Hey! Long time no see. As I reflect on this year, one thing stands out: this spring, I ran for Class of 2028 Senator—and I’m thrilled to share that I was successfully elected!
Through this blog, I’ll walk you through my campaign experience and offer a snapshot of Amherst’s Student Government Association (SGA) Senate in case you’re interested in getting involved.
Why I ran
From my first day at Amherst, I loved our tight-knit community and passion for positive change. On campus, after co-building the school event–summary app (and several other campus tools), I saw firsthand how technology can spark innovations, I realized that technical solutions are powerful—but to drive real, campus-wide impact, you need to work with administration, too. That’s where the Association of Amherst Student (AAS) Senate comes in: it’s the bridge between student energy and College action.
My Campaign Experience
Campaigning for the AAS Senate was one of the most eye-opening experiences I’ve had at Amherst. I expected a fierce, win-or-lose environment—but instead found a deeply supportive and collegial atmosphere. I still remember hanging posters outside the first-year dorms and spotting other candidates doing the exact same thing. Rather than tension, we exchanged smiles, admired each other’s hard work, and even cracked jokes about our late-night poster runs. Those interactions showed me that, at Amherst, student leadership isn’t a zero-sum game; it’s a collective effort where everyone’s enthusiasm and dedication elevate the entire community!
Glimpse into AAS (Association of Amherst Student)
Each Monday evening at 8:30 PM, members of AAS Senate—comprising eight elected senators from each undergraduate class plus a transfer-student representative, five E-Board member—gathers in the Cole Assembly Room (the “Red Room”) of Converse Hall, and any member of the Amherst community is welcome to attend. Upon taking my oath as a new senator, I committed to serve by listening closely to student concerns and translating them into practical, collaboratively crafted solutions.
Within the Senate, work unfolds through both constitutional and issue-focused committees. While the Budgetary Committee, Judiciary Council, Appointments Board, and Elections Committee manage core functions like finance oversight and electoral processes, standing committees such as Transportation, Public Relations, Campus Life, and Sustainability unite senators, at-large student representatives, and faculty liaisons to address specific campus needs. In the Transportation Committee, for example, we coordinate with local transit providers to streamline local bus service and organize shuttle bus for major holidays like summer and winter holidays; in the Public Relations Committee, we craft Instagram updates, campus-wide emails, to ensure transparency and keep students informed. By channeling student feedback through these committees, refining proposals in sub-groups, and then debating and voting on them in our weekly Red Room sessions, we ensure that real, lasting change takes root across campus.