Swasti Jain on behalf of Student Government
TL;DR: Students can now get credit for their efforts on Student Government. Nominations for elections are happening until the end of the day TODAY! Nominate yourself or others for CORe/Student Gov. positions by Monday, April 6th at 11:59 pm!
In this first round of elections, we are looking for the following positions:
- President
- VP for Finance
- VP for Communications
- Director of SAC
- Club Chair
- Director of SERV
Over a year ago, I wrote “Jaded Junior: Apathy at Olin” for Frankly Speaking highlighting how easy it was to fall into the patterns of burnout and resignation.
To recap, in my article I write about how I was confronted on my jaded feelings about Olin’s future:
“Swasti, what’s your perspective on Olin’s future?”
And without thinking about my answer I said, “I dunno man, I just want to get my degree and get out of here.”
“That’s so interesting… I didn’t expect you of all people to be so jaded.”
I couldn’t shake the feeling that she was unequivocally right to judge me. I’m not a laid-back, nonchalant person. I am so chalant! I be chalanting!! I get involved in situations that don’t particularly ask for my input. I meddle. I care. And it’s my, perhaps naive, belief that most Oliners chose to be here for that same reason: to be with other engineers who care about making an impact.
In that article I also criticize how Olin’s current structure does not incentivize students to take on additional responsibility when it comes to creating culture and improving student life. Today’s Oliners are chronically stretched thin, wearing several campus identities.
This is why offering ISR credit for Student Government is so impactful. In my own time involved in CORe as Senior Class Representative, I have seen firsthand how much an engaged student body makes a difference in student life.
One of the most powerful things we have at Olin is that one voice can bring about a lot of change, and Student Government can propagate that change by funding any student’s idea.
And I am really proud to say that Student Government has done a whole lot of that:
- Sushi Night funded by CORe
- New Weights for EH Gym funded by CORe
- New Drumkit for Jam room funded by CORe
- New Skateboards in ball room funded by CORe
- Ski/snowboard tuning equipment funded by CORe
- Transportation for Volunteering funded by CORe and now SERV
- Mardi Gras Party funded by SAC
- Worked with President May to develop formal guidelines for student groups to host events at her house
As a senior who refuses to stay jaded, I want to remind you of all of the ways you can advocate for healthy boundaries with culture, creation, and studies. If you have questions about getting credit or anything else, our current President and VPs hold office hours from 11-12 pm Wednesdays in the Dining Hall. Or you could come visit during our meetings on Mondays 5:30-6:30 pm in the Crescent Room!