Call it a successful recruiting pitch.
When previous Associated Students of Western Nevada President Gabrielle Clark and student government group adviser Heather Rikalo came to Andrea Sanchez De Lozas communications class to talk about ASWN, she was convinced that it was time for her to become more involved on campus.
Sanchez ran for the post of 2021-22 ASWN president this spring and the election went her way. Not only was Sanchez elected president, but Victor Clavel, vice president, and Guadalupe DeSantiago, senator, joined her in representing WNC students into the next school year.
I am absolutely ecstatic to be ASWNs upcoming president, Sanchez said. It is an absolute honor to be in this position. Ive never been so humble and grateful for such an opportunity. I am genuinely so excited to take on this challenge and do my best representing the students here at Western Nevada College.
Sanchez, who is pursuing an Associate of Business degree at WNC, reflected on that day Rikalo and Clark visited her class.
They entered my class and spoke about the different clubs and ASWN stood out to me, she said. I have always had an interest in participating in student government but never really applied until my freshman year in college. Since then, Ive absolutely adored everything about it.
The newly elected officers will organize special events for students on campus, serve on college committees, build leadership skills and serve the community.
As ASWNs president, I plan on doing my absolute best at representing the students here and really voice their needs and opinions, Sanchez said. I specifically want to help overcome students insecurity with food and any mental health issues that interfere with their education. I plan on bringing awareness and resources to students who are searching for these sources and need representation.
She is looking forward to life and, specifically, college life, returning to normal.
As a student, I was so focused on getting my weekly assignments done that when this pandemic abruptly hit the U.S., it began testing my grit, she said. Luckily, I am very appreciative of what once was and I am looking forward to what will be.
ASWN officer positions are still available for 2021-22. Interested students should contact Rikalo at heather.rikalo@wnc.edu or by phoning 775-445-3241.