For SCWSC Recording Secretary...
A m a n d a E s r a e i l i a n
SCW: Describe one goal you want to accomplish for the student body and tell us how you would accomplish that goal.
Stern is truly an incredible place; however, I think it has the potential to be even greater than it already is. Like any other college stern definitely has its ups and downs. For me, a down this school has is a lack of community. We go to a school surrounded by all different kinds of people who share ONE common thing- we’re JEWS. I think sometimes we tend to forget what an amazing thing it is. We all come in having our own groups of friends whether it be from camp, high school, seminary and so on; therefore, we don’t feel the need to branch out or chose to hide behind those we feel confortable around. Because of this there is no sense of unity; each clique keeps to themselves. The unity would drastically lift the amount of school spirit and pride that is currently lacking. People would start coming to events and experiencing different kinds of things outside of their comfort zone. Ultimately my goal would be to unite the school bringing together all kinds of Jews and making them appreciate how incredible stern really is.
Coming from a sepahrdi baal teshuva background coming into stern as a real freshman and knowing only a handful of people I was forced to branch out and move out of my confort zone. I had the opportunity to meet people with very different backgrounds then my own and build very strong relationships with them. That is the beauty of stern- connecting to different kinds of Jews. For starters the student council itself can play a big part in accomplishing this goal. Having an eclectic bunch on student council members with different backgrounds would be very beneficial. People will tend to follow those with similar interests of theirs therefore if for example there is a student council member that is involved in mechina she will be able to get all mechina students involved in an event taking place. Instead of having five of the same “type” of student, instead have five different “types” of students and spice things up a little bit! Additionally, at events, the student council must take initiative in branching out. If they go and sit next to a student they have never met before others will soon follow- this my friends is a little something I’d like to call the domino effect.
Event Idea for Goal:
The first month of school I would run a one-week campaign called “Building New Bonds”. The first night of the campaign, Monday, we would have a famous speaker come in that is liked by a wide range of students on campus (ehem Charlie Harary ehem). The speaker would discuss the idea of unity and a sense of Jewish community, almost like a pump up speech. The week would continue with a chessed activity because when you think about it chessed really does bring people together. We could find a central location such as Stanton hall and package food for the needy! The next day we would have a huge event in central park consisting of all different kinds of relay races and fun sports followed by a BBQ. On Thursday night we would have a pep rally for a sports team, doing our best to bring the entire student body together. That weekend we would do Beren Unite so that relationships are built earlier on in the year. Basically it would be a non-stop party leaving opportunities to bring the entire student body together.
SCW: You have planned a huge event, but you wake up the morning of the event with a migraine. How do you ensure a quality event even though you cannot personally attend?
When creating an event, on the day of, there really isn’t much to do aside for a few last minute things. Everything really should have already been taken care of earlier on in the week. However, if I were unable to attend the event, in order to ensure a quality event I would probably first notify the board that I wouldn’t be there. I would tell them to spread the word and remind people in their classes and their friends about the event. I would send out a mass text, another sstud, and facebook notification reminding people that the event is today as well. Aside from that I would call the place that’s bringing food and make sure they have the order. I would also ask a few board members if they could go early to set up and pick up the food. All of this can be handled through the beauty of a high tech cellular device! From there you must hope for the best and have faith in your event!
SCW: One of your clubs has two club heads. You know that one is doing all of the work and "doesn't mind," but the club really needs both heads to be on their "A-game" in order to succeed. How do you proceed?
I would first notify the club head that’s doing all the work that I’m going to speak to the other club head. From there I would set up a time to meet with the club head that’s not doing anything and tell them that up until now all the work has been done by the other club head. “They said they don’t mind; however, there’s a reason why BOTH of you were chosen. I think if you guys put your heads together and you really put in effort this club could potentially be a lot more successful than it already is. I want this club to reach its fullest potential and that’ll only happen if you start to pitch in as well. Can we count on your efforts?” All in all I wouldn’t leave any room for starting an argument. I want to make it sound like the student would be a great asset. Clubs should be fun they shouldn’t be a chore; therefore, I don’t want to sound like a mom yelling at their child to do something. It’s up to the student whether or not they will then chose to step up and take initiative.
