Jimmy Tapia is running for Senator in the College of Arts and Sciences.

1) Why should people vote for you?

They should vote for me because I’m prepared to initiate a change in the Senate. I have been a Student Leader on this campus for a little over a year and within that year I have catapulted myself into the position of President of two Student Organizations (Mexican American Student Association M.A.S.A. and Members Empowering True Awareness META). I want to bring more light and transparency on how Student Government spends their funds and where they go to.

2) What kind of experience do you have related to the position you are running for?

Like I said previously I am a student leader on campus and have been for over a year. I have plenty of experience working with student groups, individuals, and off campus entities such as businesses and other community outreach programs. I am capable of using these connections to benefit not just Student Government but also the Student Body.

3) What do you feel needs to change in Student Government?

The lack of transparency and diversity in Student Government. To often students are kept in the dark about what goes on in SG and we really don’t know what programs our student fees are paying. So I would love to create a program that information is readily on hand to any student who asks and frequently divulge the information to our student body.

Obviously I plan to change the lack of diversity in SG by running and by helping other minority students win their SG Senate election.

4) What separates you from the other candidates running for your position?

Probably my personality I am very persistent very hard working and not easily intimidated. I hold strong to what I believe, however, I am always open to hearing the concerns of people and make it my mission to wanting to understand what their needs are. However, I love working for the students and love doing outreach programs with high schools and middle schools.

I am also a person who has led by example and thanks to that M.A.S.A. has a great group of students that one day will be great leaders on this campus.

5) What are some things you hope to propose, if elected?

I want to propose like explained earlier a program that helps bring light to the issue of what programs and here our student fees are being used.

6) What is the biggest contribution you have made for the USF community?

I think its the outreach as a student and as a member of M.A.S.A. and META I have been privileged to speak with students from high school and middle schools in the Hillsborough County district. To be able to inspire minority students to attend or think about attending an institution of higher learning. On Sept 30th M.A.S.A. helped the ENLACE program at USF bring in 91 students from Plant City (Durant and Strawberry Crest High School) one of the greatest experiences and maybe the greatest contribution to date. However, hopefully not the last.

Joseph Anastasio is running for Senator of the College of Arts and Sciences.

1) Why should people vote for you?

I am a graduate student, studying Latin American, Caribbean and Latino Studies. I am part of many Multicultural organizations, organizations that show the diverse, multicultural aspects this University prides itself on. Are you a part of an Organization? Is your Organization diverse? Multicultural? Do you have representation in the Senate? This is why I am running, this is why people should vote for me. I am a cultural individual, I have traveled worldwide. I have experienced many cultures, and know the importance that dance, music, food, and other cultural activities have for a specific group. Many groups are not represented in the Senate, I am here to represent them and their values. I have traveled across campus, from Fletcher to Fowler talking to people about organizations and their relationship with Student Government, let me tell you this… the Relationship is not all gravy! I think we need to repair those relationships… and I will push for that.

2) What kind of experience do you have related to the position you are running for?

I am the President of the Latin American Student Association, over the years I have gotten involved in organizations, especially Student Government. Before I came to USF, I was not a student who would typically be involved, however, this year that has changed. In simple terms, I have been a SG “harasser”, I am always up there, asking questions trying to get to the bottom of things.

I have leadership skills worthy of being College of Arts and Sciences Senator. I have the drive to learn more, the drive to find answers for questions. I am hardheaded, and will always work for the people.

3) What do you feel needs to change in Student Government?

The representation of different organizations. A diverse movement must take place. Student Government for the lack of a better phrase, is “un-diverse”… The lack of diversity in the senate is disgusting, we need to elect individuals who care about culture. Now, in saying this, I am not implying that the current SG senators do not care about culture, but think of it like this. Who would care more about the Latin American Student Association’s questions? John Smith, or Carlos Hernandez? With that said, diversity comes in different shapes and sizes. Diversity is an umbrella that encompasses us all. A gay student fits in that umbrella, a latino fits in that umbrella, a black student, an asian student, an african student, an handicapped student, a student who went to war, diversity means different, and different does not mean bad.

4) What separates you from the other candidates running for your position?

Age, Experience, drive and the pursuit of equality.

Age and Experience; as a graduate student, and at 24 years of age, I have seen, and done many things. I have been involved in politics, I have got down and dirty. I have pushed to get things done on many levels.

Drive; I am stubborn, hardheaded, yes, for some people, that might be a bad thing, but when it comes to fighting for something you want, there is no other way to be. I do not stop at no. I do not stop until I get the answer I want, this of course pertains to politics only!

Pursuit of Equality; I want organizations to know that when I am in the senate, your organization will get the same treatment as all organizations. In order for us to move forward as a university, we need to accept the fact that we have many shades of people, and we need to give them and their organizations equal treatment.

5) What are top three qualities that you think should define a USF Bull?

Dedication, Motivation and Passion. Bulls Pride, wearing those colors, going to games in the wind and rain, screaming, shouting, losing your voice for your peers. how can one be a bull if they don’t have the Dedication to be there for their fellow diverse group of peers. How can one be a bull if they are not motivated to change the makeup of the Senate, change how it is viewed among Student Organizations. Passion, that force, that drive that keeps our team going forward, hopefully cracking the top 20’s, and keeps us moving forward as an elite school.

You can visit Joseph’s facebook group at: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=141103803732&ref=ts

The following link goes to a Facebook Event called a Si, Se Puede Card promoting individuals who support diversity and want to help the voices of the diverse: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=297596335159&ref=share

Jose De Jesus is running for Senator in the College of Arts and Sciences.

1) Why should people vote for you?

I am the oldest of four children who were raised by a single mother and understand the hard work and sacrifice it takes to reach the milestones of attending and graduating from USF. I will not only represent the large number of Veteran Students attending this department but also every student who constantly deals with the realities of student life. I intend to leverage all of my experience, character, and motivation to help my fellow classmates and to improve USF.

2) What kind of experience do you have related to the position you are running for?

Unfortunately I’ve never had to opportunity to serve in a representative organization with the capabilities of the student Senate. However, I believe my service of nine years in the U.S. Air Force distinctively qualifies me as a capable leader, manager and supervisor. I have taken part in situations which, I believe, have uniquely qualified me to set and meet any goal.

3) What do you feel needs to change in Student Government?

I primarily believe the issue of diversification is paramount to the proper representation of the student body, regardless of the Department. Currently there is no Veteran representation in the Senate, even at a time when USF is recognized for the opportunities it provides to these individuals. Additionally, in the last few weeks I have been made increasingly aware of the lack of information/awareness provided from not only the Senate but Student Government (SG). For instance, I was only made aware of the Senate vacancies a week prior to the elections. Had I been in the know, I would’ve known about this opportunity back in early September! I believe this is not fair to individuals who are capable and possibly willing to participate in this type of important activity but who are not given that chance because of lack of information. This issue extends to agendas and votes held at the Senate. Every student should be made aware of the issues which are discussed within the Student Government.

4) What separates you from the other candidates running for your position?

I believe the facts and experiences listed above are clearly to my advantage. This however this does not disqualify other candidates who are just as qualified and eager to help, rather I bring an opportunity for the Senate to hear the voice of someone who has served, traveled and experienced much of what the world has to offer. I strongly believe the current leadership/administration is working hard on behalf of the Student Body; however a fresh perspective can always work to enhance any organization.

5) What are some things you hope to propose, if elected?

I hope to be able to provide both a diversified point of view as well fighting to help the SG provide avenues of communications that every student will have access to. I believe to properly represent any constituency Senators have to be able to provide a proper environment for a two way conversation on the issues. Additionally I understand the economic difficulties affecting both Students and the University, therefore I will fight to ensure the funds available are spent wisely and in a manner which improves the quality of education for everyone, not only the Art and Sciences department or any organization I am a part of.

6) How has becoming a USF Bull impacted who you are?

USF has clearly provided many intellectual tools which will allow me to be a more rounded individual who is capable of meeting any difficulty, job or opportunity head on. More importantly, the school, fellow students and teachers have instilled in me an urge to grab life by the horns and own it!

Facebook Event Link: Link: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=163436438080&ref=mf