prepares students to be the future leaders and researchers that we so value.