Bryan Borodkin is probably a familiar name to you if you attend the University of Dayton. For those of you who don't know him, Bryan is a sophomore studying Political Science with an impressive double minor in Pre-Law and Sustainability, Energy and the Environment (SEE). He's involved in a multitude of organizations, including Red Scare, UD Mock Trial, Men’s Soccer (of which he's the Chair), Student Ambassador, President Emissaries and is a brother of the Phi Alpha Delta Pre-Law Fraternity.

Most prominently, he is the Student Government President-Elect. Bryan Borodkin is without a doubt a standout student. His passion for UD is powerful and his commitment to so many different, laudable organizations is inspiring (not to mention he does it all with a smile). So, with no further ado, let's hear from the man himself why he loves Dayton and what his college experience has been like thus far.

What made you decide to attend the University of Dayton?

"So I honestly wasn’t planning on attending UD. I applied to 10 schools and, originally, UD was number 8 on that list. I toured here for the second time very late senior year. I fell in love with it. I think what really drew me to UD was the traditions on campus and the size. From the moment I set foot on campus, I felt welcomed and happy here."

Do you believe participating in Camp Blue (a week-long event prior to the start of fall semester in which freshman meet in a camp setting) impacted your first year at UD?

"Yes. 100%. I can’t recommend it enough. Camp Blue was an incredible way to meet people and get used to the college experience. It made the transition from high school to college fun and easy.

What's your favorite Marycrest meal?

"South of the Border Burrito hands down."

Can you share your favorite memory from UD thus far?

"I would say my favorite memory was being a blue man for the men’s basketball team for the first time for the A-10 Championship against VCU last year. It was an awesome game and the entire student section was going crazy when the team rushed the stands."

When did you know you wanted to pursue your chosen field of study?

"I have been into law since 7th grade when I joined my middle school mock trial team (I think I started watching Law and Order SVU at way too young an age). I’ve been excited about law school ever since."

What are the highlights of the some of the organizations you're a part of?

"Red Scare: I love sports and I love UD. Red Scare Exec allows me to combine those passions in an incredibly fun way. Getting LOWD is always a good time.

Mock Trail: I put more work into Mock trial than all of my classes combined. It is extremely stressful and time-consuming but it is also incredibly fun and rewarding. If you are interested in law school and a legal career, there is no other student organization that you will enjoy more or will prepare you better. I am a closing attorney for our team and every year we travel around the country, competing against other teams.

SGA: In high school, I ran for student government every year and never won an election. At UD, I was elected the first-year senator last year and have served as Sergeant At Arms this year, on the executive team. SGA allows me to mediate between the students and the administration. Being a part of SGA, I have met so many incredible and passionate people and my leadership skills have improved so much"

Why did you decide to run for SGA president?

"I think the biggest reason I ran for SGA president was there was a lot of negativity surrounding last year’s SGA election and the recent national presidential election. I am an incredibly positive person and I think my style of leadership is very enthusiastic and welcoming. My running mate, Erica Szczechowski, has a similar style. Our slogan was “Positive People for Positive Change”. I have loved every minute of being a UD student but I recognized not all feel the same. Erica and I want to ensure this happiness and inclusivity to all by expanding the boundaries of the community we have here."

What is the main goal you’d like to implement as SGA president and as a team with Erica?

"Our platform was broken down into the three themes of “wellness, progress and transparency”. The main thing we want to implement is increased mental health awareness and initiatives here on campus. In addition, we are going to work with the Office of Diversity and Inclusion to make campus more handicap accessible. We also plan on working extensively with AVIATE and public safety to increase campus-wide transparency."

Where does your love for UD spring from?

"The people. Everyone here is incredible. I have never met a group of more kind, passionate, and enthusiastic people in my life."

Do you have any words of wisdom for Future Flyers?

"My biggest advice is to get involved. Find something(s) on campus that you are passionate about and pursue them. This is the best way to meet people, craft friendships and make the most of your college experience. UD has so much to offer!"

Do you have a job on campus? Why did you decide on this job?

"I work as a student ambassador, a tour guide, on campus. I love this job so much that it doesn’t really feel like work most of the time. I get the opportunity to show the school that I love so much to prospective students and share some of my stories from the past 2 years."

Where do you see yourself in ten years?

"In 10 years, hopefully, I will have graduated law school and will be working with the government in some capacity in Washington D.C. I would love to work as a US Trial Attorney one day or as an attorney for the EPA or another federal agency."

"I have run through the fountain so many times. I think the first was the first night of camp blue when we got back to campus. Highly recommend."

Do you see value in a Marianist education?

"I do. I think it is awesome how our CAP classes are all so much more than the given subject. My philosophy class last year, for example, was rooted in sustainability and I would never have added the SEE minor if it wasn’t for this class."

With a rigorous major and so much involvement in the UD community, how do you balance your school work with your personal life?

"It is definitely a struggle at times. Google calendar is my best friend and I check it several times throughout the day. In college, I think a big adjustment is you have to know when and what to prioritize on a given day. The weeks leading up to mock trial tournaments, for example, some other aspects of my life may take a temporary back-set to accomplish what I need to do."

What will you miss most about UD after graduation?

"UD. In all seriousness, I really don’t want to think about graduation. I think I will miss the people and the professors and just the environment of UD itself."

Can you talk about some of your accomplishments at UD thus far that you’re proud of? What were some obstacles you had to overcome to achieve them?

"I think the accomplishment I am most proud of is winning the SGA presidential election. This was ridiculously hard. I started preparing for the campaign which ran March 5-March 12th in early November of last year. I formed a campaign team, worked out a platform, strategized, marketed, etc. It was, without a doubt, the hardest and most stressful semester of my life, averaging about 4.5 hours of sleep throughout the weeks, but I learned so much from the experience. Another accomplishment I am very proud of is receiving the University of Dayton Emerging leader award last year."

What do you hope to accomplish before graduation?

"Before graduation, I hope to make a lasting change here through SGA and I would love to attend the Mock Trial national tournament with the rest of the UD team."

What has been your favorite course at UD?

"My favorite course at UD so far has been Environmental Ethics with Professor Dunham. It’s all about environmental philosophy and I have learned about ecofeminism, political ecology, the Tao Teh Ching, and so much more."

Is there a professor or faculty member you especially admire?

"So many. My favorite and most inspiring professors so far have been Prof. Burnside, Prof. Bilo, Prof. Pautz, Prof. Dunham, Prof. Birdsong and Prof. Toomb"

What’s a fun fact most Flyers don’t know about you?

"I have broken 19 bones in 19 years of life, I also have a scar that runs ear to ear on my head."

Are you, in fact, related to Russell from Up?

"Yes, I am. He’s a good friend and I had a little input on his script in Up.

Finally, is there anything you'd like to share with your fellow flyers?

"Go Flyers! Thank you for your support and faith in Erica and me! We won’t let you down!"