Meet your SGA Candidates
Name: Bricen Boudreault
Pronouns: He/Him/His
Position You Are Running For: Senator for Class of 2024
Previous Leadership Position Held: Senior Runner for school's cross country team/track team
Why Are You Interested In Becoming A Senator?
Coming from a graduating class of no more than about 250 students, I have seen a good amount of concern that many students chatter about in terms of the current school board or how the budget is applied for certain commodities such as clubs and sports. Being present in both DECA and Cross Country/Track during high school, I have done my best in assuring to my fellow classmates that our clubs/sports budget is going to good use as the role of being a senior the year prior allowed me to connect closely with the main teachers and coaches that head each branch. I am deeply interested in running for a position as one of my classes senate positions due to the interest of being able to connect with my fellow classmates, other SGA members and some of the faculty members here at Suffolk to ensure that our budget is put to good use and to allow a busy freshman like myself(and like most other freshman) to understand the work and efforts put into major changes to make the school year flow more fluently. With being enrolled as a honors student, debating about taking two majors as well as running for Suffolk, I will be able to reach out to a majority of the classmates here on campus and at home with being in different fields of the school. I've always liked to challenge myself by testing my limits with either seeing how many APs I can take in a year to pushing myself mentally/physically while running. I always like to ask questions to the point where I am able to get the full answer needed to help satisfy myself or the group I am representing so that there is minimal conflict that occurs when dealing with different situations as it seems that some of the incoming freshman are bugging out to find answers to some concerns coming into a school that has some various situations they need to evaluate themselves(coronavirus, activity fee and others). When I am older, I plan to invest my career in working as an attorney to help individuals who are faced with conflict in trial and creating resolutions with the work of state/federal statutes to asset the situation. Similarly, I want to make sure that some of my values and all impending values of freshman(and other Suffolk college students) are heard properly under the constitution held by SGA. Lastly, I am excited to run for a position here at Suffolk because I am excited to work with new individuals who I have yet to meet and talk to so that I am able to understand your own views and concerns of certain topics that I am able to help you guys with and be able to "put on a show" for the other Senate members/SGA members so that they will also be hooked onto the notion created by you.
What Does Being A Leader Mean To You, And What Does Good Leadership Look Like?
A leader is an individual who understands their own limitations by putting in their maximum effort in most situations to evaluate a construct plan in ensuring safety and efficiency to present day problems. Individuals such as this don't back down easily to a fight and are able to communicate in depth with their collaborators to ensure that everyone is on the same page so that compromise on any degree can occur. Being a leader to me means that I shouldn't be scared at what seems new and mysterious as I don't fully know the outcome of the event until I determine an elaborate way to deal with it. A leader understands when they lost a battle or have won a battle through accessing the pros and cons of their efforts. By allowing the nature of life to take some control of the narrative at first, a leader is able to steer the circumstance into a more steady flow of things. A good leader does not know for the majority of the time if they put in all their work as they do not capitalize the negatives from what seems like failure as the end of their reign on an issue. A good leader knows when they have betrayed the trust of their fellow companions(not usually just by words but manly through certain acts). Good leadership is often criticized by many as it may seem absurd or "out of pocket" based on the spin of that individual. This same individual knows how to take in this criticism and replace it with motivation to respectfully show that one could guide and correct a situation at hand. A true leader knows when to stop fighting or when to go on as their personal beliefs will always ten out of ten illuminate through the contention at hand of what is right and what is wrong. Leadership can incorporate any individual or belief into a notion at hand as they can pick apart and rework a conclusion so that the majority is happy. A leader knows how to speak clearly to a group and get their own taste on the matter by filling them up with what they want. On the other hand, a good leader knows when to rest or when they should ease down on a situation. They can't seem too aggressive, too passive or too much of anything as a median needs to be found at the end. Lastly, a good leader knows if a notion created by their group needs any modification or changes to ensure that the main message created is legal, justified and comprisable through a selection of different parties.
Name: Mason Sawyer Lafferty
Pronouns: He/Him/His
Position You Are Running For: NESAD Senator-at-Large
Previous Leadership Position Held: None since High School
Why Are You Interested In Becoming A Senator?
I am interested in becoming the NESAD senator at large primarily to build a bridge of collaboration between NESAD students and other Suffolk departments. I have been an active member of Suffolk Theatre since freshman year and have noticed a divide between art students and the rest of the university. In a time like now, we need more connection; ideally I would like to see clubs taking initiative to develop new ideas and overcome obstacles together. Our entire university is filled with brilliant, talented and resourceful people, with many different dreams and work ethics. Think of what we could accomplish when clubs who normally would have no reason to interact begin bouncing ideas off each other. An example of this is when myself and students from the finance department founded Suffolk University’s Finance Club, I will be the first to admit that I knew little to nothing about finance but by the end of the semester I could no longer say that. I learned that in exploring new interests and seeking out new experiences we can challenge our minds and preconceptions of what we can do. That is what I want for Suffolk students, I want to take the initiatives to show our University that we are stronger together. A film major could be helping create commercials for clubs to draw interests, an art student could design a logo for a club that would stop a ram in its tracks; the possibilities are endless.
I have been fortunate enough to have friendships and connections in many different areas of the school, because of this I have grown where I needed too and realized how little I saw from only one perspective. You may not see the solution to a problem, but someone with a different thought process may.
In regards to the academics, I would like to help facilitate better communication between the professors and students, along with giving a voice to those who have concerns, discretions or ideas. We are living in a time of change, and the arts should reflect that and be a home for anyone who needs a place to express, educate and elevate themselves and others. There is always room to improve and everyone can do better.
Lastly, the arts need to be more accessible, My goal if elected is to work closely with the Suffolk Cares program in developing a small subprogram called ""Suffolk Cares-Arts/Culture"" which will provide easier access to online theatrical performances and artistic classes via zoom.
I want to show us how much our school can do together and even though we may not be together in person, we can create connections and networks that will better us in the future and open doors to new ideas. We need our artists.
What Does Being A Leader Mean To You, And What Does Good Leadership Look Like?
To me, leadership is knowing when you’re wrong and not being afraid to admit it. A leader does not do something for ego, an article or a recommendation in the future; they do it because they see an issue that needs to be addressed and follow through with a solution. If trusted with any form of power than your responsibility is to listen, the position is to represent others, not your own interests. A leader knows when to not speak and when it is best to not let personal bias seep into their rhetoric and goals. A leader’s pillars should be able to give respect, honestly and loyalty to those who ask for help. A leader must push themselves to do better so they can show those around them they can be too.
Name: Nathaly Lemus
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Position You Are Running For: Senator for Class of 2024
Previous Leadership Position Held: Student Representative of the Melrose Commission of Women (a commission specifically in concerns to diversity and awareness of women's issues/rights within the city of Melrose), Volunteer Representative/Partner of Haiti Global Youth Partnership (a non-profit organization that helps build the development and education in L’Asile, Haiti), Second Violin Section Leader in my high school and youth orchestra, Student Volunteer for Melrose Alliance Against Violence where we educated our student peers about healthy relationships and signs about toxicity/unhealthy relationships within a seminar.
Why Are You Interested In Becoming A Senator?
Helping people has always been a given. Throughout my high school experience, I have always been a loud advocate for myself and other voices in my hometown and school community. I strived for change and awareness for all members and still do. Disregard being involved in student government, I will always use my voice as an advocate for others. Whether it be writing and collecting letters to the newspaper about a political or human issue within the community, or participating in city commissions in order to have students voices heard. Becoming a Senator would open up more opportunities for me to be a strong and loud microphone for the Suffolk Community ensuring the safety and equal opportunity for all. This year, as difficult as it already has been, is an opportunity for members of the Suffolk community to get their needs and wants heard and resolved. We are all going through major changes and reassurance is necessary as we build an accepting and equal opportunity environment especially for first year students. As a senator, I would work to cultivate an inclusive and positive atmosphere for the Class of 2024. As a devoted and kind-hearted person, I will gladly use my communicative and leadership skills to improve your Suffolk experience by representing the Class of 2024. I believe that we can make a difference and that I can be the spark for those differences you want to see.
What Does Being A Leader Mean To You, And What Does Good Leadership Look Like?
A leader is someone who is honest, respectful, inspiring, and understanding. They are willing to support others and motivate them. Leadership involves trust and respect with those they work with in order to be a productive part of the team. They are a team player and understanding of others. Not only will I be able to roll up my sleeves and take on any work thrown at me but I am just as capable of sitting down and supporting others. A leader is compassionate and open minded. I hope that even if I am not elected as a senator I can be that person to trust and to communicate with. Additionally, a leader inspires others to work towards one common goal, and that one goal for all of us, I hope, is to ensure a positive environment and that all voices are heard. Not only does a leader push to do goodness but they recognize the flaws within their community and overcome such challenges in order to ensure the best. All these adjectives are something we all look for in a leader, and I hope I could be this leader for the class of 2024.
Name: Hillary Mensah
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Position You Are Running For: Senator for Class of 2021
Previous Leadership Position Held: Ritual Chairmen & parliamentarian Alpha sigma Alpha iota alpha chapter : Creative Lead Suffolk Youth empowerment Ministries
Why Are You Interested In Becoming A Senator?
I would like to become a senator for my class because I believe I have what it takes to properly serve my class as their voice in such an uncertain time. We are about to be thrown into the work force during a pandemic and would like to serve the students who feel like they have no voice in how the school handles our unconventional exit from undergrad. I also believe that the ideas that I have will serve great in my goal of diversifying SGA and bringing new ideas and true passion and genuine care for the class of 2021. We as a class are unbreakable, some of the most brilliant minds I've met in my entire life have been in my class, I've grown with many of these students and would be honored to have the opportunity to serve them with all I have.
What Does Being A Leader Mean To You, And What Does Good Leadership Look Like?
A wise man once told me " in order to lead, one must serve" service in the basis of leadership, you are serving those who have trusted you enough to be their voice and lead them. Leadership does not mean having the biggest voice, or being the loudest or even the most popular, its truly about using the trust that people have put in you to make substantial change in your environment. Leadership does not require you to have a fancy title, like in my mind the greatest leaders in my life have been my parents, their strength, wisdom and work ethic has pushed me into being the ambitious, driven woman I am today, and has had an impact on how I view the world. Leadership takes ambition, courage, and sacrifice, it makes go beyond your own self-importance and gives you the opportunity to give back to people, knowing all of these elements of leadership, I believe I have such qualities to be a good leader.
Name: Stephen Merrick
Pronouns: He/Him/His
Position You Are Running For: Senator for Class of 2024
Previous Leadership Position Held: YMCA Youth and Government Massachusetts Youth Governor 2019-20; Conference on National Affairs Committee Chair 2020; Conference on National Affairs First Alternate Presiding Officer 2020-2021; Marshfield High School Class of 2020 Historian; Marshfield High School Mock Trial Captain; Asst. Moderator Marshfield Town Meeting 2018 - 2020
Why Are You Interested In Becoming A Senator?
These past few months have been strange and uncertain for all of us, from not knowing whether or not we would be on campus this fall to not knowing what our favorite clubs, teams, and organizations would look like. Throughout all of this uncertainty we have all looked for answers and searched for even the smallest bits of information we could get. Throughout these past few months we have looked to the Administration of Suffolk University and, although we may have been unfamiliar with them, the SGA for leadership. To this extent both the Administration and our student leaders in the SGA have done fantastic work to ensure that this school year will be all it can be, but there is still more work to be done. We need leaders today who are willing and ready to get this work done. We need leaders who are not only ready to work through the challenges that arise from going to school during a pandemic, but who are also ready to fight for the issues that face students in the normal meetings, budgetary hearings, and countless others. These challenges may be daunting, but these are challenges I want to take on and I want to help lead our class through. I have always worked hard in the past to help others rise above their station and support them in any endeavor they may involve themselves in, whether it was during my time as a leader at my high school helping to organize class events and plan our graduation or during my time presiding over debate and helping to plan our first ever virtual conference in state and national Youth and Government. I know the challenges we face day to day, whether it be finding a quiet place at home to get work done, waking up early to take the long drive to Boston, or just simply facing the everyday aspects of college. I know these challenges and as your Senator I want to help you through them. I am running on a platform of inclusivity, and opportunity for all students at suffolk. I am running to ensure we continue to build upon the great strides made by our past leaders to make sure Suffolk is an inclusive and welcoming community for all students regardless of their background, race, gender, or identity, as well as to make sure that that students who may find themselves off campus at the moment are as involved and as included as students on campus. I am running to make sure we are all guaranteed the same opportunities, that we all have the chance to become our best selves, that we all have the opportunity to achieve greatness at Suffolk. I am running to be YOUR senator.
What Does Being A Leader Mean To You, And What Does Good Leadership Look Like?
Leadership, above all else, encompasses the ability to truly empathize with and truly serve as a representative for those who chose them to lead. Through my time in the Massachusetts Youth and Government one of the main qualities we were taught was the principle of servant leadership: the idea that the main goal of a leader is to serve. This is a principle I have always strived to follow and have always taken into account when I served in any form of leadership. Whenever I was given the opportunity to serve in a leadership position of any sort I always took the utmost care in ensuring that I was not merely acting upon what I wanted and what I believed, but that I was always working towards what those who asked me to lead wanted of me when they selected me. Even when my ideas may conflict with those of others I always listen and always take their ideas into account and in the end weigh my options between the two to find the best course action. The ability to listen to and learn from others is something too often lost on our national leaders in recent years but in my opinion one of the most important things a leader can do. From the ability to listen to others therein lies the ability to learn from others, to take criticism and to learn from your own mistakes. When a leader listens they can truly serve others, they can truly be a servant leader and be the best leader they can be. This is the form of leadership I stand by and it is what being a leader means to me.
Name: Antonio Nunziata
Pronouns: He/Him/His
Position You Are Running For: Senator for Class of 2024
Previous Leadership Position Held:
Why Are You Interested In Becoming A Senator?
Over the past few weeks, I have had the honor of meeting so many first-year students here at Suffolk. The common thread among them all is a fear that their ideas don't matter; that they are stuck at the bottom and have to wait there turn to create change. To me, that shows we need someone to stand up for us. And that person doesn't have to be someone who is older or someone who is already perceived to be in power. Instead that person has to be a member of the class of 2024. So I run to be that voice for my fellow freshman, because I believe there is a lot of great things that we can accomplish by working together and standing up together. As a class senator, I will listen to my classmates-because their cause is my cause, I will fight to improve all the conditions here at Suffolk, and I will also help transform our community into one that includes everyone.
I would be honored to represent the class of 2024, a class full of hope and potential.
What Does Being A Leader Mean To You, And What Does Good Leadership Look Like?
I believe leadership starts by understating the the context of what is going on, who is involved, and what is the end goal. Then you must make sure everyone is on the same page and understands fully what is expected of them. If not, you must take the time, however much is necessary, to talk with the people who do not understand. Try to see where they are confused and figure out a better way to communicate the strategy to them. You must also remember people learn in different ways, so be flexible with how you address them. Beyond this, you have to inspire people if you expect them to follow you. To do that you have to lead by example, and show that everyone of them is capable of achieving the task at hand. Because as a President Ronald Reagan once said ""The greatest leader is not necessarily the one who does the greatest things. He is the one that gets the people to do the greatest things.” By understating, listening, caring, motivating, inspiring, and encouraging others you will lead them to reach the height of their potential.
Name: Shealagh Sullivan
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Position You Are Running For: Senator for Class of 2024
Previous Leadership Position Held: Class secretary (two years), Student Council corresponding secretary, Student Council Vice President, National Honor Society secretary
Why Are You Interested In Becoming A Senator?
Student Government has always been a passion of mine, one that I enjoy sharing with others. Being surrounded by fellow leaders and creating change in my community one day at a time continuously inspires me to become a better leader. I am interested in becoming a Senator to work with my peers and help to keep Suffolk an open and loving community. In these uncertain times, I wish to become a Senator to strive to create opportunities for students to have the best college experience possible. Change starts at home, and I believe that each and every one of us has the power to create a positive future starting right here in Boston. Suffolk has offered me a new home and helped me meet some of the most amazing people, and I am ecstatic to return my thanks.
What Does Being A Leader Mean To You, And What Does Good Leadership Look Like?
Leadership is not an easy feat, and becoming one is a series of highs and lows. To me, being a leader is being a shoulder to cry on as well as a source of compassion. Being a leader means being there for everyone, whether it be a friend or a stranger, and listening to their concerns. Vincent Van Gogh once said, “Great things are done by a series of small things brought together.” That is my definition of leadership, as good leadership is built on a foundation of empathy and a passion for change. Through small steps and teamwork, anything is achievable.
Name: Evan Weston
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Position You Are Running For: Senator for Class of 2023
Previous Leadership Position Held: Secretary of Miller Hall Council, Special Events Chair of Theta Phi Alpha, SGA Member at Large 2019 - 2020, Co-Events Chair of SU Dance Marathon
Why Are You Interested In Becoming A Senator?
Last year as a freshman I ran to be a senator for the class of 2023 and was outvoted. However just because I did not have a position, did not mean i wasn’t going to join SGA. I still came to meetings and became a member at large. Through this experience I learned so much about SGA and got to be a part of. I am running again this year because I have a desire to be more involved and be able to participate in voting and be able to speak during forums. SGA holds a large responsibility on campus being a voice for the students. Our motto is “for the students, by the students” and I think that holds a great amount of responsibility to communicate with the community. A question I hear around campus is, “what’s going on in SGA?” I hope that I can help communicate to students better on behalf of SGA.
What Does Being A Leader Mean To You, And What Does Good Leadership Look Like?
For me, leadership has always been about being a voice. However, I used to think leadership was about being in charge. But through many experiences of leadership that I’ve had the privilege of having relearned that leadership is not all that. I’ve learned that leadership is about being an example, practicing humility and patience. Sometimes leadership means taking a step back and listening, instead of being a big voice at the front. I think that good leadership is when the leader knows what’s the right time to step up and when the right time to step back. Good leaders are selfless and put others before themselves. That's the type of leader I strive to be.
Voting will take place between Monday, September 21st at 9am and close Wednesday, September 23rd at 5pm via a link in your email.