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
