News

~
Your student government candidates
Annika Fredrikson r I
Assistant Ed,to, J
C
hange is in the air ,.. or is it?
Elections arc on the horizon.
\ V iII current student body
president Christine Naccwicz be rCR
elected with her new running mate
Derrick Fleming, or will challengers
Briggs Del.each and Haley Morton
or Shirley Moihloe and Vernon ''''est
assume control of office? Each team
of candidates brings unique qualities
and background experiences (0 the
table; this election might very well be a
close one. Let's lake a closer look at. the
candidates' thoughts and opinions.
Q , : What are the lIlost intportant
qualities astudeut leader should
possess?
Christine and Derrick: A student
leader should possess confidence.
And that doesn't mean confidence in
just him or herself. Honesty, trust and
respect for yourself, the community and
fellow students art: all really important
as \'I'CII.A student leader needs to trust
the people they arc serving and those
around them. If a leader cannot trust
the student body or others, then they
won't be able to be listen LO them
effectively Being able to listen is also
a crucial quality because it shows that
the concerns of the students are just as
important, if not more important, than
the agenda of the president and vice
president. This relates to being open-
minded) nor trying to push personal
opinions or a personal agenda .. ~\good
student leader leaves him or herself
out of the picture and focuses on
representing the students. It's likebeing
awindow in away; agood leader forms
oneself to the position, not the other
way around. \t\lf" all have the capacity to
be great campus leaders, and we hope
that after these elections people will
want to be more involved in student
government.
Briggs andHaley: Wehaveidentified
three crucial qualities the student
body president and vice president
should possess. First) the pair must be
dedicated metaphysicians that place
an emphasis on student government
decisions founded on Principle, not
human will. Second, the student body
president and vice president should not
shy away from voicing the true interests
of the studell ts to the administration.
These student leaders cannot be
afraid of how their reputations with
the power structure may be affected
by representing the students. If the
students have a desired outcome from
April 2013 PILOT 13
News
either student government or from
their Principia administration, it is the
job of the student body president and
vice president to relentlessly pursue this
end. Third, student leaders must be
aware of the interests of the students.
Ultimately, student government serves
the student body as a whole, not the
narrow interests of the administration
or elected representatives. Therefore,
the student body president and vice
president must tackle issues that affect
the campus as a whole.
Shirley and Vernon: Leaders
should possess qualities of honesty,
forthrightness and respect. A leader
who is honest is likely to communicate
more directly with people, thus gaining
their respect. We feel that leaders
should be a sufficient representation of
the diverse student body. An effective
leader should be an effective listener;
should have an open mind, be willing
to learn, and should base their decisions
on thewelfare of all students, not just on
specific groups. A leader cannot truly
represent the student body unless they
have committed to expressing humility-
by putting the needs of all others before
their 0\'\.'11.
Q: If elected, what are your top
three goals for next year?
Christine and Derrick: There's a
lot going on around here at Principia,
and there is lot more we would like to
continue working on if we are elected.
1. Our first goal is to continue
working on the new Howard Center.
Wewant that to become as successful as
possible and to get it moving forward.
2. Our second goal is to reach
out to more groups on campus and to
case the communication between the
student body and student government.
Additionally, we would love the
communication between the student
14 PILOT April 2013
body and faculty members to also
improve and to make sure everyone's
best. interests are being considered.
3. Our last goal is to serve the
cause of Christian Science. Sometimes
it's easy for us all to forget about
Christian Science when we're in the
midst or all of our classes, work and
sports. We would love to encourage
an environment conducive for us all to
focus more on it, because for many of
us it's the reasons we came to Principia.
Briggs andHaley: On our Faccbook
page, we have laid out various policy
objectives for next year, ranging
from practical solutions to bridging
the gap between international and
domestic students to bringing up the
homosexuality policy. Our top three
goals are:
I.Ensure that Christian Science is
an integral part of student government
and that decisions are rounded upon
Principle.
2. Take action with the
administration on the homosexuality
policy if sufficient support exists among
the student body.
3. Host events to try and break
the divide between international and
domestic students.
Shirley and Vernon: Our goals are
as follows:
l. Establishing a more
communicative environment regarding
the challenges that the campus faces,
which will be done by requesting more
administrative talks and discussions
regarding important controversial
topics that may be unclear among the
community.
2. An equal representation
of all students. ',Ve will strive to
educate the student body, faculty and
administration on the issues of labels
(such as "international" or "domestic")
and the effect that it has, while pushing
toward a stronger sense of unity.
3. Making Christian Science
more accessible. Vile will strive toward
promoting more C.S. involvement
around the campus. By sponsoring
more Sunday school-like conversations
and peer-to-peer discussions regarding
student-related issues, we intend to
inspire the growth or our community
and help heighten the thought of the
entire campus.
Q: What do you see as the
inunediate changes that need to
happen here at Principia?
Christine and Derrick: 'tVe are
going through a lot of changes already
right now with the recent switch to
semesters, which has brought to light
other things that need to adjust. The
Howard Center project is also in full
swing and will require alot of attention.
The administration really wants
students to feel likethey do have a voice
and do have a say, so the project has
been totally student-driven. Another
thing that can always be improved is
communication .. Government is only
as good as people make it. So if you
want to feel heard, you need to speak
up. We think there's a lot of things that
people would like to sec looked at more
like the homosexual policy, amongst
other things. However, we don't want
to make any promises or create false
hope. Therefore, we feel that increased
transparency and understanding about
how the college works is something
that needs to change; for example, how
decisions are made. We fed like as we
learn 1110reabout this) then we'll beable
to use our resources more effectively in
enacting changes.
Briggs and Haley: Weseethree
immediate changes that must happen
at Principia. First, we must eradicate
the animal magnetism that is seeping
-------------------------------------------------
in on t~lmplls, 'This year especially,
it seems animal magnetism has been
pr sent everywhere on earn pus, In
Sciencr and Health, Mrs. Ed Iy devotes
an entir chapter to unmasking animal
rnagn -tism because she sees the
potcntir I threat it can ause. In order
1 ( . ) 1 ' OUI' school 1 0 1 00\'( ' forward, we
need to unmask the present animal
magnlt i. '::!II1 ,
Second, we feel student
government needs to take action on
the homosexuality policy if sufficient
suppOrt exists i:\1'l'long the students,
Ultimate I) ', student govemmem
should be representative of' student
views, especially if student activism
indicates tluu change is reasonable and
necessary, If the students indicate to us
that they have a significant interest in
Changing the policy. we will work our
hardest LO represent their interests to
the administration and the board of
trustees.
Third, Principia needs to
bridge the gap between domestic
and international students. This
is a very difficult issue, as some of
the separation is clue to the culture
at Principia, However, as student
gm'crnmclll, wt' can make pushes
lO\Vr\l'd cultuml understanding. Vve
have been in contact with numerous
domestic and intermttional students
as to how to break down tJ 1C barriers,
and we have come up with mulliple
potential solutions, Visit our Facebook
page to gel details on these solutions,
which include broadcasting important
international sporting events in the
Pub and husting inlcrcul1ural music
cxchangc nights.
Shirley and Vernon:
Something that has been commg up
frequently among the student body
is the desire to have healthier options
being served at the Pub, scramble room
and C-Slore, There should be a wider
variety or healthy foods. SLUdcnL~do
not always have the time or money to
sh P orr campus. tuderus feel beuer
when they cal better,
Aneth r immediate change we
feel is necessary is the organization
or town hall-style meetings so that
~Vl:r)' student can have an equal say in
topics concerning the community. \Vc
intend to create a comfortable, open
environment where honest concerns
and opinions are encouraged. V V r - also
\-\ ; 11 push for more communication
with and acknowledgment of non-trad
students on campus, V V e often forget
about these students living in Beeman
and in Anderson. \'\'e should take more
time to reach out to them, keep them
involved and consistently remind them
that they have just as important of a
role here as any other student.
Q: How will you serve student
needs?
Christine and Derrick: Wc arc
a total team. vVecan do a great job
serving student needs by continually
asking for student suggestions and
making sure we ease communication
between students and faculty, But it's
also important ror students to vocalize
what they need first, and then the
proper actions could then be taken.
'I'here are endless possibilities, but
listening is Cllwaysa great way to starr.
Briggs and Haley: Wewant to be
in constant communication with the
students to ensure they are represented.
There was agood elTon at reaching oul
to the campus through social media
this yeal; but \ve want to take this even
farther. Wethink there should beregular
polling of student interests, like what
the Pilot does for its monthly issues.
'vVewant to gauge just how students
arc feeling about our job as president
and vice president so that wecan be the
News
best leaders possible. \ ve would love
constructive criticism in these polls as
this would lead to beuer, more cllective
student government for the entire
campus. \Ve also want to poll students
regularly on what they want changed
so that we can push for rhe most up
to date student interests. Too often,
student government is elected but gets
OUl of touch with student opinion. \Vc
will usc polling to ensure we arc always
responding to student needs.
Shirley and Vernon: First and
foremost. we will make sure to keep as
many students as possible up to date on
the issues around campus, making sure
to give every student a voice and input
regarding big decisions being made. An
idea we have been developing ishosting
and administrating lawn hall meetings
on campus. The principle hehind this
will be to hold an open discussion with
no agenda, where students will have the
opportunity to voice t.heir opinions and
concerns about life here on campus.
"Ve hope to create an environment
where students do not feci frightened
or intimidated tospeak their minds and
share openly what they red must be
said. Equal representation is our main
~oal, and fighting {or this \vill creatr a
more fruitful, progressive environment.
Q: What do you think is the
best way to approach the
adnlinistration with difficult
issues?
Christine and Derrick: The best
way to approach the administration
is through openness of mind and a
decisive plan. There are many interests
at work and aspects to consider, like
students, faculty and other community
interests, and we canlt ignore any of
these aspects, As a result, as student
reps, the best way to approach the
administration is by being specific with
April 201 3 PILOT 1 5
News
our concerns and being open to their
suggestions or their concerns. Having
a dialogue is crucial in order to gel
anything done.
Briggs and Haley: First or all, the
student government cannot back
down when representing student
interests, but confrontations with the
administration must first be founded
in Christian Science. \Vc must "let the
Christ go before," as Mrs. Eddy says,
when entering potential confrontations
with the administration. Principle,
not human v.~1I,must guide. Also, it
is essential to build strong coalitions
with the faculty. Often, the faculty is
upset about the same issues facing the
students, so building coalitions with the
faculty before entering confrontations
with the administration can be helpful
to bringing about outcomes desired by
the students. \Y e will never compromise
student interest. by giving into faculty or
administration demands when these
arc counter to student interests, but
building coalitions can sometimes be
the best means to bringing about major
change, especially on the homosexuality
policy.
Shirley and Vernon: We reel that the
best way to approach administration
with difficult issues is by recording
accurate opinions and views of many
different students in order to present
the administration with an unbiased,
realistic depiction of what the
community feels. With this information,
we will also voice our own personal
opinions, while still strongly considering
what will most effectively cater to as
many students as possible. We ,,\~J J be
completely open and honest, standing
up for what the student body needs in
order to grow to its fullest potential.
We will not make recommendations
based on what we alone feel, but what
the people of the Principia community
16 PILOT April 2013
have pushed for.
Q: Why do you think you're a
good candidate?
Christine and Derrick: Consistency
is really good for student government;
at the beginning of the year, it took a
while to figure out the position, which
kind of hindered progress. But with me,
Christine, as student body president
again, we won't have that. learning
curve. We'll pretty much be able to pick
up from where \~Tleave off this year;
This will allow for a much more active
fall semester because we'll already have
the information and understanding of
the position.
I, Derrick, think I'm a good
candidate because of my dynamic
with Christine. \"'e've worked together
multiple times either as resident
assistants or on the Student Athletic
Advisory Committee (SAAC). We
know how to balance each other out,
and I think we provide two balanced
backgrounds. Christine has been
involved in so much at Principia that
she provides a great perspective of
an involved student, and she knows
so much about how things work on
campus. Ithink Iprovide the opposite,
but still important view. Coming into
the college, I was nervous and self-
conscious about trying to be involved.
If vou were to tell me that I'd be
running for vice president when Iwas
a freshman, I probably would have
laughed. In the past, I've been more
focused on my academics and running.
But, I think over the past three years,
I've experienced incredible self-growth,
which has made me realize that 1
truly want to continue serving and
contributing to Principia. Through
my experiences running, being an RA
and acting as president of the Student
Athletic Advisory Committee, I've
realized that the College needs those
that are able to be completely selfless.
Principia has done so much for me that
I just want to contribute as much as
possible.
Briggs and Haley: \Y cIce! weare
great candidates for student body
president and vice president because
we have solid foundations in Christian
Science and have specific solutions to
problems on campus. In the book of
Matthew, .J esus shares the parable of
the house founded on the rock versus
the house built on the sand. Because
of its strong foundation, the house
on the rock is able to withstand the
wind and storms. In order to student
government to be successful, it must
be founded on the rock of Christian
Science, and we have been putting in
the requisite prayerful work t.oensure
a strong foundation. Also, we have
specific solutions to problems. In
student government elections, it is easy
to notice general problems that need
solving, yet candidates do not always
provide practical means of solving these
problems. "Vc have focused on practical
solutions to the problems facing the
Principia student body because we
want to make immediate changes upon
entering office, not enter office without
a direct plan or action.
Shirley and Vernon: Coming froma
different country and having adifferent
upbringing, I, Shirley, sec things from
another perspective. I am openM
minded. I am clear in what I say and
get to the heart of important issues.
Having worked so much on campus,
I have learned how to communicate
with students or different classes and
nationalities. 1have gained much fi'OITI
Principia, Ihave grown immensely and
I would liketo contribute to the forward
momentum of this campus. I want to
restore hope among all students while
unifying this community: A unified
body that r{'spc ns and appreciates one
another equally functions better as a
whole. As :1greater whole, we will face
challenges, come lip with solutions and
welcome change that is necessary. I
represent tht' people.
A~ a student who has been 10
three other universities prior to this
0111.:, 1, Vernon, hnvc had a lot of
L:XpCriCIHT being a part of' very diverse
rornrnunitu-s. I know what it takes in
order lO consecrate a student body:
it lakes a persistent effort in reaching
OUI to all students, while expressing an
honest and sincere desire to help them
expre~~ their own unique perspectives
and experiences in order 10 cultivate
and enrich the community As vice
president, I will bring my genuine
desire to represent the hard working-
student into my leadership. 1will speak
up when my voice needs to be heard
and I will stop and listen when there
arc needs and suggestions being raised
on the campus. 1 have Iouglu to be a
part of the Principia community, and
I am incredibly grateful for all that it
has g-i\'(~nme. 1will do ('vl'J 'ythillg I call
to give back what I ran to a campus
that has blessed us all. I represC'nt the
people.
Q: What sets you apart from your
opponents?
Christine and Derrick: What most
sets us apart is consistency. I, Christine,
have already been in the position,
so I know exactly what I'm signing
up for. Prior to becoming student
body president, I held a position in
Student Senate and on pres board.
Derrick has also had several leadership
opportunities) and we've buth been RAs
this year. V"e'vc had the opportunity to
work together in leadership capacities
before, so we already have a strong
bond that will allow liS towork together
elTectively.
I, D n-ick, think some posiuvc
qualities I have arc my approachability
and my 10\'efor listening. [ like lO think
that people can approach me with any
problem or suggestion thai ihey have. J
love dropping whatever I have to do in
Dreier to help someone else. Itmakes me
feel better when I'm there to support a
friend. Yeah, it probably sounds cheesy;
but I feel like that's a prctty positive
quality to have. Also, I love to smile and
it's pretty hard for me not to smile a lot.
:)
Briggs and Haley: We have a record
of leadership. Briggs was a house
president, a co-executive director of
PAC and will be an RA next year,
while Haley was an Ri\ this year and
is a program director at Advel1IW'C
Unlimited in Colorado. VVe know
how to take the practical SLCpS to
ensure the students are heard, and
we understand how to lead groups of
people. Also, we want to put a major
emphasis on Christian Science in
our administration. Two years ago,
Christian and Bckah emphasized e.s.
in all pres hoard mt'('lings) ann wewere
inspired by how spiritualized thought
could lead to positive leadership and
effective representation. ,"Vehope to
bring this emphasis back next year.
Shirley and Vernon: Together,
Vernon and I can speak for a majority
of the studeillS on campus because
we represcl1I. two different sides of the
same coin. \\le also have experienced
challenges that, after fighting and
gaining a victory over them, have led
us to Principia. The diversity of our
backgrounds has given us the tools to
sec this campus in a unique light.
T, Shirley, am not merely a
representation for students who are
struggling with finances or students who
work extremely hard to be hcrc-r-d am
an example. Therefore I understand,
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which enables me to serve the student
body, because I understand the position
that they arc in.
I, Vernon, am a sophomore
at this school after having auended
three years of college at a total of four
separate schools, I have been to a large
university of over 50,000 students
in rural Massachusetts, a university
located in the city and a smaller
commuting school. 1 have lived among
very diverse communities of students
and have lived in environments vel)'
different from Principia. Therefore, 1
know what sets this school apart from
others, and I know what needs to be
focused on) enhanced and preserved
within this community.
April 2013 PILOT 17