The 2018 Student Council Looks Ahead

On June 1^st, John Jay’s 2018 student council members were officially sworn in by President Karol V. Mason. Everyone on the team is excited for the coming academic year, and each of them has specific goals for the College, the faculty, and their fellow students. We chatted with a few of them to learn more about their backgrounds and aspirations.

How would you describe your leadership style?

Unorthodox. Ever since my childhood days, I’ve had a tendency to critically analyze situations before deciding how to move forward. I take great pride in my identity, and I plan to critically analyze the identity of our students and our institution to inform the way I carry myself throughout this term. —Steven Pacheco, President, Major: Social Thought and Marketing Management (CUNY BA)

My style of leading is through serving. The best leader is one who is able to talk with their feet and work with their peers.—Elijah Font, Graduate Representative, Concentrations: Criminal Law & Procedure, Criminology & Deviance

I am a listener, an observer and a hands on leader.—Jacqueline Aguilar, Undergraduate Student Senate John Jay Delegate, Major: Public Administration

What are some of your main goals for the coming year?

I'm hoping to implement a senior week where students can celebrate their accomplishments with many different engaging activities—a carnival, a barbecue, an exciting service activity, a senior class trip, and some throwback days.—Jasmine Awad, Senior Representative, Major: Criminal Justice 

I’d like to encourage students to get involved with committees, as well as getting involved on campus. That, and just having lots of events with good food.—John Ilawan, Junior Representative, Majors: Criminal Justice, Humanities and Justice

I want to ensure that John Jay students feel like their elected representatives have their backs.—Elisa Crespo, University Student Senate Delegate, College Council-at-Large, Major: Political Science

What are you most exited about being on student council?

I am really excited about our new team. I loved working in council last year, but I also really appreciate a change of pace. I think we have a very dynamic and diverse set of representatives this year.—Andrew Bandini, Secretary, Major: Law & Society

I'm most excited to work with the awesome John Jay faculty and staff. At our swearing-in ceremony, I became aware of the various staff support, from Dara Bryne in Student Affairs, to Allison Pease in the English Department.— Deandra Simon, Senior Representative, Major: English

I want to become more familiarized with the intersection of John Jay’s mission and the diversity at John Jay—whether it’s in our curriculum, scholarships, extra-curricular clubs, or within the faculty, administration, and staff.—Musarrat “Mus” Lamia, Junior Representative, Major: Political Science

Tell us something interesting about yourself.

I am grateful for the upcoming Immigrant Student Success Center that will open at John Jay College. As an immigrant who came from Russia nine years ago, I know that it is crucial to support our students and provide a safe environment.—Elza Kochueva, Vice President, Major: Law and Society 

I am Bangladeshi and a first-generation college student. I am currently President of the UNICEF Club here at Club Row. UNICEF is an acronym for United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund. We are working to help support and bring attention to worldly issues facing children.—Mahtab Khan, Senior Representative, Major: Political Science, Criminal Justice

This is my first time in student council. I am excited and blessed to be given the opportunity to represent my fellow students. If you see me, view me as your fellow peer and friend first.—Erik Perez, Sophomore Representative, Major: Political Science