Andrew Harker / The Avion
Senior, BS Aerospace Engineering
"I am Jane from Hong Kong, a senior majoring in Aerospace Engineering. I am currently serving as the SI Leader for general chemistry lectures. This is my fifth year studying in the US as an international student. These experiences have been both daunting and transformative, shaping me into the resilient individual I am today. Now, I see an opportunity to share my journey with our international student community, to walk alongside them through the ups and downs, offering support and guidance derived from my growth. I aim to serve my fellow international students by harnessing targeted resources and fostering mentorship through alumni connections. My goal is to address academic, career, and financial needs, ensuring that no student feels alone or overwhelmed in their pursuit of success. Additionally, I envision creating a warm and inclusive space where students can freely seek recommendations and advice or simply find solace in shared experiences."
What makes you a qualified candidate for this position?
"With a strong foundation as an international student and a proven track record in leadership, I am confident in my qualifications for the International Student Senate. Having spent five years studying abroad, including participation in our study abroad program in Germany, I intimately grasp the challenges faced by international students. My multilingual proficiency enables effective communication and connection with peers from diverse cultural backgrounds. With a fervent passion for travel and cultural exchange, I am dedicated to advocating for the voices and needs of international students within our university community. As someone who enjoys making friends while exploring the world, I am committed to fostering connections and understanding among students from diverse backgrounds. Moreover, my active participation in multiple international student clubs on campus has provided me with invaluable insights into the diverse needs and concerns of our international student body. With a genuine dedication to amplifying the voices of international students, I am confident that I can contribute effectively to the Senate's mission of inclusivity and representation."
What is the purpose of the SGA Student Senate?
"As an international student myself, I intimately understand the challenges that our international student community faces. I firmly believe that the mission of an International SGA Senate is to provide a platform for international students to seek both professional and personal support. As their representative on campus, I am committed to amplifying their voices and advocating for resources tailored to their unique needs. Moreover, I am committed to bridging the gap between the international student community and various campus departments to ensure their needs and benefits are effectively addressed. In this role, I will serve as a liaison between the SGA and other campus organizations, working diligently to bring the most effective resources to our international student body. Recognizing the importance of addressing our students' needs, I strive to cultivate a welcoming environment where they feel comfortable sharing their concerns. As their trusted representative within the SGA, I pledge to promptly bring their issues to the forefront and address them with utmost urgency. My primary mission in this position is to prioritize the well-being of our student body and support them to the best of my ability, ensuring that every international student feels valued, supported, and empowered."
How do you plan to elevate and communicate issues that your constituents are concerned about to the Senate?
"To effectively address student concerns, I prioritize fostering a supportive environment during office hours. Recognizing that language barriers can often deter students from speaking up, I will openly disclose my fluency in various languages and my ongoing language-learning endeavors. This transparency aims to reassure students that they will be understood and supported regardless of the language they choose to communicate in. I am fully dedicated to being accessible and attentive to their needs. Moreover, I actively encourage students to connect using their preferred communication tools, whether in-person meetings or online platforms, to ensure accessibility and responsiveness to their needs. I am fully committed to being available and attentive, striving to make every student feel valued and heard. As a bridge between the Senate and campus departments, I will facilitate the resolution of student concerns that require collaboration beyond the International Senate's scope. Through effective communication and advocacy, I aim to foster an environment of inclusivity and understanding where every student's voice matters."
How will you improve the ERAU experience for your constituents?
"In my dedication to enriching the campus experience for our international student body, I prioritize customizing resources to meet their distinct needs. Drawing from my own experiences as an international student, I understand the challenges of settling down in a foreign country. To alleviate these concerns, I intend to offer transportation assistance for students to stores or governmental offices for necessary documentation. Furthermore, I will work closely with our ISSS office to ensure comprehensive support, providing guidance on career development and furnishing essential campus information. Through these collaborative efforts, I aim to cultivate a supportive environment where international students feel secure to share their worries. Recognizing the importance of holistic support, I am also committed to offering assistance with resume development and CPT application and addressing any questions or concerns that arise during students' time at Embry-Riddle. Additionally, I will actively share available resources, including scholarship opportunities specifically tailored to international students, to ensure their access to vital support systems. By prioritizing these initiatives, I aim to create a campus community where international students are equipped with the tools and support necessary for success. Lastly, I am dedicated to curating existing materials and ensuring their distribution to the student body, making them accessible throughout and beyond my tenure."
