AAS Candidate Statements for Transfer Students and the Class of 2030

The students below have announced their candidacies for these elections. All candidates are listed by position, then alphabetically by last name. If a statement ends in ellipses, it is because it has been cut off to fit the 100 word limit.

Transfer Seat (One Candidate, One Seat)

Diego Garay ’27

Did you know that fewer than 10% of mammoths are transfer students? We may be small in number, but our backgrounds and experiences are vast. As Transfer Student Representative, my goal is to ensure the voices of Amherst College’s Transfer and Veteran students are heard. In student government at my previous college, I dedicated myself to empowering the disenfranchised. From helping establish a peer-mentoring program to (literally) walking a mile in her shoes, I enthusiastically stood up, spoke out, and took action. At Amherst, I hope to serve the mammoth community as a keen advocate, proactive problem-solver, and trusted friend.

Class of 2030 (22 Candidates, Eight Seats)

Divine Adelufosi

My name is Divine Adelufosi, I’m a Nigerian American from New Jersey. I love to explore new connections, live in the moment, and learn more about myself through new experiences. I’m running for senate because I want to create a space where first years feel comfortable and aren’t afraid to make their voices heard. I know first hand how hard it is to find your place in a new environment. That’s why as senator I want to work towards easing the transition into college life, fostering community among freshmen, and making sure all freshmen feel supported.

Gasaro Ange

I am skeptical, relentless, and I always thought student government was a popularity contest. But when my ideas for change kept me sleepless, I began questioning my own assumptions.

Who said it was? Who decided that? Could it be otherwise?

I’m Gasaro Ange, and I’m running for Senate because these are the questions I ask. I don’t settle for “that’s how things have always been.” My mind is ravenous for change, for defiance, for challenging the status quo. If you vote for me, we’ll investigate and challenge together. We’ll bring your concerns to senate with conviction and (trust me) persistence …

Hazel Batista 

Hello! My name is Hazel Batista and I’m running for senate. As freshmen, we are all in the same boat of uncertainty and excitement. It’s my mission to make sure everyone feels uplifted as we explore Amherst together. My job is to serve as a vessel for your voices to be heard. I’ve been listening, and it seems that you want more fruit options in Betty’s, vending machines that reliably accept mammoth bucks, and simplified bike rentals. As your senator, these will be the first of many initiatives I tackle. Together, we can better Amherst and make the herd heard!

Olaguer Bauza-Bisteni  

I want to join AAS as a senator because I'm not interested in resume-building. Instead, I’m interested in engaging with our student body and listening to all their concerns, as small as they may be. This isn’t high school anymore. Amherst is a residential college, and AAS has the power to improve the lives of its students. It would be a shame if that power was wasted; we're only here for four years, after all. Every day counts.

Owen Bergstein 

Hello! I’m Owen, a peculiar little freshman from Brookline, Massachusetts. I believe in government that’s willing to try bold, strange things, and even to fail, rather than stagnate. I believe in government that doesn’t make you feel ungrateful for nitpicking. It is in fact our love for Amherst that makes us complain and fix those complaints. It’s like telling your new friend they have a seed in their teeth: awkward, but ultimately an act of affection. I’m ready to hear every problem, even tiny ones mentioned in passing, and design new, out-of-the-box solutions. Let’s invent government that lets you nitpick.

Mehmet Emre Calgar

Hi everyone! My name is Emre, and I’ve loved meeting our jolly, oversized class over the past 3 weeks! As an international student-athlete with leadership experience across clubs and sport, I will advocate for our class’ diverse needs on the senate floor. Instead of unrealistic and flamboyant campaign promises, my pledges are:

• Unchain Dr. Pepper and root beer from Grab & Go (yes, the soda machine there has them), bring them into Betty’s, and propose more diet soda options.
• Be approachable, always listen to YOU, and make our concerns heard loud and clear.

Can’t spell “vote for me” without Emre!

Frank Choi 

I’m Frank, and I’d like Amherst to be too.

In high school, I was a student ambassador for Texas’s Board of Education. There, I advocated for clear instructions within school safety procedures.

Clarity. This is something Amherst also needs.

Why is the healthcare center closed during the weekends? Wasn’t Ford construction supposed to end last week? Why is our merch getting mogged by Williams?

I aim to address all these questions, from improving resources for sick days to live reporting construction completion. And yes, I’ll work on getting YOUR ideas involved in the merch.

So come on. Let’s be Frank. 

Bobby Fellingham  

Hey everyone, I’m Bobby, I’m from New York and I’m on the swim and dive team here at Amherst. I have many ideas on how to make Amherst a better place, including trash cans around campus, merch giveaways at sporting events, and opportunities for student feedback about Ford Student Center, as it becomes our home. 

More importantly, however, I want to hear from you! As your senator, I will be a recognizable face around campus, one that you feel comfortable coming to with concerns, feedback, and opinions about Amherst. Approachability will be my calling card. Vote Bobby, for the student.

Malik Gbadamassi 

Hi! My name is Malik, and I’ll be running for Class of 2030 Senator. I haven’t been at Amherst long, but in this short time I can confidently say I feel grateful to be a part of an amazing community of faculty, athletes, and scholars. As a senator, I want everybody to feel welcome. I am committed to making sure everybody in our class feels heard and represented in the senate. I’d be grateful for your vote! 

VOTE FOR MALIK!

Max Gold

Hey guys, my name is Max and although I’ve only been at Amherst for a few weeks, I’ve felt so welcomed by this community. By running for senate, I hope to give back to that same community by being a representative of the desires of the freshman class. Whether it’s input on the dining hall food, community events, or small issues around campus, I’d love to listen to those around me, so we can work together to make Amherst a better place.

Mason Hatzke

Hi, I’m Mason Hatzke from the great town of Spokane, Washington. Although it’s a long way from the PNW, Amherst is my new home, and I’d like the opportunity to represent our freshman class and make your voice heard while being the most accessible senator this school has seen. 

As your senator, I would (not limited to):

-Address club sports spending (returning to AAS if needed)

-Improve Betty’s (such as getting trash cans and consistent entrees)

-Plan more social events (raves, mixers, etc.) and form new ones like a school olympics where grades compete

Keep Amherst Amazin’ and Vote Mason.

Paige Johnson

Hi class of 2030! My name is Paige Johnson, and I’m from Brooklyn, NY. In high school, I was part of my student government’s outreach committee, streamlining communication between class executives and our large student body. Now, at Amherst, I strive to find a balance of transparency, communication, and advocacy within AAS. I’ll help make the upcoming freezing winter bearable with the warmth of the community, from a battle of the dorms event to expanding crafting opportunities in the makerspace. I am excited to start our new chapter at Amherst, and that starts with turning to a brand new Paige. 

Lorenzo López 

Hello everyone! My name is Lorenzo López, and I hope to be one of your AAS Senators this year. I come from San Francisco, CA — sorta (ask me about it), and I live in North Hall. 

Why am I running? I was always a quiet child, and when you are born quiet, you have no choice but to listen to those around you. Combined with my student government experience in HS, I want to step up to the task of AAS this year. It would be an honor to listen to and represent you. I’ll see you all around.

Markus Luis 

Hello, my name is Markus Luis and I am a low-income student from Los Angeles, California. I want to join Amherst Senate because I want to become more involved in my community and have a meaningful role in representing students. I believe every student should have an opportunity to share their ideas, concerns, and experiences, and I want to help make sure those voices are heard. I’m excited about the opportunity to work with other students, learn more about the issues affecting our community, and help create positive change. I would bring an open mind, strong communication skills, and a … 

Jono Milicevic 

Hi everyone! I’m Jono! 

In kindergarten I couldn’t spell my full name, Jonathon, so I invented a name I could: J-O-N-O, spelled with a smile between the O’s. 

This is how I will bring whimsy and joy to AC:

• AAS-owned party/event supplies to borrow. (sports equipment, speakers, lights)
• Decorate Ford and make it feel lived in.
• Most joy goes unplanned: cut party registration window from seven days to two and make it easier to host.
• Reduce the frequency of CSA checks: stop student-run events from shutting down by 11:15. THE NIGHT IS STILL YOUNG!

With a smile,

Jono:)

Guetty Moita

Well, Amherst, I’m impressed. Who knew the talent that could be jam-packed into a grade of 500 students? From improv comedians having us laughing at GAD’s; singers leaving us on a high note, and many more talented peers, I was pleasantly surprised. But each performance left me wanting more.

So why not have more? 

If elected senator, I’ll create freshman showcases where peers can show off their talents: DJ set battles that end in functions, stand-up comedy hours, and much more. Each showcase would have prizes for both performers and audience.

If this sounds fun, vote for me! Because #GuettyGetsItDone.

Sascha Reverón 

What makes a campus feel like a community? I believe that it’s a community that’s easy to engage with and to get involved in. As your First-Year senator, I want to improve Amherst’s online calendar by making it more accessible, centralized, and easy to filter, so that we can bring together student organizations, athletics, and college events all in one place. I also want to bring music to the dining stations in Betty’s Kitchen, making the environment more enjoyable for students and the staff who make our dining experience possible. I hope to pursue these ideas through the Public Relations, ... 

Anoova Sattar 

I’m Anoova. Running for freshman-year senate. I did just get here, so I don’t want to promise the effort to make far-fetched goals and ideas come true when I’m not even sure what changes the student body wants implemented in the first place. I can promise, though, to hear whatever those concerns are and to voice them exhaustively until they’re integrated into the overall intention we set for the year. Just as a side note, I definitely plan to advocate for more arts events — partly for my own sanity, and also because that’s how I’ve noticed people connect the most easily. 

Jaiden Suh 

We need transparency: we, as Amherst students, need to know what’s really going on behind the scenes. Whether it’s complaining about the lackluster options in “late night” at Betty’s or having issues related to EMS in room reservation, we’ve received little to no clarification about when and how these issues will be resolved.

So that’s my pledge to the Class of 2030. To hold senators accountable. Through regular “office hours” and daily updates regarding our politics, we can promote a stronger student association — because that’s what you deserve.

Elisa Tarac 

Hello, new Mammoths! I’m Elisa Tarac ’30, prospective Chemistry and LJST major. 

I’m running to represent you in AAS because I care about this community — and I’m ready to speak out for you. 

Most importantly, I’m committed to fighting for key student issues like FOOD. If you’ve ever been hungry after 8 pm, you know the pain of arriving at Betty’s to nothing but bruised apples and half-empty pasta trays. As a senator, I’m committed to ensuring that we get out of this Ice Age. Let’s make Betty’s a haven for community and dining.

Colby Westhoff

Hey! My name is Colby (not affiliated with Colby College) and I am running on a platform to improve facilities and our everyday educational experience. With me, we can replace the awfully cold metal chairs in Betty’s Kitchen and have longer curtains in the dorm bathrooms. Coming from rural Missouri, quality and inclusive education was always something students had to fight for. I intend to bring that attitude to Amherst as one of your senators. Above all, I live to help others. If you need something done, remember to vote for Colby!

Elie Zhong

Dear, lovely students!!

Unlike my fellow candidates, I am painfully mediocre, so, instead of stats, you get to hear about things I’m painfully mediocre at, and even more passionate about:

1. Art — is so difficult, but I love it so I strangle time out of my day to art anyway.
2. Talking — is a ways away from being my forte, nevertheless, I’ll find ways to have conversations with you about anything on your mind.
3. Representing you — yes you! I speak for the abundantly populated, under-represented population of perfectly regular people. For all my lack of experience, I’ll bring tenfold the tenacity, novelty, and (importantly) whimsy!