Election candidate blurbs

Student Association President

Candidate 1: Yoonjin Min

The Centennial year is almost to a close. We students have written our vision for the next 100 years, but we cannot lose ownership of our priorities moving forward. The Student Association President is often a figurehead, the Senate a “stamp of approval.” I want this to change. Collaboration does not imply deference. Students should have a two-way conversation with the administration, aiming for reasonable compromise from both parties. If elected President, I’d be able to understand the administrative perspective, but still defend students’ interests.

As SA External Vice-President, I have built strong relationships with administrators, faculty, and staff. In collaboration with others, I’ve lessened the LPAP requirement, created the Hedgehopper card, and funded student events during the Centennial. Through both successes and failures, I’ve learned how to create tangible results on this campus.

I am a Rice student. No matter our college, our hometown, our majors, or our interests, this identity holds us together. The Student Association, to build credibility and reputation as a true governing body, must attain campus-wide respect; our officers must be relatable. I have been involved with Jones Cabinet, Beer Bike, and Justice League. Moreover, I have eaten a meal in every servery, paid my $1 cover charge at Pub, and languished on a waitlist.

I believe we can increase transparency and communication. I believe all students can bring forward a proposal and see it come to fruition. And I believe I have the experience, perspective, and passion to make it happen. United for Yoonjin!

Candidate 2: Andrew Lo/Justin Montes (joke)

Justin Montes, close relative of Zorro and Abraham Lincoln, wears a face made of 40 grit sandpaper, which he uses for both self protection and wood working projects. If Justin was a geological occurrence caused by diverging or converging tectonic plates, Justin would be a volcano, because people lava him so much!

Andrew “Yo” Lo can usually be found riding on the back of Justin Montes, often mistaken for the red-faced spider monkey native to the rainforests of northern South America. One time, Andrew fell off and broke in half, but fortunately, all the king’s horses and all the king’s men put him back together again. Andrew played Jackie Chan’s stunt double between 2001 and 2003, featured in such films as Rush Hour 2 and Shanghai Knights.

With arms of laserz and steel toed boots, the Lo-Montes team has fought off Megatron twice, and are often jointly portrayed by Megan Fox in film documentaries of the events. Mayor Anise Parker has been quoted as describing the pair as “the peanut butter …and jelly of …your otherwise average childhood.” Every time this pair struts their swag at campus parties, one or two people always notice sometimes.

Lo-Montes is running on a platform of 2x4s, 2x6s, 4x4s, and one sheet of ½ inch thick plywood. They are strong proponents of the Darma and Avenger Initiatives as well as Murphy’s Law. Their motto for this campaign is “Change: We’ll get around to it tomorrow,” or “Kid tested; Mother approved.”

Student Association Internal Vice President

Candidate 1: Min Ji Kim

SPREAD THE LOVE…LOVE SA. You might be thinking. “What?! Are we back in the hippie era? Love SA?! HAH!!” But wait!!! This seemingly silly concept of “LOVE SA” will allow more students’ concerns to be addressed. With support and increased participation from the student body, more student-run projects can be accomplished. As Student Association Internal Vice President, I will be committed to achieve this idea.

Two of the main responsibilities of SA IVP are to coordinate the New Student Representative (NSR) Program and to manage the SA Committees (Academic, Environmental, Student Life) program. Through these programs, all students- new and old- can make an impact. My primary goal will be to strengthen both programs.

To accomplish this, I will have the voice of students as the upmost importance. I am currently serving as Lovett Senator, and this experience has emphasized to me the power of the voice of Rice students.

One of my plans as SA IVP is to get feedback from the student body on what projects NSRs and SA committees could do. Another plan is to instill a mentoring relationship between the college presidents, senators, and NSRs. Serving as senator has allowed me to see the leadership development potential of the NSR program. Gathering feedback and advice, I will carry out more plans that will enhance both programs and promote student involvement.