Earlier this week I sat down with Miles Payne and Larry Borum III to discuss their candidacy for EMU Student Government president and vice president positions. Below is an in-depth interview about who Miles and Larry are, and how they want to help the student body and campus should they be elected.
To begin, Miles is currently running for Student Government President. Miles is twenty one years old and is currently a junior here at EMU. He is from Chicago, Illinois, majoring in psychology. He hopes to one day go into educational reform policy.
Q: Why would you like to be EMU Student Government President?
A: Quite simply, Student Government is the most direct way to bring positive and lasting change on campus. Before my father passed away, he shared his favorite song with me. One lyric that I will never forget is, mold a new reality, closer to the heart. Running for this position I can use the passion of my fathers memory to help mold Eastern's reality closer to the collective spirit that we all share.
Q: What are the three major goals that you want to accomplish should you be elected to this position?
A: My three main goals are off campus flex, REC/IM renovations, and a parking app.
Off Campus Flex- Other schools have this, so why shouldn't we? The way it would work would be us working with outside local businesses so that one would be able to use university dining dollars for off campus goods and services.
REC/IM Renovations- Currently, Student Government has done a lot of work and my goal is to finish this project. The first and second floor of the REC frankly looks like it still belongs in the 70's. The REC will be updated and modernized so that students can finally work out with up to date equipment.
Parking App- With the help from the College of Technology, students will be able to use a parking app on their phones, that allows them to see open spots to park. This will put a stop to driving around in circles and being late to class, as with a push of a button people will be able to see the most convenient place to park.
Q: In what ways are you involved on campus?
A: I have been working for EMU Housing and Residence Life for two years as an R.A. I have also been a site leader for Vision Volunteer Center's Alternative Spring Break and I am currently part of the Multicultural Leadership Experience.
Q: The opposing campaign consists of an all female ticket. Why should students vote for you?
A: Students should not vote for us based on our sex/gender, but on our ability for impacting change on campus. I admire the all female ticket and encourage more females to run for more leadership positions because there needs to be more female voices in positions of power. However, for this election I strongly encourage each student to vote for the candidate that best represents their values and the changes they want to see on campus.
The second part of this interview was with Larry Borum III, who is currently running with Miles to be Student Government Vice President. Larry is twenty one years old and is a senior this year at EMU. He is from Detroit, Michigan and is majoring in engineering physics. He hopes to one day get a job in the field of energy policy and sustainability.
Q: Why do you want to be Vice President?
A: Eastern is a great campus and has the potential to be even better. It is also very diverse and consists of students who all came to Eastern to get an education. To be the vice president and represent this diverse campus filled with hardworking students would be an honor.
Q: Most Vice President's take on a "pet project" for the school year. Do you have a project in mind and if so, what is it?
A: One of the biggest reasons that students come to Eastern is because it is relatively inexpensive. However, Eastern still has a somewhat negative image. When I came to Eastern four years ago, I saw a beautiful and diverse campus with hardworking students who came from all walks of life who were striving to get an education. My project would be to work with EMU's marketing team to advertise what EMU and its students are really like. To show the grit and determination that our students have, and to show that we really are a great school.
Q: In what ways are you involved on campus?
A: I have worked for EMU Housing and Residence Life for two years as an R.A., and I am currently an Office Manager in Pittman Hall. I am also a McNair Scholar and I play the piano for New Life Church.
Q: As someone who has never been in Student Government before, why do you believe that people should vote for you and Miles?
A: Both Miles and I have developed skill sets through our jobs with Housing and Residence life, and our other campus organizations that are applicable to the jobs of Student Government President and Vice President. I have developed time management skills, interpersonal communication skills, data analysis skills through research, and the ability to budget both time and money. Finally, and most importantly, Miles and I care about the students and about Eastern as a whole. That is why people should vote for us.
Vote for Miles Payne and Larry Borum III on March 29th-30th at my.emich.edu.
