Editors Note:All candidate profiles are posted according to the information provided to the Independent. The Independent has not edited profiles in any way unless noted. Profiles are organized by position and then alphabetically according to candidates last name.
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Mark Banks
Position: PresidentYear in School: JuniorMajor: Biology
Experience in Leadership: I’m currently a senator on the SGA. During my time as a senator I have put forward multiple pieces of reformative legislation and have helped to establish solidarity where there was only contention and disagreement regarding certain SGA functions. An important example is illustrated in the Student Welfare Reform Act, which simultaneously avoided a push to dissolve the Student Welfare Committee while at the same time providing the SGA Senate with the necessary committee oversight it desired, which had not been previously established. Other reformative legislation has been put forward and has either passed or is in the process of being passed, such as reform related to SGA transparency, which I feel can best be provided through the creation of an SGA Press Secretary, who would have the explicit role of communicating directly to the student body via a bi-weekly SGA bulletin, delineating recent SGA activity and offering insight on issues of contention and disagreement, which inevitably arise in any governmental process.
I also founded and for several semesters operated the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Club, which still meets four times a week on campus, and which is free to all students. Further, I tutor on campus and extend my aid wherever possible to students in need, as I feel as though a university is probably a place where the most idyllic sense of community can easily and effectively be established, offering everyone a positive and engaging environment within which to learn.
Also, I have recently been elected as Chairman of the Green Fee Committee, a role that I look forward to with great enthusiasm.
Platform: While our politics in the last semester have been centered around SGA reform, a process which was effectively and admirably begun by the current administration, we hope to finalize the structural reforms that we felt were necessary for the SGA, and then move on to more student and campus related legislation, such as providing students with greater access to academic and recreational resources. As an example, we have already passed a bill that was authored by Vice Presidential candidate Jerome and myself, which will establish a permanent recreation area for students, with pool tables, air hockey, darts, and video games. The area is slated to be in the Student Union and may appear as early as this year. In an academic sense, we are fighting for such resources as greater computer and internet access, as well as greater student involvement in committees and planning events related to the implementation of academic resources available on campus.
What are Critical Issues for NEIU: Right now we all feel the funding pinch that affects nearly all departments and aspects of our academic lives. While this is ultimately the product of less than adequate state funding, there is much we can do as a university to maximize the scarce resources we do have. In terms of student interests, it is imperative that the limited resources available to us go directly to satisfying the academic and recreational needs of the student body, since by definition, a university exists for the sake of the student body. We need more computers, more spaces in which to learn, more instructors, and more courses. Not all of these will be easy to provide, but I will fight hard to improve conditions related to each of these. In some areas, there is overlap between the interests of the student body and the interests of our faculty members, and I will seek to establish a strong bond between the SGA and the Faculty Senate, something that does not currently exist. Together our voices will be more effective, and this alludes to my broader objective of getting students organized into a cohesive body that can effectively fight for its rights and privileges. For too long, the students at this university have lacked unity of will and action, and only a well developed sense of organization and cooperation can provide this to us.
Campus safety will also be a high priority in my administration, as recent events which have affected students everywhere have made apparent the immediacy of a push, university wide as well as nation wide, for greater campus safety.
How to address student issues: In general I will address student issues reasonably yet aggressively. Complacency will not help us wrench our needs from a university already strained by its own financial burdens regarding basic operation. I will fight for student rights with level-headed practicality, but also with force. The primary thing that must happen is that the administration of the university must be made to respond to the will of the students in the same manner as any producer of goods responds to the demands of its consumers. We are the students and this is our university. We control the demand curve, and we affect the future of the university more than any other agent, but this is true only if we are engaged and working together as a unified student body. Developing enhanced transparency in the SGA, which will foster a greater sense of trust and reliance in the collective student opinion, and forcing the university to be ever more responsive to student concerns will be the approach I take toward enhancing the meaningfulness and effectiveness of the SGA in addressing student issues.
My First actions: Once in office, my administration and I plan to immediately make clear to the administration that a new force is on the scene, and that some things will be very different in terms of student/ university relations. We will bolster these assertions will successive legislative moves aimed at establishing permanent understandings relating to certain issues relevant to students which currently have no set way of being conducted. For example, recently the administration decided to limit the number of computer stations equipped with online access, rather than take a more realistic approach, which would entail providing more computer resources, instead of reducing these resources. This was done unilaterally based on a series of unpublicized letters to the office of the president of the university. No SGA input was obtained, and therefore no collective student opinion was taken into account. Our primary goal will therefore be to establish the fact that such unilateral action will not be tolerated. This university is the students’ university, and we shall decide how our resources will be allocated.
Future aspirations after NEIU: After NEIU I will be going off to medical school, followed by a career in medicine. Later in life I hope to spend a great deal of time conducting scientific research and writing fiction, while engaging in human rights and civil liberties movements whenever possible.
David Benjaih
Position: PresidentYear in School: SeniorMajor: Biology / Chemistry
Experience in Leadership: NEIU SGA Senator (07/08); Chairman SGA Charter and Rules Committee (07/08); President and organizing charter member of the Future Health Professionals (Treasurer 03/04, President 04/05, 05/06, VP 06/07); NEIU Coordinator for Red Cross (04 – 08), leading the team that has made NEIU’s blood drives the most productive amongst all Chicago area schools; President and organizing charter member of the Tennis and Racquet Club (06/07).
Platform: NEIU is in a unique position as a commuter university in Chicago. It is essential that students at NEIU recognize that we all have voices, and that those voices need to be heard. As a senator, I have always sought to hear the voices of my peers, and as president I will continue to do so. The SGA wants and needs to hear your ideas and we want you to be satisfied with our performance on your behalf.
Over the past year, the SGA has increased its effectiveness as a representative body, yet much more still needs to be done. In spite of our improvements, the SGA is still a highly ineffective, over-governed, essentially benign body that does little more than charter and funds approval for NEIU clubs. I would like to see the student government become a functioning body that works for the benefit of the students of this school, and this state.
My intention is to affect collective bargaining on behalf of not only the student body of NEIU, but of all Illinois state funded colleges and universities. The idea is to form a coalition of schools that would force the IBHE (which is supposed to do this already) and our State Representatives to actually take affirmative action for the benefit of higher education to seek to affect a reversal of the loss of state funding to hopefully avoid excessive tuition hikes in the future. This consortium could also be implemented to affect bargaining on other communal projects as presented to us by our collective constituencies.
I feel that there are many issues that the SGA should be able to influence, but that its influence would be contingent on proper state funding of the school. Among issues that affect all of us are limited course offerings, understaffed departments, underpaid professors, and overcrowded classrooms. I would like to address these issues, but feel that they can only be properly addressed once the state recognizes our collective potential; thus developing and implementing a statewide coalition is my primary goal.
What are Critical Issues for NEIU: The foremost issue facing us is the benign aspect of the SGA; beyond that issue , we need to network with other schools to address the lack of state funding, which will impact on future tuition increases, the limited course offerings, understaffed and underpaid departments, and overcrowded classrooms.
How to address student issues: My plan is to further restructure the SGA to enhance our capacity to liaison between the student body and the administration to have greater impact on school policies. My ultimate goal is to form a functioning coalition of the SGAs of state schools for the increased arbitration value that such an alliance would lend to all participating groups.
My First actions: Hold open student forums. Meet with administrative officials to affect changes to increase the effectiveness of the SGA as a negotiating body. Provide allowances in the SGA charter for the establishment of coalition efforts on the part of the students of the state. Contact other state institutions for the formation of an Academic Rights Coalition.
Future aspirations after NEIU: Attend medical school with intentions of working with Physicians w/o Borders, and also to work in Public Health.
Jason Garcia
Position: PresidentYear in School: JuniorMajor: Justice Studies
Experience in Leadership: Elected Secretary of State for Model Illinois Government 2008-2009; Student Senator NEIU SGA Fall 2007 Spring 2008; and Proud Brother of Alpha Psi Lambda Inc.
Platform: I plan to promote, promote, promote all the potential that this wonderful University has, as well as be the voice of the student body.
What are Critical Issues for NEIU: Student involvement is the main thing in my eyes…I believe the students as well as administration do not understand the potential that NEIU has…I hope that my pride in our school will inspire others to get active and seek out opportunities that already exist, that aren’t being promoted, and if those do not exist for us to create them.
How to address student issues: By keeping an open mind and open door policy…I can only hope that as I meet more and more students and raise awareness of programs and opportunities that we can develop a culture of “go gettinitism.”
My First actions: Need to build a staff, have everyone on the same page and tap into each and everyones talents and skills so that they can realize their full potential to most effectively perform duties for the student body as we are public servants.
Future aspirations after NEIU: Leader of the LIFE Movement….it will all start here at NEIU…I plan to graduate and travel the world, teach English in Japan, travel as much as I can before coming back to the Chi as a proud alumni of the soon to be internationally recognized prestigious NEIU, align myself with those who have goals to make this world a better place then pump the LIFE movement…I hope one day to see a time of peace in this war torn world…it all starts here.
Steven Jerome
Position: Vice PresidentYear in School: JuniorMajor: Mathematics
Experience in Leadership: Since coming to the Senate, I have served as the Vice-Chairman to the SGA Finance Committee, was the principal author of the newly passed SGA Constitution, and recently, and have served as the Chief Justice at the annual Model Illinois Government Simulation. I am also a Tutor in the Math Lab, where I assist students in a wide range of University math courses.
Platform: Greater SGA visibility; Extending the influence of Student Government to University decision making; Fiscal Accountability; Unity within the Senate; More substantial legislation; Greater responsiveness to student concerns; Better communication with Campus Media
What are Critical Issues for NEIU: Hasty tuition increases, underfunded departments with few, if any, tenure track professors, a lack of computer resources, and the absence of influence upon the decisions and policies of the University. Among these, is the UPass which has been many endorsed by students, and ignored by the administration.
How to address student issues: The SGA currently has minimal influence in University policy and decision making. As Vice President, I will work to earn Senators seats on University Committees as regular, voting members. In this way, students will be actually have a real influence on University policy. This year, the finance committee expects to retain a surplus of funds, which may subject our budget to future reduction. I would better promote the availability of these funds to student organizations, so that they may be fully utilized over the course of the term. Additionally, I will seek to provide for regular reviews of committee chairpersons, so that any discrepancies in committee function can be rectified early in the term. Additionally, I plan to press the administration for additional spaces for computers, and to restore full internet access to those computers that have been designated as productivity stations in the computer labs. Finally, I will work to increase student involvement in the selection of new faculty members, and forge a partnership with the Faculty Senate to help achieve common goals.
My First actions: Upon my installment as Vice-President, I will place a phone call to President Hahs to arrange a sit down meeting with the new cabinet. Hold special sessions with newly elected members to the SGA, to help ease the transition into office. I will then prepare a list of all active Senators, and forward it to the administration, so that they may be assigned to active University committees and projects. Finally, I will draft a resolution to be presented to the Senate for approval, for the creation of a Student Recreation Area in the Student Union.
Future aspirations after NEIU: I intend to pursue graduate school in Mathematics.
Sunil Mahadeshwar
Position: TreasurerYear in School: JuniorMajor: Finance
Experience in Leadership: SGA Student Trustee (July 2007-Present)President, Indian Students Association (December 2006-Present)
Platform: I’m an honest, hard-working student and I care deeply about the future of NEIU. I’ll be the first to admit that NEIU is not the perfect university. However, I believe we can work towards improving it and I know I want to be part of this change. I have been at NEIU since Fall 2005 and I know a thing or two about how the university operates through my experience as Student Trustee and President of the Indian Students Association. I am confident that I will be a great Treasurer, not only because I will take the job seriously but because my coursework as a Finance major is closely related to the position of Treasurer. Moreover, I have been part of the SGA for a year now and I am familiar with how the organization operates and how business is conducted.
What are Critical Issues for NEIU: With the recent increase in tuition, and inevitable increases in the near future, NEIU is getting less affordable for students. Therefore, efforts need to be taken to alleviate some of the increase students are forced to endure, and I believe SGA can be the tool for this change. Other issues include lack of student resources on campus (i.e. computers, multi-cultural center) and the overall feeling of apathy most NEIU students have towards campus life.
How to address student issues: I plan to work with the SGA to set realistic goals early on in the academic year and consistently work towards achieving them. One way we can decrease the financial burden of students is by setting up an online book exchange. Yet another idea would be allowing a few companies to advertise at various spots on campus, so long as it is not obtrusive and unappealing. The revenue from such advertisement go in to the SGA account only to be given to interested students based on merit, involvement on campus, and/or academic excellence. Furthermore, with the current surplus in our current SGA budget, some of it can be devoted to set up new PC work areas with full internet access at convenient and logical places on campus (i.e. TTRS room). I have other ideas (realistic and unrealistic) on how to solve some of the issues we face on campus, but I can’t list them all here. If you’re reading this and you’d like discuss any of this further, feel free to contact me by email: smahades@neiu.
My First actions: Contact members of current and previous administration to get caught up with all matters related to my position and, of course, familiarize myself with the SGA budget, how it’s broken down, and learn my duties as SGA Treasurer.
Future aspirations after NEIU: Gain real world experience within the field of Finance by working for a medium-to-large-sized company. After gaining a few years of experience, I plan to attend a graduate school and work towards a Masters Degree in Business Administration (MBA).
Yair Cardenas
Position: SenatorYear in School: FreshmanMajor: Finance
Experience in Leadership: Being active in Student Council and the National Honor Society during High School
Platform:What are Critical Issues for NEIU: U-Pass, Lunch Prices, and Activities
How to address student issues: By discussing them with the rest of the senate as soon as possible and persuade fellow senators to approve positive plans for them
My First actions: The First action will be to create a new plan for optional U-passes
Future aspirations after NEIU: Plan to continue studying until reaching a professional degree
Paul Harris
Position: Senator(Write in Candidate)
Experience in Leadership Roles: founding member and first VP NEIU Honors Society 06-07, President Honors Society 07, SGA Senator and Chairman Finance Committee 07-08 Assistant Majority Leader Model Illinois Govt., Chairman Transportation, commerce, and insurance committee Model Illinois Govt. 08. Selected as an NEIU Lobbyist, Initiator and spearhead of the fall boycott of Sodexho services.
Platform: Actions speak louder than words. The action, however, must be constructive. We say the squeaky wheel gets the oil but isn’t that because a squeaky wheel irritates us? Furthermore, when we oil it, isn’t it simply to take the minimum necessary action to remove the source of the irritation? Solving a problem requires a more holistic approach that can remain impartial and consider all possibilities in order that the most informed and useful decision can be made. If we expect to have our needs as students addressed we must therefore demonstrate self respect, self control, and the capacity to shoulder the responsibilities of our solutions. As your leader it is my mission to be change, and earn the respect of the faculty, staff, and administration. I have served this platform for the last year, and I ask that you give me your confidence and support to pursue it for another.
What do you believe to be critical issues for NEIU Students? Inflation, campus safety, the u-pass, and civic apathy are critical issues for us. The cost of our lives is increasing daily as our resources are shrinking. Funding for higher education is flat and decreasing. This deserves our attention. There are currently several bills in the Illinois legislature that would reduce the cost and increase access to textbooks and reduce the operating costs for our university. Campus safety is improving but still needs more resources and much more attention. Feeling safe in our environment allows us the capacity to fully open our minds and get the maximum benefit of our education. The U-Pass stalemate needs to end. I believe this can be accomplished this year.
How do you plan to address NEIU student issues? I will develop a more interactive and coordinated effort to advocate for all students in Illinois and the country. The more we work together on these issues the more we will become civic minded and take on the full potential of our citizenship. There are several focus groups and committees which SGA and students can participate in to address safety. Participation in these groups is crucial and I will ensure that students concerns are considered and addressed within these decision making groups. I will make public all of the information available concerning the U-Pass. The university has indicated its willingness to participate in whatever solution we can devise. I have a solution and am prepared to create a student referendum to end the dispute.
First actions planned upon installment into office: I will create a Student Leadership Caucus to act as a peer advisory council to the SGA and student groups. This group will consist of student leaders from clubs and organizations as well as individual student leaders. The group will be invaluable in helping the SGA provide better services and leadership to our student body and ensure active engagement of the SGA with students as well as continuity within the SGA toward its intended purpose.
Future aspirations after NEIU:Year in School: JuniorMajor: Political Science
Melina K. Rodriguez
Position: Student TrusteeYear in School:Major: Biology
Experience in Leadership: Currently Secretary for IVCF,also I lead a Bible discussion group Tuesdays in FA 152.I was Secretary for GreeneSpace Environmental Club in H.S. and was a Class Representative for my Division.
Platform: Choose me as Student Trustee and I will make sure that your voice is heard at the next Board meeting. As students, we must pave the way for innovation through our united voice, without which, we only remain disconnected and inactive.
What are Critical Issues for NEIU: Campus safety is without a doubt one major priority; employing additional Public Safety Officers is one small step that needs consideration. Commonly, students of universities recieve special whistles to carry and use in times of potential danger; this should be implemented here. Another big issue is transportation; We need U-Passes for NEIU. There also needs to be a guideline set to improve inter-department communication. Last but not least, we need to acknowledge the nearly 900 veterans at NEIU, and put forth efforts to provide them with recognition, support, and awareness about the further potential benefits of having taken on such a great obligation for their country.
How to address student issues: First, I find it imperative to be sure that these are issues we all, as students, feel are important to address. Then, I intend to present all issues within my power to possibly modify, with evidence and determination as my tools, to the S.G.A. and the Board of Trustees.
My First actions: I will initiate plans for two philanthropic events. First, a Campus Safety Fair with information on emergency plans-of-action, self-defense guidance, and perhaps speakers with experiences in various unsafe campus situations. And second, a benefit for the veterans of NEIU, possibly for the next coming holiday season.
Future aspirations after NEIU: I plan to attend Midwestern University to obtain the education and certification essential to become a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine.
Eduardo Arabu, Jr.
Position: Student Trustee, University’s Board of TrusteesYear in School: JuniorMajor: Business Administration
Experience in Leadership: Proven Leader!
I have been serving the interests of the NEIU students and community since my first semester. I have worked with the previous 3 Student Government Association’s President and their administration as the Student Representative to the Student Advisory Committee of the Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE-SAC). During my tenure with the IBHE-SAC, I have analyzed the higher education system and consult policymakers in the state of Illinois. I have worked with leadership teams and representatives from community colleges, private universities, and well as the 12 public state universities. Recently, I created an internship program for students that were interested in working on higher education issues.
I was recently selected to Director to the Illinois Student Association’s Office of Programs. We are working on major projects to improve the quality of higher education for all students across Illinois. This body represents all the students and student government associations in Illinois. I was selected to the ISA to provide strategic organizational development to improve the quality of higher education for students across the State of Illinois. I am also responsible for working with Student Government officers and representatives in community colleges, private and public universities. We work to promote higher education in the state and federal government. One of major program is developing student activism across the state of Illinois.
I am currently presiding at S.A.L.E, Student Alliance for Leadership & Education.This is the first student organization established off campus at NEIU – El Centro. The purpose of this organization is to have a collective group that promotes student support, programming, and community outreach initiatives for and by NEIU Students. Half of NEIU student’s populations are non-traditional and evening students. They normally do not have the opportunity to participate in student activities during student activity hour due to work or other commitment. SALE is dedicated to serving all students but we are trying to include the underrepresented groups by hosting evening and weekend meetings.
I am currently working as Head Delegate on a project to send 15 NEIU students to compete globally at the United Nations Simulation in 2009. We are also building an organization with a board of advisors to train, prepare the students, and eventually develop a program with this curriculum.
In 2005, I founded and built the NEIU Golden Eagles Baseball team with 25 NEIU students. I developed a 5-man front office to handle administration and operation of this organization. I served as President for several seasons. We handle the opportunity to play major school such as Northwestern University, University of Wisconsin, Roosevelt University, etc.
I was selected by the Dean of Students to participate in highly-publicized events sponsored by the University. I am currently the senior ambassador and have received 3 University recognition awards.
I have attended the Model Illinois Government simulation for the past three years. Each year I have taken a new role to continue to build my experience.
2008 State RepresentativeI have been preparing for a role with the Illinois House of Representative at the Model Illinois Government simulation. I have also been a founding and active member of the Model Illinois Government Club at NEIU.
2007 Chief of Staff,I was appointed to serve as the Chief of Staff to the Office of the Comptroller at the Model Illinois Government simulation. I was also the Chief of Staff for the NEIU Delegation. I was responsible for developing new leaders, budgets, and the overall success of the delegation. As Chief of Staff, I actively tried to secure more interest of minority students to participate in this event and encourage them to become future political leaders.
2006 Budget Analyst,I prepared to represent the NEIU Delegation at the Model Illinois Government simulation as a budget analyst. I worked with all the agency involvement in the simulation to pass a mock state budget
I have also worked on other university assignments such as NEIU Higher Education Lobby Day 2007 and the NEIU Hispanic Heritage Committee.
All of my student activities involvement was completed or currently active, while attending day and night school and working almost full-time. It shows my committment to myself, my education, and my future while pursuing a better Northeastern Illinois University for all of us and the future generations to come.
Platform: Elected Student Trustee candidate Eduardo Arabu Jr. to represent your interests at Northeastern Illinois University because proven leadership, knowledge and experience will produce results!
What are Critical Issues for NEIU: Just to name a few:Campus SecurityGraduationTuition & FeesTextbook CostsAcademic ExcellenceAcademic SupportStudent Support ServicesStudent ActivitiesEvents and ProgrammingUniversity PrideMulti-Cultural CenterParking at all facilitiesCourse Selection including date and timeFaculty DiversificationComputing Services & Lab ExpansionBuilding SpaceGreen TechnologyU-PassSport ProgramsCareer Services & Placement SupportFood ServicesOffice & Dept Hour ExtensionExtending the Weekend InstituteTeacher’s Training PlacementGraduation Requirements.
How to address student issues:There are many issues the NEIU students must deal with. Some are simple to resolve, others such as the U-Pass and parking for El Centro are complex; however a few students in the Student Government Association will not be enough. We need your commitment and contribution to ensure better quality of higher education and support services.
Communication will play a major role in addressing the issues. I plan on hosting student forums and conducting student surveys at all campuses as I have done previously. I am planning to design communication initiatives to send student’s concern to the Student Government Association, NEIU administration, the university’s Board of Trustees, and local government offices and the Illinois General Assembly.
My First actions: The Student Trustee position has a term limit of one year and there are only 6 Board of Trustee meetings. It is important to build relationships quickly to promote the student’s agenda. I have worked with previous student trustees and members of the Board of Trustees. I have experience in building relationship with governmental policy-makers and university administrators.
My first action is communicate the needs of the NEIU community (all students, all campuses, faculty, staff, employees, administrators) to governmental and university decision makers. I would seek ways to open communication between students and administrators.
My second action is to inform the board about student’s issues and concerns. I have conducted several surveys at the main campus and at El Centro, and CCICS to gather student feedback about the NEIU community.
My third action is to develop a strategic plan for accomplishing goals with student leaders and the Student Government Association.
Future aspirations after NEIU: Upon graduation, I am looking at several options for continuing education perhaps an MBA, Master’s in Public Policy, or maybe law school. I am looking to develop a global business investment & consulting firm with a foundation to support youth leadership programs, internship and create scholarship opportunities.
I am also interested in public office as a state Senator or a U.S. Senator. I would also like to travel across the world so I am interested in a position with U.S. State Department or the United Nations.
Miguel Loeza
Position: IBHE RepresentativeYear in School: FreshmanMajor: Justice Studies
Experience in Leadership: I have gain experience thru the organizations I belong to. I am currently the vice president of Student Alliance for Leadership & Education. This has given me much experience. Being a vice president and bringing up a student organization is not easy and it takes leadership skills. I was also part of Model Illinois Government. In this organization I also gained experience since I had too make contacts with other people in the organization and I also had to debate in the House of Representatives. Another organization that is helping me gain experience and build leadership skills is Student Peer Educator. Being part of this organization is helping me develop more communicative skills since I have to go up to my peers and talk to them about things that affect everybody. With this organizations and the rolls I have in every one of them I believe that I have the experience to be a good IBHE Representative.
Platform: My platform is simple and it is for the benefit of every student. First, higher education has to be cheaper. Second, the cost of materials should not be as expensive. Third everybody has the right for an education. I want education to accessible for everybody in everyway. Students should not worry about financial situations when it comes down to education.
What are Critical Issues for NEIU: The most critical issues for NEIU Students is the cost of education and the cost of materials.
How to address student issues: I will address NEIU student’s issues to the right people. That is why it is important to make the right contacts and also the ones that can really help you out accomplish your goals.Also I will go and talk to the first person that I have to talk to. If that person does not show interest I will go to the next one and so on until I find the one that does care and helps me out accomplish my goals.
My First actions: The first action I will take upon installment into office is to make contacts with people that have influence in the state capitol and that can help me bring higher education issues to legislators. Knowing the right people is important. You have to be confident that they are the right people to talk to so the issues can be resolved.
Future aspirations after NEIU: After I am done in NEIU I want to go to graduate school and work on my field of study. I will also continue helping the students and the community. I will never forget where I came from and all the struggles that students have to go thru for an education. I will keep fighting to make education more accessible for everybody.