2021-2022 AAS Senate Candidate Statements

The Editorial Board -

The Association of Amherst Students (AAS) will hold elections for AAS Senators in each grade and transfer students from Thursday, Sept. 19, 12:00 a.m. ET to 11:59 p.m. ET. The students below have announced their candidacies for these elections. Students who are interested in hearing from these candidates or are interested in running but were unable to submit a candidate statement, should attend Speech Night on Wednesday, Sept. 15, at 7:30 p.m. ET (on Zoom at this link).

All candidates are listed by position then alphabetically by first name. If the statements end abruptly, it is because they have been cut off to fit the 100 word limit.

Class of 2024

Taha Ahmad

We need to reallocate some funding towards the various student clubs and affinity groups that are so integral to the Amherst experience and community. These are the supportive safe spaces where we make friends and have fun. I will make sure to increase the funding of our clubs. Also, for those of us who were previously on campus, I am sure that we all miss the “Late Night” dining options. I vow to fight for the return of Late Night dining, and for it to be every night of the week. And most importantly, you are all aware that the college will start having CSA’s patrol our halls soon. I feel that this is a gross and unnecessary encroachment upon our personal living spaces. I will fight to reverse this decision. These are a small sample of my ideas. As a representative, my positions depend upon your input. Make your voices heard. Vote Taha Ahmad, a member of the class of 2024, for Senate.

Class of 2025

Michael Bai

Hey everyone! I’m Michael, a freshman from Sydney, Australia. As an international student, I’ve faced many unique challenges in my transition to Amherst. From having to sleep on the floor the first night I was here (true story!), to fatigue and jet lag from a 20-hour flight, I’ve recognised the importance of mental health in a new country. Having loved my experience as a prefect during high school, I believe I have a unique voice for international students and would love to make a positive impact on campus through initiatives like introducing International and Asian Student Support Groups in the Counseling Center.

Hannah Dimas

I cannot wait to work for you, and promote your ideas to improve our lives on the Quad. I want to lead our class to a successful and fun first year. I hope to work with our class Senators to hold a Class of 2025 Forum so we can share our ideas and begin making suggested improvements. I would also like to allocate some of our student activities funds to bring coffee and treats from two local businesses: STARBUCKS and DUNKIN. Vote Hannah Dimas: the right choice for a voice!

Isaiah Doble

Hello everyone! My name is Isaiah (you might also know me from my excessive Chloe Ting workout stories on Instagram). My reason for running for Amherst Senate relates to my own background. Growing up LGBTQ+ in a heteronormative community, I understand what it’s like to feel deprived of representation and voice. As a senator, my goal is to ensure that no student here experiences that. My primary goal is not to pursue my own agenda, but rather be an accessible vehicle to the change that every one of you wants to see - I’m already ecstatic about the ideas that you’ve  provided me on my petition! Thank you, and I hope I will have the privilege of representing you. Hannah Kim As Senator, I want to enrich the student community by encouraging each of us to take action and lead with the same heart that drove us to become the strong individuals we are today. I ask to hold hands and lead this grade together. We can support ourselves and each other with a bond that I am positive will strengthen us all. The distance between us is a story, but so is our proximity. I invite you to exchange stories with one another, and I hope by the end, we’ll each be one step closer to one other. Thank you.

Josh Kim

Hi! My name is Josh Kim, and I am running to be a senator for the 2025 class. The past year, instead of lockers and hallways, we were confined to the chairs of homes and workplaces. The experiences of COVID isolation have shown us how urgently we need to rebuild the campus communities we came to expect from Amherst - our collective collegiate experience depends on it. We must reinforce a student body and administration that ensures that people from all backgrounds can come together and form organic spaces that allow us to experience the best four years of our lives.

Min Ji Kim

I’m not promising perfection, nor expecting it. All I know is that from the moment I accepted my spot at Amherst, to now, 3 weeks into my first year, I have fallen in love with the people and the campus. As a senator, I will strive to become a person that will hear all the voices and critiques of our class. As a low income student as well, I want to be able to create a system in which FG/LI kids can have direct access and communication with the financial aid office.

Gent Malushaga

Hello, my name is Gent Malushaga, I’m a first-year from Larchmont, New York, and I’m running for Student Senate because I’m a versatile member of the student body who will be able to effectively represent the wants and needs of my classmates. I served on my high school’s student government for four years. My senior year, as student body president, I worked closely with my school’s administration, organizing unique, pandemic-friendly events and initiatives to foster a positive social culture during a year characterized by isolation. I look forward to bringing that same passion for bettering the lives of my peers to Amherst. Thanks.

Shreya Susan Mathew

Adjusting to college during these unprecedented times may be difficult, but how can we, how can I, as a freshman Senator enhance our daily Amherst experience? 1. Book Share System - a formal platform where upperclassmen and other students can exchange textbooks. 2. Coffee Machines in every dorm - no more unnecessary walking to Val for your morning espresso shot 3. Bike-sharing - reevaluate the system and improve inclusivity by incorporating women’s bikes too. This is just the beginning. I want to know about the problems and challenges you face, your opinions and suggestions so that we can build a more inclusive and collaborative community.  #heretohear

Graham Quigley

Hello, my name is Graham Quigley and I am running to be one of the Amherst Class of 2025 Students Senators. If given the chance to serve the class of 2025, I would work tirelessly to promote greater equity and transparency amongst student organizations and increase accountability for the administration. Specifically, I will fight to extend late night accessibility to Frost and dining, push for free access to women’s hygiene products in all bathrooms, and demand that official club sport practices and games are allowed to proceed.

Jaden Richards

My name is Jaden Richards and I am a member of the class of 2025. I am running on a number of policies: the first is food: the college should be doing all it can to ensure students are eating well and regularly. I am for longer breakfast hours on the weekends and free meals that are available at all hours. I also believe that all students — and at the least students with greater financial need — should have Amazon prime covered by the college, especially due to precautions related to COVID-19. Lastly, for community enrichment, I believe the college  should sponsor an annual speaker series and mid-year orientation to strengthen the community.

Phil Slaughter

I am Phil Slaughter from Charlotte, North Carolina. I was interested in running for student senate in order to be an advocate for events that promote social well being, and community mental health in the wake of many of the restrictions we face on campus. I would love to work with other members in order to provide students with fun events and opportunities to bond with other members of the community while keeping the herd safe. I hope that these events could help at times when students can feel isolated and alone, as well they could be used to help everyone feel closer to one another.

There are no candidates filed for the Transfer Students and Judiciary Council positions.