Hello everyone my name is Javier Pliego Parra and I am running for student council!
I am a first-generation whose drive is fueled by the ambitions of those who came before me, carrying out a future that serves as a testament to their sacrifices. My goal as a student council representative is to uplift and amplify the concerns of our cohort, in regards to both academic and collaborative aspects of the Macaulay community here at Lehman.

I would be open to hearing input on what should be changed, seen, and created by having a monthly google form check-in that would serve as a collection of data to showcase our needs at student council meetings. My goal would be to create a strong collaborative Macaulay community by hosting events that allows for us to get to know each other, ultimately creating a safe space for us away from academics.

My mission if elected would be to provide our cohort with updated resources in regards to opportunities outside of the classroom, making accessibility one of my key components. I want to ensure everyone has the resources they need to build a foundation for themselves in their given major without feeling alone or lost. Macaulay offers a wide range of opportunities, which can be intimidating but I would like to frame it in a way that shifts this narrative through active communication.

I am dedicated to helping curate projects that will engage our cohort. I am currently a part of the Macaulay Wellness Project, whose mission is to have wellness events over the course of the fall semester and I hope to continue hosting events that will voice our needs and concerns.

Greetings Macaulay Scholars, My name is Mohamed and some of you might already know me from the orientation’s. I have an abundance of student council experience as I have been in student council since my sophomore year. During this, we were able to form many positive and helpful events in my school. These events varies from Mental Health Awareness, School Assemblies, Senior Trips planning, Charity work, Can Donations, and School Reform. Student Council made me understand the struggles that different scholars might face. Everyone comes from a different unique background and everyone deserves to be heard. YOU deserve to be heard. The most important thing in making decisions is understanding everyone’s perspective. If everyone is not included, then it disproportionally affects others. Creating an unstable and harmful environment within the community.

More specific on my experience as a council member, I have done an abundance of different activities to create a safer, healthier, and more impactful environment within my school. Me and my peers within student council were able to create an event in which the cohort with the highest canned food donations would get free popcorn. This worked heavily in our favor and we were able to donate over 400 cans! Not only was this creating school spirit, it was also helping out the community around us.

Another conflict that occurred within student council was representation. Many people of AAPI descent argued that they did not feel represented within our community because other months had a large celebration within the last day of their month and they did not. (Ex: Hispanic Heritage Month, Black History Month) We decided that we would plan an idea for this, and we were able to create a small get together and event where you would have games from AAPI culture and activities with AAPI. This made people more understanding of the different cultures around the world and allowed people of AAPI descent to feel more represented.

Overall, I believe that I am quite qualified to be a Macaulay Scholars Council Representative for Lehman College because of the vast experience that I have in student council. There were different instances where people felt like they were not properly represented and we were able to come to a conclusion. I hope this message finds you well and gives you a new understanding of me and how I can impact the students of Lehman.

Hello Macaulay Mates!! My name is Isaiah, and I’m running to be your Macaulay Student Council Representative. As I have become acquainted with all of you over the past few weeks, I have been inspired by your unique perspectives, intense curiosity, and all your overall goodwill. I am running for MSC not just to represent you, but to be the key to unlocking the joyful college experience, and also serves as the launching point for the careers and life all of us want, no matter your major or background.

You’re probably wondering what makes me qualified for this important position. First of all, I am the current youth group leader at my local church, meaning I help manage our over 70 members, as well as help coordinate weekly meetings and periodic events. I also did debate throughout high school, which helped foster advocacy skills, persistence, and effective collaborative skills. My life experiences have formed me into an effective communicator and listener, so I can ensure everyone within our small cohort is adequately represented.

So what are my ideas? I intend as an MSC member to have an open line of communication, so here are a couple of ideas I’ve been stirring. I want to increase coordination between the Macaulay Diversity Initiative and MSC to create more fun events throughout the year. From Latin American cooking and dancing lessons to Kwanza celebrations, there is so much that could be done to create a welcoming and fun environment. I would also propose the idea of pairing Macaulay students with passionate alumni in their field later in their college careers to assist and accelerate career development.

Long story short, I’m running for MSC to empower our cohort and ensure all of us exercise our full potential. I intend to be active in our community, whether or not I am elected, but as your MSC representative, I will have the largest platform to do so. To shape your career your way, vote Isaiah today!!
#MacaulayCast