I sat down to interview a candidate for the position of Sophomore Class President, Bria Paige. I chose to interview Bria as a way to highlight the class council elections held at Spelman College every year. Interviews with the candidates give the student body at Spelman College more information on the candidate than a poster could provide. With these interviews, students will be able to use critical thinking in order to choose the best candidate to carry out the position.

Thank you for joining me Bria! Can we start off by you giving your "Spelman introduction"?

Of course! My name is Bria Paige and I am a first year English major from Jackson, MS.

Alright, let's get into it. Why do you want to run for Sophomore Class President?

I've always felt this call for leadership since I was in high school and last semester, I jumped into the race to run for First Year Council Vice President and I won that. I wanted to take it a notch up this year and run for Sophomore Class President just because I really wanted to be able to cater to my class, be the leader for the class and give them the events and the activities they want and need. Basically, I want to remain as a leader while also remaining connected with my school and my classmates.

What makes you a qualified candidate for the role of Sophomore Class President?

For the academic school year of 2015-2016, I serve as First-Year Class Vice President. I have gained so much insight as Vice President that could really be helpful to lead the Sophomore Class Council. The next person coming in would not have to go back and learn new information when I already know how Class Council functions behind the scenes, which would make things function smoothly and efficiently. For example, how we need to reserve a room or how we need to prep for activities. I have made it clear on my posters that three things that I believe that I have are experience, passion and skill.

You have already gone into detail on your leadership experience. Can you explain how you have the passion and skill for the job?

About the passion, I am very passionate about leadership and serving my class. About the skill, I believe that I have the ability to execute everything and lead a group, which is very difficult. I also feel as if I have the ability to lead a group while making sure that everybody has a voice.

What are some events that you want to put into motion next semester if elected as Sophomore Class President?

Next year, I definitely want things to be open and transparent between the Sophomore Class Council and the sophomore class so I would love to have Town Hall meetings with our class. The meetings would be open to everyone. One would take place at the beginning of the year, so the Sophomore Class Council will be able to see what the class wants, another in the middle of the year as a checkpoint, so the Sophomore Class Council can show the sophomore class what the council has already done and also ask them for more event ideas, and lastly, one at the end of the year in order to wrap up everything. I would also like to implement more bonding activities and business events, like the CHOOSE Entrepreneurship event thought of by Mary-Pat Hector, First Year Class President, that gives opportunities to our class like internships.

Can you explain your platform for me?

Sure! There are three different parts.

1. Create an effective relationship with faculty, staff, and administration.

I want the Sophomore Class Council to build a relationship with the Office of Student Life and Engagement because the First Year Class Council had to remain in contact with them where the office would know the names and faces of the members of the Sophomore Class Council. I would also like to have the sophomore class develop a more personal-one on one-relationship with Spelman's current president, Dr. Mary Schmidt Campbell, since we will be the first Spelman College class that she would have for all four years.

2. Push networking initiatives to strengthen our bond as a class as well as with upperclassmen and alumnae.

I would want to do something where we can connect students with other students who are in their major. That way you can connect for class, find out about different internship and job opportunities. But, I also want to connect people to others outside of their major. For example, if you are an English major, you could be able to help a Science or Math major with their paper. As far as networking with upperclassmen, I want more connections made so they can help us get where we need to go. With the alumnae, we need to make sure that we have those connections with those ladies so once we leave the gates, they can help us to be as successful as they are.

3. Promote mentorship with upperclassmen and the incoming Spelman Class of 2020

It is always good to have an upperclassman on your side that you know personally and if I were to be elected, I would love to partner with the First Year Class Council for Spelman Class of 2020 in order to make sure that they do not have as many problems as we had this year trying to make sure that they have a smooth transition into their leadership roles in a relatively new environment.

Thank you so much for your time Bria! Any final words?

Make sure to vote Bria Paige for Sophomore Class President!