Edwin Calderon is running for Senator in the College of Business.

1) Why should people vote for you?

I feel that people should vote for me because I am willing to put in the time and the hard work necessary to make the changes needed. As students we sometimes feel like we are not always heard, so I feel that in order to voice our concerns and make the changes needed we need to take a step forth in the right direction, mine being running for a seat in the senate in order to voice the concerns of the freshmen and Latino community here at USF.

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

As far as a senator, I do not have much experience. However as a student leader I have plenty. I have been involved in many organizations throughout my educational career that I believe have prepared me for this. For example ever since I can remember I have been a part of student council/ student government, beginning in my elementary days. The four years I spent in high school I was an active member in the school Student Government Association (SGA) and a class board member. My last year I served as student body treasurer, being on the executive board meant I had to attend monthly meeting with the Superintendent of the Palm Beach County School District in order to discuss and vote on certain issues in the county.

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

Well as a freshman there is not too much I can say on that issue. I feel that all aspect have been running well, to my knowledge. How about I get back to you on that one!!!

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

Well I would like to say that I, as most of the candidates running for this election am very ambitious, passionate about being heard. What separates me from the others is that I am a freshman; I believe that the only way to help out my freshmen class is to plunge headfirst and voice our concerns.

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

Well, again I believe that in order to answer this honestly I will have to be a bit more familiar with the school and the Student Government. I am not aware of what issues need to be discussed upon or what needs to be changed.

6) What is your favorite thing about USF?

I would have to say the sense of community and family here. I have only been here about two months and it already feels like home. My first week here I was greeted by great people, whether it was fellow bulls, of all class or the great faculty and staff here at bulls country. And of course whoopin up on the ‘noles went up on that top ten reason to be a bull list!!

Edwin’s Facebook Group supporting his candidate run: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=153004666860&ref=share

The first candidate being presented is Laura Montalvo, she is running for Senator of the College of Arts and Sciences.

Why should people vote for you?

I really feel like I can accomplish alot for my peers because I’m genuinely concerned about what they have to say. I just recently went around campus asking people about their concerns on campus and I was interested in knowing that there are many different subjects the students are sensitive about. I’m not running for the “perks,” I’m really running to be a mediator between students and our faculty and bringing awareness to a number of issues on campus like student safety, organization establishments, finding more efficient ways to get funds for the colleges that lack equipment, etc. as well as promoting active involvement around our campus.

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

The experience I have is not anything formal, just community service activities and being an ambassador and involved in student committees throughout middle and high school. I’ve always enjoyed building relationships through extracurriculars and community service with those I’m working with and those I’m helping.

What do you feel needs to change in Student Government?

I wish that Student Government would be more assertive in how quickly they can resolve issues and reach goals. I also feel that we need more diversity within student government to get a better understanding of all students.

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

What separates me from the other candidates is that I am not one to jump into something half-heartedly. I take everything I’m involved with seriously and strive to carry goals out as effectively and timely as possible. I am also open minded and respect everyones opinions. I will always take what I’ve heard into consideration before I give my own insight. I believe it’s good to listen before you act so that you know exactly what needs to be tended to first!

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

If elected I would definitely like to promote unity through academics and extracurriculars. I would also like to take a positive step in focusing on what needs to be renewed on campus as well as in the surrounding areas. All I really want is to be able to encourage USF students to get involved in making their college experience a memorable one!

What does being a USF Bull mean to you?

Being proud, being assertive, being active, and determined are all qualities in a USF Bull. Being a USF Bull means being fierce and not letting anyone else talk you down or tell you otherwise. Being a USF Bull to me simply means success!

You can view her Facebook event for her campaign here: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=306380405594&ref=ts

USF is having it’s Senatorial Elections for Student Government next week on October 13th and 14th. It’s your time to vote for candidates to represent you and your views. There are 21 seats available so there is plenty of room for change on the list of senators.

Senators are responsible for the annual allocation of roughly over $10 million dollars, which is collected annual from student A&S funds, so it’s certainly an important position to have in Student Government.

They also have six committees who responsibilities range from student organization funding to interacting and aiding student advocacy and representation.

You can see their site here: http://www.sg.usf.edu/?q=branches/legislative/welcome

Unlike Presidential elections, the school does not host a site where you can view all the candidates and their views so to make up for this, interviews from candidates with mostly the same questions (except for the last closing question) will be appearing here on USF Blogger. Lookout for them very soon.

Remember to place your vote!