SAMANTHA TROUP | senior staff writers
NENJI YILPET | senior staff writers

There are four main qualifications that need to be met by ASB presidential hopefuls. The students running must be full-time undergraduate students as defined by the Registrar, during the two semesters prior to the term in office. The students must also have grade point averages of at least 2.70, be junior or senior status during the term of office, and proclaim and adhere to the University Statement of Faith and the Student Covenant.

The general duties for the potential presidents are also quite lengthy, requiring a minimum of at least 20 office hours a week and attendance at all Executive Council and Student Senate meetings.

Yet there is more to the job of president than the lengthy requirements and qualifications listed on the application. It is crucial that the candidates represent more to them than just applications or eloquent speeches. The student elected will act as the face of the student body and represent the needs and wants of the campus. So before voting begins next Monday, get to know your options.

JEANIE CHO
junior math education major

Why do you want to be ASB president?
The number one reason I want to be ASB president is to glorify Christ. I want to lead ASB in making sure everything we do glorifies Christ and not get sidetracked.

What previous leadership experience do you have that qualifies you for this position?
Resident Advisor in Trinity, Resident Advisor in the Mods, Chapel Programs, Admissions blogger, High Sierra, True-Religion: social justice leader and youth group leader.

What are your visions for change and how do you see those coming about?
Let students know they have a voice. I want to show students that in order to be constructive in their concerns, they can come to ASB and be a part of the process of becoming the change that they want to see. I want to educate students on how they can utilize ASB to their advantage and create effective communication between on-campus offices for effective programming. I will also advocate for diversity and the fellowship of students of different backgrounds. I want to make sure that there is high quality education in the diversity training for student leaders. This includes supporting the Multi-Ethnic Programs office and International Student Services. I want tocreate more options for students to support environmental issues as well as create more options for social justice issues,and I want to create closer relations with the city of Azusa.

BRICE MYERS
junior graphic design major

Why do you want to be ASB president?
The number one reason is because I have fallen in love with this community. I want to give back to the community that has really shaped me in the past three years.

What previous leadership experience do you have that qualifies you for this position?
High Sierra program recruiter, Resident Advisor in the Mods, and Community Advisor in Smith. Coming from a student life perspective gives me a little more of the mindset of the students and what they need and want.

What are your visions for change and how do you see those coming about?
I want to take the positive accomplishments of this year’s ASB council and build from them. I don’t want to recreate the wheel in ASB, I just want to make a good tire from what has already been done. I feel called to lead and be a part of the movement that is happening on this campus. I want to be an outspoken voice for God about my faith, about where my faith falls short and the strengths in my faith. I hope the student body in turn, will do the same.

LESLIE HERNANDEZ
junior international business and christian ministry major

Why do you want to be ASB president?
I love people. I love to see the face of someone who has a dream and is able to see it through. A leader has a vision and does what it takes to see change happen. A leader inspires people and empowers people. I want to show people they have a voice and their voice counts. It is not what I can do or bring to the table but realizing that I am here for the students. Students can create change and I will be that channel for them.

What previous leadership experience do you have that qualifies you for this position?
Ambassador, Multi Ethnic leadership scholar, D-group leader, UMOJA step team, A.M.I.G.O.S.(A mixed intercultural group of students) organizations, ASB multi-cultural senator, and ASB director of communications.

What are your visions for change and how do you see those coming about?
One of my main visions is for diversity, not just diversity in regards to skin color or ethnic background but the beauty of God’s creation. Our biggest need is to acknowledge that we are different, and I want to see harmony and reconciliation truly happen at APU. In this vision, I see a cultural center being made that is a welcoming, integrated part of the campus in which students have resources on ethnic studies and can just come and chill and feel safe. Also, I want to see unity among student leaders. APU definitely gives so much power to students and I would love to show that ASB is integrated through campus with the different offices. I want to serve to create relationships for student leaders and in doing so bring unity among the students. I want us to be a part of service in Azusa and find ways to develop the relationship between APU and Azusa. Showing Azusa that we are here for them will be such a lasting legacy we can leave.

DAYNA RYCHEN
junior communication studies major

Why do you want to be ASB president?
I want to be involved in something that will continue to push APU as a God-honoring university. I feel extremely blessed to be going to APU. Coming to South Africa has definitely opened my eyes to the great experiences APU offers students. I want to be able to, as best as possible, ensure that each student leaves APU remembering powerful encounters with God whether it’s through community, mission trips, studying abroad, relationships, etc.

What previous leadership experience do you have that qualifies you for this position?
I was the LAC (living area coordinator) for my hall my freshman year. I was a d-group leader and an Alpha Leader my sophomore year and an Alpha Counselor this past year. Being involved in the Alpha program has definitely helped me prepare for a position such as ASB because it has taught me time management, the importance of APU community and how to use my leadership abilities in a way that honors God.

What are your visions for change and how do you see those coming about?
I have broad visions. I don’t want to promise something that I can’t execute; however, I would like to see more growth within the community, in diversity and cultural awareness and most importantly within Christ. I am a big advocate for getting involved in campus and connecting students, leaders, faculty and staff in a way that helps life each other up by encouraging and challenging one another. I think things like Rez Life, Heart to Heart, APASO and various other clubs and organizations are helping to unify APU as one body. I think APU is making great strides to incorporate more of a cultural environment and it can only get better from here. I would like to see more chapels focusing on cultural diversity. I would love to see a multi-cultural center on campus where students can be unified through diversity. I would also like to see the APU community continue to reach out to the surrounding Azusa area.