Q&A with the First-Year Senators

BY JOSEPH BARRY

The Aquinas speaks to First-Year Senators Claire Sunday, Josephine Middleton, Diya Patel and Aaron Asiedu-Wiafe on their experience in student government during their first semester at The University of Scranton.

What inspired you to run for a first-year senator seat?

Josephine: We had student government elections in high school (which I did not win) but, I was really interested in joining here, because I wanted an opportunity to help other students.

Diya: I have always been interested in government; I’ve served on my state student council board and worked for local political leaders. I wanted to use my background to advocate for students who could not advocate for themselves, especially with the pressures of college.

Claire: My sister graduated from the University of Scranton last year, and she was a part of student government. I remember her always discussing what was going on and always being excited about it. Hearing how beneficial student government was at connecting her to campus drew me in. Like Diya, I’m interested in government and want to use that passion to help others.

Claire Sunday

Aaron: I did student government in high school it was nice to find something familiar to try. I enjoy serving and being a voice for others.

Did you have any expectations of what student government would be like here? Has anything changed since?

Diya: I didn’t expect it to be as involved as it was regarding different aspects of campus life. We now have a much wider responsibility not only to the first-year class but the entire student body for their well being.

Josephine Middleton

Josephine: Me too. In high school we expected student government to be able to do different things but wouldn’t be able to, but now we have a say on behalf of the students and their needs.

Claire: Agreed.

Aaron: At Orientation I was wondering if student government existed and if it did, how much of an impact it had. Thankfully, we make a big difference here.

Aaron Asiedu-Wiafe

How has student government affected your experience in the first semester, especially regarding academics or extracurricular activities?

Claire: I have definitely found ways to apply my experiences in student government into my classes as a political science major, education from the classroom can also be applied to what we do in government. On top of that, we have all been able to expand our connections with others.

Josephine: When I first came to Scranton I had trouble adjusting, trying to make new friends after years with former school peers. Running for election allowed me to get involved and meet new people through its process. Student government in itself is a huge family too.

Diya: Yeah. I’d bounce off with what both Claire and Josie said about the family-aspect of student government. I will just be sitting in DeNaples and people in government will come up and strike conversations frequently. I’ve made more connections with faculty and students I didn’t even realize were around before. It’s great to see people open up and discuss their concerns.

Diya Patel

Aaron: I’ve been able to meet upperclassmen and network with other students and organizations. It’s been helpful to find resources.

How has the Senate been working on behalf of the Class of 2023?

Claire: Josie and I are members of the Academic & Scholastic Affairs Committee, so we meet with different deans and provosts and have discussed adding more service work into the general curriculum to utilize your major in ways to help others.

Josephine: We are looking to open the third-floor of the Library open twenty-four seven and open more room to study.

Diya: Most of what we work on at the beginning of the term is developing budget for clubs and activities, but now we are focused on addressing student needs directly, like ensuring wider food options for students and increasing maintenance and service efficiency.

Any opinions or comments on the relationship between the Senate and the current University Presidential Administration?

Diya: They’re the best people. Claire: As a freshman coming in you can really look up to them, not in an intimidating way, instead they are so welcoming to us and our ideas. I absolutely love them.

Josephine: They are really understanding and are always open to questions.

Aaron: They really helped me grow closer to new people.

Do any of you have personal ideas or projects, things you would like to see government work on in the future.

Josephine: I’d like third-floor DeNaples to open earlier with cereal and other quick foods for students that would like to get up in the morning.

Diya: Opening up food options and accessibility and improve choices.

Aaron: We need to fix the photography and quality on ROYAL Cards.

Josephine: Opening service opportunities in academics is also something we are focusing on.

Do you have any other comments or things you’d like to mention?

Diya: I think we all really love representing our class and are grateful for the experience.

Claire: It’s been a very humbling experience.

Josephine: If you want to get involved, a good way is to follow our Instagram or approach members of student government!