As a biology and economics double major, I’ve learned how to thoughtfully approach challenges in using both analytical and practical perspectives over these four years. In the position, I will listen closely to all your concerns and make well-reasoned, fair decisions that reflect the needs of our campus community. Despite sounding behind-the-scenes, Senate responsibilities like parking ticket appeals, club fund appropriations, and maintaining Student Government bylaws can directly impact your life as a student. My mission as senator is to ensure you and your organizations feel heard in their times of need. Clubs and student groups are the center of our community and deserve the appropriate resources to grow. At Loyola, I am involved in many organizations including the Loyola Chimes, Alpha Kappa Psi, and the Student Health Advisory Council. I understand the struggle of organizing a campus group to create inclusive and welcoming communities for students. If elected, I will advocate for fair funding, open communication, and easing the struggles of the bureaucratic process. This way, you can focus on building experiences and improving campus life through your organizations. I pride myself on being friendly and responsive to the people I work with and serve from my volunteer experiences serving patients in several hospitals in the Baltimore community. I want to be your connection to have an influence on student government policy. Also, I care deeply about restorative justice having worked as a member of a CCSJ advocacy group for Maryland schools in the past. Concerning bylaw language, restorative justice should extend to SGA policies to make policies more equitable rather than punitive. I would be honored to serve as a senator for our senior class, and I ask for your trust and your vote to improve the Loyola campus community.
Hello, fellow Greyhounds! My name is Andres Pena, and I’m a first-generation student heading into my final year at Loyola University Maryland! I’m also currently a service coordinator at CCSJ and the environmental committee chair at Loyola Rotaract. Working within these positions and at the bi-state agency of the Port Authority of NY&NJ over the summer has taught me that public/community service is essential to uplifting disadvantaged communities and setting up the foundations necessary for them to thrive. This is especially true given our current political landscape, in which political polarization and divisiveness are breaking apart the very communities that are often alike in their shared interests for a better future. As your senator, I will make sure to work towards building up the very community we have here at Loyola and have it set up for the future. That would mean, by the powers invested in a senator, I’ll look towards amending the By-Laws within the SGA Constitution to improve accessibility, flexibility, and funding within the clubs/organizations that make up our diverse community. Given the current political climate, I’ll also work alongside the director of civic engagement in creating new initiatives advocating the importance of community activism and public service. I’ll also seek to work with the director of Community Outreach in integrating sustainability and the principles of ‘Laudato Si’ within our community service and immersion opportunities. Lastly, regarding evaluating parking tickets, I intend to appeal to every single one because students have enough expenses to deal with in this school anyway. If you wish to learn more about me and my platform, please go check out my Instagram, @asp_169. Otherwise, thank you for your consideration, and I hope you have a great day 😊!
