YES. I finally dipped my fingers in the muddy and disturbed waters of campus politics. It was never an easy decision; it took months of thinking and rethinking. In every decision we make, there’s always an element of risk attached to it. Being stereotyped as a trapo, corrupt, incapable and power-hungry is a risk I am willing to take, all in the name of bringing the renaissance our campus politics badly needs.
Let us take a glimpse of one of the most important battles I took in my life.
It was in the middle of winter solstice when the possibility of running for the student government hit me. I was still at Montana State then. Inspired by that sudden thought, I immediately consulted my closest peers for their insights. Some of my concerned mentors and friends discouraged me from entering the realm of campus politics. According to them, SSG will only taint my name given the kind of image that our student government projects in the campus. Their main apprehension is this: that the moment I enter SSG, students will automatically associate me with the traditional politicians who have ruled the campus for quite some time. Another contention that they make is this whole idea of "you-can’t- make-a-difference-anyway" argument because they argue that “the problem with the SSG is already deeply rooted in the system and there is nothing that we can do about it.” I never conceded to this notion.
I responded to the call of leadership. I did pursue the battle. This is an excerpt from one of my campaign speeches˸
"I still believe that in the hands of 13,000 MSUans nestles the relentless desire to work for positive change. It’s not too late. Our apathy and complacency will never work for our advantage. We have the power to transform our campus politics into something that is active, trustworthy, and responsive to student needs."
And we succeeded. On August 13, 2009, almost 10,000 MSU students casted their votes in what is considered to be one of the most peaceful election in the university. Some even considers the voting turn-out historical as the number of students who went out to vote is the highest after so many years. Usually, an SSG presidential candidate takes the win with more than 2,000 votes. I got more than 5,000 votes. Thanks to my fellow students who shared the audacity of hope. Hence, the uphill battle was won.
Until now, I am still overwhelmed by the outpouring support from my fellow students. I am, and will always remain grateful for their unconditional support—from the campaign period to the day of the election. More importantly, their support is immensely appreciated especially that I am now in the position. As I always remind my fellow students, the student government does not exist in a vacuum. Better governance is best achieved when both the leader and the members work hand in hand in the pursuit of common good.
One of my mentors once told me “to dream big, and take small steps”. I want change. I promised, and I will work for change. But change won't happen in an instant blink of an eye, or in a one-year term of any president. It happens in a gradual manner—one step at a time. However, there's one thing I'm very certain about—that my administration will do everything in its power to serve the best interests of the students.
It is going to be a tough road ahead. Challenges and obstacles will come along the way like a tempest willing to destroy a sailing ship. Some people will be approving. Some will throw their thumb down. Indeed, I now put myself in a position where I could be a sitting duck for some people. Now that's threatening. But you know what's the best thing about being a leader? It's that wonderful opportunity to touch lives, and be touched and inspired by other's lives as well.
Let us take a glimpse of one of the most important battles I took in my life.
It was in the middle of winter solstice when the possibility of running for the student government hit me. I was still at Montana State then. Inspired by that sudden thought, I immediately consulted my closest peers for their insights. Some of my concerned mentors and friends discouraged me from entering the realm of campus politics. According to them, SSG will only taint my name given the kind of image that our student government projects in the campus. Their main apprehension is this: that the moment I enter SSG, students will automatically associate me with the traditional politicians who have ruled the campus for quite some time. Another contention that they make is this whole idea of "you-can’t- make-a-difference-anyway" argument because they argue that “the problem with the SSG is already deeply rooted in the system and there is nothing that we can do about it.” I never conceded to this notion.
I responded to the call of leadership. I did pursue the battle. This is an excerpt from one of my campaign speeches˸
"I still believe that in the hands of 13,000 MSUans nestles the relentless desire to work for positive change. It’s not too late. Our apathy and complacency will never work for our advantage. We have the power to transform our campus politics into something that is active, trustworthy, and responsive to student needs."
And we succeeded. On August 13, 2009, almost 10,000 MSU students casted their votes in what is considered to be one of the most peaceful election in the university. Some even considers the voting turn-out historical as the number of students who went out to vote is the highest after so many years. Usually, an SSG presidential candidate takes the win with more than 2,000 votes. I got more than 5,000 votes. Thanks to my fellow students who shared the audacity of hope. Hence, the uphill battle was won.
Until now, I am still overwhelmed by the outpouring support from my fellow students. I am, and will always remain grateful for their unconditional support—from the campaign period to the day of the election. More importantly, their support is immensely appreciated especially that I am now in the position. As I always remind my fellow students, the student government does not exist in a vacuum. Better governance is best achieved when both the leader and the members work hand in hand in the pursuit of common good.
One of my mentors once told me “to dream big, and take small steps”. I want change. I promised, and I will work for change. But change won't happen in an instant blink of an eye, or in a one-year term of any president. It happens in a gradual manner—one step at a time. However, there's one thing I'm very certain about—that my administration will do everything in its power to serve the best interests of the students.
It is going to be a tough road ahead. Challenges and obstacles will come along the way like a tempest willing to destroy a sailing ship. Some people will be approving. Some will throw their thumb down. Indeed, I now put myself in a position where I could be a sitting duck for some people. Now that's threatening. But you know what's the best thing about being a leader? It's that wonderful opportunity to touch lives, and be touched and inspired by other's lives as well.
