Decision ’08: Meet the Freshmen

The top six vote getters will get year-long terms, the next two vote getters will have semester-long terms.

Aubrey Hamilton
I have never met such a crazy, driven, and intelligent group of people as our class of 2012! Representing the diverse interests and wishes of our freshman class would be an eventful, thrilling, amazing experience, and I, Aubrey Hamilton, would love for you guys to give me that opportunity. I have been actively involved in many student clubs and student councils, music and theatre, sports, academics, and community service, so I truly believe that I could enthusiastically represent all of your interests. After spending time with so many of you, I can’t wait to grow closer as a class and work towards achieving all of our goals for the next 4 years. While Wesleyan is already such an amazing environment and community, I will always be pro-active about making any changes or improvements that need to be implemented. I promise to all of you that I will be extremely dedicated and passionate, if voted onto the WSA. Vote for Aubrey Hamilton for Freshman Class Representative!

Cordelia Blanchard
Wesleyan is a unique environment I am thrilled to be part of. I hope you give me the opportunity to represent our class as a member of the WSA. I promise to be a creative problem-solver and to find ways to make your ideas realities. No, I can’t move your dorm closer to Usdan, but I want to create an campus bike loan. I am committed to everyone and will ensure the school does right by you. In high school, I never feared questioning the administrators’ actions. I even confronted the headmaster, positively impacting the school’s disciplinary system. That fearlessness and sense of justice will serve you if I am elected. I will be open, attentive, and enthusiastic. I will foster community without compromising the space you’re granted to fulfill your goals and aspirations.

Let’s make the class of 2012 the best Wes has seen yet!
Thanks for your consideration.

Raghu Appasani
My name is Raghu Appasani and I am running to be your Frosh Class Representative. As it has been only a week, most of you probably have no idea who I am. But let me assure you that if you vote for me your voice will be heard and actions will be taken. This is Wesleyan and everybody knows that the opinions of the students are the backbone to the school. Personally, I have two years of experience in student government, being my Junior and Senior year President in high school. So when I say that your voice will be heard, it will. At first glance, Wesleyan might seem to be the perfect school, but as we have all learned from our week here, there are problems that need to be fixed and reforms that need to be made. I want to not only be a part of the Wesleyan community, but also wish to have the opportunity to represent it.

Corey Dethier
I don’t know a whole lot about Student Government. I don’t even know a whole lot about Wesleyan. But I’m willing to learn because I believe I can get the job done, because I want to make Wesleyan an even better school than it is now.

Thank you,
Corey Dethier

Will Levitt
“We have to acknowledge the progress we made, but understand that we still have a long way to go. That things are better, but still not good enough.”
-Barack Obama

I think that Wesleyan is already a great place and I promise to work hard to keep our campus the fun, vibrant, exciting place that it is. I want ensure that every student here has an amazing college experience and I will do everything I can to make Wesleyan even better.

We can have a school that is responsive to every student’s ideas and treats its students fairly. We can have a school that gives its students the attention and guidance they deserve while still providing them with total freedom to shape their own lives. And we can have a school that lets us have fun along the way. Wes we can.

Adam Fishman
Dear Comrades,

If I’m not elected to the Wesleyan Student Assembly, Wesleyan’s reputation will crumble, your class sizes will increase, and your professors will be dumber. That’s right, professors will immediately lose brain cells upon hearing of the tragedy that is my not being elected. The shock will spread through the heart of this University, causing first civil unrest, then total calamity. Please do not allow this to happen. I really really like Wesleyan, and think it would be a shame if I stand idly by and watch our campus deteriorate. To prevent Wesleyan’s demise, vote Adam Fishman
for the WSA. Whether or not I am elected, you will always have a home in Fauver 231. Please vote for me!

Love,
Adam Fishman

Benjamin Firke
Do you want a candidate who passionately cares about the Class of 2012 and will fight to ensure their views are represented?

A candidate willing to meet with fellow frosh and discuss the issues they consider most pressing?

A candidate willing to cooperate to find practical solutions to Wesleyan students problems?

A candidate who can compose epic verse?

(As rep, I will support two-thousand twelve
Striving to protect what we hold dear
Against P-Safe or administrative force
My intellect is proven here and now
Yea, these words in metre are affixed
Organ’zation, what a skill I have!)

My name is Ben Firke, and I need your support. Ask anyone—I love my school and my classmates. I’m ready to negotiate, but won’t back down in defending the class. After all, I was one of the select group of students who succeeded in removing Karl Rove as my high school’s graduation speaker.

Benjamin Firke : “No Bullshit, Just Results.”

Seung Kwon (Joseph) Yang
Hi, most of you know me as Joe, or S.K.Y., and I am running for the class representative.

I have no previous experience in Student Assemblies, however, I am confident that I can help, with my eccentric creativity and leadership, to improve Wesleyan and our communities.

I’m dedicated in my work. I am an organized person. I must do things right until it satisfies me. I love everyone. You all are beautiful to me. I’m a normal person, who plays sports, and hangs out with friends.

I am an Asian, specifically Korean, and I think it would be nice to have diversity in WSA.

I won’t make a promise I can’t keep, but I can assure you that I will help Wesleyan become a better place. (GO WES!)

VOTE JOEYANG!!! — Because I want it that way

By the way, I KNOW The Wesleyan Fight Song

Chrissy Bello
No candidate statement has been submitted at this time.

Adam Ilowite
I’m Adam Ilowite and I am running for freshman class representative this year. I enjoy eating, sleeping, the smell of new tennis balls, and Saved by the Bell reruns (excluding The College Years). If any of these things remind you of someone you know, someone you want to know, or yourself, vote for me. Still unconvinced/single/hot? Call me. I really can’t say what I am going to try and do to make this school better for the students because I have only been here a week (and if other freshman candidates do make promises about what they are going to change, they are most likely compulsive-lying-cleptos with few morals, and Ghaneria). However, if any other candidate promises to do something about the sand-papered excuse for toilet paper, in honor of my butt, vote for them instead. Otherwise, vote Adam Ilowite.

Carlos D. Laureano
I have participated in student government since my sophomore year as treasurer of my class and student body. I have successfully helped my high school raise money for a series of community events, such as the March of Dimes and Aids Walk. If elected as representative this year, I would hopefully join the Budget committee. In such committee I would make sure that every cent is used to it’s fullest capability bringing the most benefits for Wesleyan. Aside from just being part of the WSA I hope to begin a Youth Committee at Middletown where Students are involved in its public policy decision process. Through the WSA I would have the resources and support to accomplish this goal. One individual can’t accomplish such goal, but a group of students at Wesleyan can. Voice and action can’t be stopped, and that’s what we are filled with.
“Unity = Power”
Go WES!

Timmy (Hyun Soo) Lee
So what can I say that will make you vote for me except that I’m a fantastic asian with mad experience in student governmental affairs (four years actually). I get stuff done, yet I also know how to relax (you know what I mean…). I feel that I can add diversity to the WSA board and further aid in representing and voicing the needs and wants of the student body. I’m not afraid of censoring myself nor do I sugarcoat anything I say. This frankness is crucial in order to establish a relationship with you, the students of Wesleyan. So are you ready? I think it’s time for an “asian invasion”. Vote for Timmy (Hyun Soo) Lee.

Meherazade Sumariwalla
Some of you may know me, some of you may not, and most of you will have difficulty saying my name, but don’t let that stop you from voting for me as your freshman representative. I stress the ’your’ because you, the freshman class are what matter, and when you have concerns, great ideas, and suggestions (smoothie bar at breakfast, anyone?), I want you to come to me – I will be your voice on the WSA because I care about the students at Wesleyan. I know that there are many qualified candidates out there, but I’m confident that after serving on two Student Governments, (one in my hometown in Mumbai, India and one at boarding school in NH), I am the right person for this job. Remember, when you vote for me, you will vote for you! So go ahead, and pick me, Meherazade Sumariwalla as your freshman representative.

Paul Schaffel
So I am supposed to write a short (150 word) piece on why you should vote for me. The answer my friends, is simply found in 2 words-Why Not? Really, why shouldn’t you vote for me? If you can find a legitimate reason, and no that does not include “I do not want to” or “you are just too ugly”, then by all means do not vote for me. But if you can find no reason to not vote for me then just go ahead and do it. I would really appreciate it and in the long run you will come to appreciate it too. I will make THE class of 2012 look damn good. My interests are your interests. Am I Pro-Obama? Yes. Pro-Choice? Yes. Pro-Gun? Hell No. Pro-Palin? No on Sarah. Big yes on Bristol. So this week when you go to vote, why not vote Paul Schaffel.

Greer Dent
HEY 2012! I’m Greer Dent from Chevy Chase, MD and although I haven’t been on campus long enough to identify many areas needing change, I would be thrilled to serve as a freshman representative for the WSA. I haven’t decided whether the public humiliation of being hypnotized on the third night of orientation in front of you all should be a major selling point for my candidacy, but I am willing to attempt some political spin. Barring my embarrassing display of uncoordinated pelvic thrusting and failed attempts to seduce the dubiously attractive hypnotist, I think I made my willingness to jump in and get involved apparent. If elected I would
definitely channel my energy into something more productive and would make
every effort to improve the life of the students and atmosphere of campus.
So…GET OFF YO’ REAR AND VOTE FOR GREER.

Aunchisa Tapanakornvut
Coming from Thailand, it is not easy adapting to life in Wesleyan. Having felt excluded at times, I began to set my foot in with help from friends and resources that Wesleyan offers. Feeling thankful to them, I am determined to run for WSA to pay back and pay forward their kind gratitudes to the student community. I hope to use my experience to reach out and help those who may have similar feelings. I hope to help those who require assistance in adapting to their new home, as well as providing a medium for those who wish to be heard, who wish to express their plans and ideas for a better student community. I hope to offer my unique insight and perspectives as an international student and a member of class of 2012 to the Wesleyan Student Assembly, making it a more diverse representation of our Wesleyan family.

Victor Pesola
Why should you vote for me?

I was amazed by Wesleyan when I first set foot on campus, and the brilliant community continues to impress me. I feel that I am obligated to contribute something to this community, and participating in the WSA seems to be the most effective way of doing that.

The very idea that a student government might actually make decisions that matter is quite new to me. I hope to become a part of this process and provide representation for anybody who wishes to have a hand in the Wesleyan community.

If anybody wishes to get to know me or talk to me about anything at all, I can be reached at my email (vicpez@gmail.com) or in my room, Clark Hall 424. And, like most people, I’m on Facebook.

– Victor Pesola

Elizabeth Fossel
Hey Class of 2012! I know in the four years ahead of all of us there will be hard times and great times. As class representative, I want to work for you to make the great times last and make the hard times a little easier. With my two years of Student Government experience, I’ll strive to bring our class together and make the 2012 the class to remember. Go Wes! Vote Elizabeth Fossel!

Genevieve Hutchings
Coming from the west coast area, I bring a relaxed, and sensible perspective to Wesleyan. Hey, I’m Genevieve Hutchings and I’m ready to bring change (Obama-style). Things I’d like to see change:
More available transportation to the train station and to the airport
More frequent cleaning of the bathrooms
More venues that take Middletown Cash
Easier class-choosing system
More washers and dryers

Let’s get serious, I’ll make this short and sweet: Vote Genevieve

Sara Kass-Gergi
Okay, I know that you guys will do whatever you want to do, so it would be stupid of me to start off with, “You should vote for me because…” So, you should vote for me because…Just kidding! Seriously, though, I am a ridiculously anal-retentive person and I will spend an obscene amount of my time making sure that my job is done the best that it can be. WSA would not be the exception. In the past, my school meant everything to me and I did whatever I could to make it a better place. I am not going to tell you to vote for me, but it would be awesome if you did. Thank you.

Nam Anh Ta
If I win, I will enter the office with 7 other friends. I won’t promise to finish the good things they promised all by myself. We, as a group of your “servants”, will work for a better college life of yours. And I, as one of those, will work for a better image of the Wesleyan students especially the Wesleyan’12.

I am no superman (no batman, either). I’m just one of you. But I can at least bring us out of Middletown of nowhere by sending you more buses each weekend. I can’t cook but I can lobby for your food to be better the way you like.

I have little experience with student government but I was the 2nd chief officer of a Vietnamese medium-size firm for a year. So I’m confident to assure you, I know how to get things done, professionally.

AT LARGE

Joanna K. Seirup
My last name is NOT pronounced “Syrup.” It’s “SIGH” (as in “sigh…. I wish I had the choice to have less meals and more points on my mealplan”) — “rup”.

I came to Wesleyan because it’s a place where choices, free will, and uniqueness are valued. For me, being part of the WSA is a chance to ensure that students remain the guiding force behind the place that Wesleyan is. It’s our home, and we should be the ones who shape it.

Cesar Medina
Why am I running for WSA at large rep? The same reason everybody else is: there is nothing to watch on a Sunday night before 10pm. So, instead of spending countless hours avoiding my homework and channel surfing before Mad Men comes on the tube let me complain on your behalf.

Meals are too expensive! I agree. There are too few forms of transportation! I agree. All campus vehicles should be electric! This can be discussed…

I served on the WSA last fall before going abroad and would love to serve again. If elected I promise two things: 1) I will grow a beard and 2) I will bring up any complaint you bring to me, no matter how ridiculous it may seem.

-Cesar Medina

Jennifer Spero
Salutations Techies, my name is Jennifer Spero I am a sophomore and I am looking to help out the Wesleyan community. So what does the WSA even do, you ask? The WSA is there to “enhance the campus experience” at Wesleyan. Vague… It uses funds to form campus clubs, and organizations as well as activities, events, and programs for students. I think I can do a good job at allocating funding to clubs. I would also like to be the voice of Wesleyan students by bringing your ideas to the administration. I want to help out this year because I have some good ideas that will bring the Wesleyan community closer.

Siriwan Luangthanahiran
3 interesting facts about Siriwan Luangthanahiran

1. I have a long and unusual last name (can’t even fit in fully in my WesCard).
– As Obama said that a person’s name is no barrier to one’s success; similarly at Wes, I will always strive towards building a community that embraces diversity and fights for social injustice. E.g. I am part of the subcommittee under ODAA
2. I witnessed the Fountain incident from afar
– I will work on the protocols of Public Safety with regards to garnering helps from the Middletown Police and ensure that under no circumstances you, Wesleyan students, would be subjected to excessive and unnecessary police violence. But of course- no German shepherds!
3. I have been asked several times if I rode elephants to school. No kidding!
However, the most interesting fact about me is that I want to serve YOU, all Wesleyan students as your at-large representative!

Alexandra San Roman
Wesleyan is a unique place where the administration is very receptive to change and the opinions of the student body. During my time here, I have embraced our home, which I want to improve through being your voice in the WSA.

The “new” Summerfields has made this once meal-friendly eating establishment solely a place for people with plentiful points. Alliteration aside, who really has points to waste at Summerfields when they could be spending them at WeShop? Speaking of which, WeShop hours are not in sync with student eating habits and I will advocate for a revision of the schedule.

Although I am new to the WSA, I have been active on campus hosting pre-frosh, participating in theater productions, volunteering at Green Street, and working my nights away in Olin. Vote Alexandra San Roman for at-large representative!

Amy Blume
Wesleyan University is a great place to learn and go to school, but like any institution, there are a multitude of improvements that could be made. Classes can be difficult to get into, dining hall processes could use some restructuring and while Wesleyan is close to two major cities transportation is still a large hassle. As a representative, I would like to dedicate my time to addressing as many of these issues as possible so you don’t have to. After all, you have a busy schedule! Approach me with concerns and I would begin trying to address them. I would appreciate the opportunity to affect these problems at Wesleyan so the University and its students can grow into an even happier, more finely tuned institution than exists already. There are a million changes that can improve students’ daily living and Wesleyan as a whole. Vote for me and let’s get started.