Joshuet Esten
1. What inspired you to run for president?
The position of SA president was always one that sparked my interest. I love the idea of having someone I can trust as my representative to administration. It was not until this year, when I was able to see the responsibilities Sheryl has and how she is our voice, that the interest came to me. I realized I want to do this — I want to be the voice for the students. I want to fight for the ideas that the students on this campus have. I want to be the individual people can trust to accurately represent them in front of administration.
2. What changes do you want to make?
I want to create a campus where things can be accomplished more easily. There are a lot of ideas that people on campus have or have had that haven’t gone anywhere. I want to change Southern in a way that we not only listen to our students, but make them the priority. If we do this, I believe we have the power to make Southern greater than anyone can imagine.
3. What kind of spiritual activities do you want to implement?
I would like to implement more spiritual activities that allow students to ask questions to spiritually knowledgeable individuals. I know in my spiritual journey there were times where I wished I had someone I could have gone to for guidance and someone I could’ve leaned on to show me what certain passages in the Bible really mean. I know that I am not the only one that has faced this issue, and I would like to create events and activities that will allow students to spend time with someone who can lead them in the right direction.
4. What kind of leader do you hope to become?
I hope to become the kind of leader that is known to be a good listener and a doer. I hope to become someone that people can remember and say, “He cared about what I said, and he gave his all to make this campus a better place.”
5. Why should students vote for you?
I think students should vote for me because I am someone that wants to be the bridge between them and administration. I want to hear the struggles students are going through and be their voice for change. I have always had a passion for helping people, and those on this campus are no exception. I’m the type of person that doesn’t like hearing “no.” If I cannot find a solution one way, I will find another until we find the exact solution that we are looking for.
Juan Carlos Grajales
1. What inspired you to run for president?
Two years ago, I was walking down the promenade wondering what God’s purpose for my life was here at Southern. I strongly believe that God has placed me here to be a blessing to others. And, since I made that commitment, I have led in any way that I can. I’ve led worship at dorm weeks of prayer, at Vespers and at church on Sabbaths. I’ve led a LifeGroup, been a part of Campus Ministries as the Renewal Worship Director and I am currently serving as Senator for Student Association. I believe that I am called to give students another choice — a choice that will dedicate mind and soul to my work in order to improve fellow students’ experiences here at Southern.
2. What changes do you want to make?
I will work closely with the Southern Accent to post weekly videos updating students about administrative decisions using social media platforms. I will raise awareness of the resources available on campus to students using tools such as an updated Southern app and an updated Southern Connections class. I will create an advertisement task-force in the Student Association to enhance the connection between students and officers to bring answers to questions and voice to creativity.
3. What kind of spiritual activities do you want to implement?
As SA president, I will work closely with Campus Ministries in order to be a support to their work so we can continue to enhance the roles and activities being delivered to the student body through the various student leaders on campus.
4. What kind of leader do you hope to become?
I want to be a leader that is mindful of the ideas of everyone and considerate of the different sentiments of all; a leader that motivates those around me; a leader that gives recognition to excellent work while always striving to be better. I want to be a leader that people can come to and connect with, who is easily accessible to anyone, and who makes decisions regardless of the consequences to himself or his position.
5. Why should students vote for you?
I want students to vote for the candidate that represents them best. Vote for me if you want change, vote for me if you believe in the ways I will make change. Vote for me if you believe in my plan, and if you believe in the strength God gives me to work. Vote for me if you believe in me.
Kenneth Bautista
1. What inspired you to run for executive vice president?
Since I joined the SA Senate this year, I learned that the role of executive vice president is managing the SA Senate and being a voice for the students. I realized that it correlated with my personal goals. I enjoy speaking up for those who can’t and organizing groups to reach a goal. I was inspired to be an advocate for the students and make this campus better. I want to work to make changes to benefit the students and make their experiences here at Southern the best they can possibly be.
2. What changes do you want to make?
I am passionate about empowering small businesses and supporting those who aspire to become entrepreneurs. I want to start the Lift Off Initiative — a program that funds student-founded small businesses. With this program, students will be able to submit their business ideas, and we will review it and give them cash to get their businesses off the ground. My hope is to help students develop their business plans into a reality. I want an easily accessible way for students to get their businesses running.
3. What kind of spiritual activities do you want to implement?
In connection with Campus Ministries and the School of Religion, I would like to place boxes across campus where students can anonymously drop their prayer requests. Those requests will be prayed for by professors or students. Prayer is powerful, and I would like to emphasize and incorporate it into our campus even more.
4. What kind of leader do you hope to become?
I hope to be a service-based leader. I realize that I am not perfect, and that people see things through different lenses. Since I joined SA Senate, I have been able to clearly see the needs that the students have. And as an SA leader, my hope is for everyone to feel comfortable coming to me with their needs and have the confidence that I will try to fulfill those needs to the best of my ability. I want to serve my fellow peers on campus while working together to find the best way to improve this campus.
5. Why should students vote for you?
I wish to be the voice for those who seek change and want to implement new ideas. Everyone matters on our campus, and I want each and every student to know that they are heard. I will give 100% into everything I do, and I will make the students my number one priority. By working together, we can thrive amidst a pandemic.
Marie Rodriguez
1. What inspired you to run for social vice president?
I was actually nominated to run for social vice president by the SA Senate. However, when presented with this opportunity, I knew that I had to take it. I was inspired by the people around me at this school when they showed their support in thinking that I would be the right candidate for this position. I was also inspired by the need for a leader on campus who the people would trust to plan great events for them.
2. What changes do you want to make?
I would say the main thing would be to get students more involved in the events that we are planning for them. Having SA Senators send out polls every month or so would be a great way to get students involved. Also, I want to create new events that become traditions on Southern’s campus and that people look forward to for years to come.
3. What kind of spiritual activities do you want to implement?
I would love to implement more spiritual activities that are interactive. For example, a Christian concert would be such a fun and engaging way for students to socialize and praise at the same time. Also, if possible, I would love to organize an event like a water sports Vespers where students can go out to a lake and do water-based activities such as swimming and boating, and then have a group worship together when the sun begins to set.
4. What kind of leader do you hope to become?
I hope to become a leader who is a friend to the student body. I want to inspire visions of what our future can be and motivate people to engage with that vision. I want my authenticity and self-awareness to be present in my leadership; I don’t want to fit a mold set by someone else. I also want students to know I am being the best possible leader I can.
5. Why should students vote for you?
Students should vote for me because of my strong sense of responsibility and dependability. I have always taken any individual work seriously, and I am also someone who people can depend on to be responsible for my fair share of work and to follow through. Furthermore, patience and tenacity are traits that God has blessed me with that I believe will help me see the long view — being able to overcome any setbacks and frustrations so that I can continuously improve.