Andrew Harker / The Avion
Junior, BS Mechanical Engineering
"As a student from a small town, I understand the importance of having opportunities that advance you toward your career goals. My participation in Army ROTC, volunteer work, and campus organization has allowed me to gain leadership, communication, and technical skills that have helped me advance toward my career goals. These opportunities have also shown me the impact that having access to resources can have on students as they pursue their education. My goal is to make sure students have access to as many resources as possible while pursuing their education at Embry-Riddle. This includes connecting students with more individuals and groups working on research, providing student organizations with more outreach opportunities, and advising them on academic and career decisions. Embry-Riddle has an exorbitant number of resources, and I believe that all students should have the opportunity to use them."
What makes you a qualified candidate for this position?
"From my experience in Army ROTC to participating in organizations such as Lunabotics and Robotic Warriors, I have collaborated with students who come from a wide variety of backgrounds. Because of this, I have realized how important it is to foster a sense of community and to provide students with the necessary resources to pursue their career goals. Furthermore, I have held several leadership positions throughout my time at Embry-Riddle, such as cadet squad leader with Army ROTC, vice president of the Embry-Riddle Skating Club, and shift lead at the Center for Communication and Digital Media. This experience has shown me the importance of ensuring that everyone’s voice is heard. Additionally, I am committed to leveraging my skills and experiences to represent the diverse interests of the students of Embry-Riddle and to work collaboratively with my peers to enact positive change. Moving from a small town to Embry-Riddle has also shown me the impact that having access to resources will have on a person. I know that fostering a supportive environment allows students to better accomplish their career and academic goals. If given the opportunity to serve in this position, I will work tirelessly to ensure that all students have the resources and support they need to succeed and thrive at our university."
What is the purpose of the SGA Student Senate?
"The purpose of the SGA Senate is to ensure that students have a voice in important decision-making processes and that their needs are effectively addressed. Additionally, the SGA senate is there to make sure that students have access to as many resources as possible in order to help students advance toward their academic and career goals. Furthermore, the SGA Senate serves as a liaison between the student body and university administration by advocating for policies and initiatives that promote student welfare and enhance the overall campus experience. By fostering open communication and collaboration between students, faculty, and staff, the SGA senate creates a supportive and inclusive environment where all students will feel empowered to succeed. The SGA’s main goal is to function as a proactive force for positive change within the university community while championing the interests and needs of students across campus. By doing this, students will be allowed to focus on their academics and be able to pursue their career goals. Additionally, I will utilize various communication platforms to disseminate information and solicit feedback from those that I represent. This will leverage social media channels, create online surveys, and maintain an accessible email address for students to reach out to me directly. By utilizing a diverse range of communication methods, I aim to ensure that all students have the opportunity to engage with me and provide input on relevant issues."
How do you plan to elevate and communicate issues that your constituents are concerned about to the Senate?
"To effectively elevate and communicate the concerns of the student body, I plan to use an approach that combines active listening, proactive outreach, and transparent communication channels. I plan to maintain open communication with student organizations and the entire student body by actively seeking input from students across campus. Furthermore, I recognize the importance of collaboration and partnership within the Senate, so I will work closely with other senators to collectively address shared concerns and amplify the voices of the student body. I plan to prioritize accessibility, transparency, and collaboration. By fostering open dialogue and actively engaging with students, I am confident that we can work together to address the issues that matter most to our community and enact positive change. I am dedicated to ensuring that the voices of the student body are heard and respected within the Senate. I believe that, together, we can work towards creating a campus community where every student feels valued, supported, and empowered to thrive."
How will you improve the ERAU experience for your constituents?
"I intend to collaborate with faculty members, industry partners, and other students to expand the availability of research positions, internship opportunities, and projects that will allow students to advance toward their academic interests and career aspirations. This will involve advocating for increased funding for research projects, establishing partnerships with industry leaders to create internship programs, and organizing networking events or career fairs to facilitate connections between students and potential employers. Moreover, I will work with student organizations and campus resources to organize informational sessions and workshops that will provide students with opportunities to showcase and enhance skills, build professional connections, and explore career paths in their fields of study. Furthermore, I will actively seek feedback from students to identify areas for improvement. By listening to students' concerns, I can better understand their needs and preferences and advocate for initiatives that address their priorities. Lastly, I will prioritize transparency and accountability in all of my endeavors as I understand the importance of keeping students informed about ongoing initiatives, progress made, and decisions taken."
