Sami Edens
- College of Arts and Sciences Senator
Additional Information
Why are you running for Student Government?
While I was extremely involved in extracurricular activities and leadership in high school as Student Council President and cheer captain, I was a late bloomer once I entered university. I was an undeclared freshman, and I wasn't aware of how to get involved at UNO.
I was nervous about meeting new people, so I didn't get involved on campus beyond my time at Thompson Learning Community events and my job at the UNO Bookstore. As I entered my sophomore year, newly declared as an English major, I knew I wanted to get more involved. I joined Sigma Tau Delta, which is the English Honor Society at UNO, and I met so many other students in my area of study that I could connect with.
I ran for office at the end of my sophomore year and became the Communications officer of Sigma Tau Delta. It felt good to be involved, and this year working with Sigma Tau Delta has been wonderful. However, I feel as if I can do more. While working on a group project with Jabin Moore this semester, along with previous encouragement from Cade Wolcott last summer, I was encouraged to run for Student Senate. My objective for running for a senate seat is to be more connected to the student body of UNO.
I want to be an advocate for these students, and I think many incoming students may be feeling the same way I did my freshman year: disconnected and confused. I want to advocate for increased mental health services, as I have heard from fellow students the lack of access to adequate assistance. I want to advocate for more affordable options across campus, whether it be parking licenses, food available for purchase, room and board, and more.
I want to advocate for groups on campus that are facing discrimination, such as the Queer and Trans Services student organization. I would be proud to be a representative for this school and work to make it a better place for its students.
Which issue do think should be changed or improved on campus?
We have two reasons to change and improve the parking situation at UNO. Firstly, the safety of students is at risk when they have no choice but to park in Elmwood Park or elsewhere off campus. Just last year, there was more than one incident of attempted sexual assault on students because they had to walk to their cars in the dark off campus. This needs a permanent solution, not a temporary one like the one put in place in the spring of 2019.
Secondly, parking licenses are simply too expensive for what they are worth. Students on Dodge Campus truly have a difficult time finding even one parking spot during busy times of the day, and they are limited in what parking lots they are allowed to use.
Parking fees should be lowered or abolished in order to serve the students who are already paying thousands of dollars in tuition. Parking licenses should also give students the flexibility to park in any parking lot. This will relieve some stress and anxiety for students in their day-to-day routines.
What makes you qualified to sit on Student Government?
I believe my experience as a leader in several student organizations has prepared me to sit on Student Government for UNO, including: Student Councilmember for three years in high school, Student Council President my senior year of high school, two-time cheer captain, Communications Officer of Sigma Tau Delta, and two-time Editor for the 13th Floor Magazine here at UNO.
These leadership positions have taught me how to plan, be organized, gather people together, and keep my mind set on the bigger picture. Beyond that, I also believe that my areas of study have prepared me to be a great advocate for a diverse group of students. While I am mainly in the Arts and Sciences College as an English major, my business minor and marketing minor have allowed me to take a step outside of that circle and meet all kinds of different students and professors across UNO's two campuses.
My experience in these two different schools of study have given me different perspectives on student life, enabling me to advocate for many different students and identities.
Additional Information
Why are you running for Student Government?
While I was extremely involved in extracurricular activities and leadership in high school as Student Council President and cheer captain, I was a late bloomer once I entered university. I was an undeclared freshman, and I wasn't aware of how to get involved at UNO.
I was nervous about meeting new people, so I didn't get involved on campus beyond my time at Thompson Learning Community events and my job at the UNO Bookstore. As I entered my sophomore year, newly declared as an English major, I knew I wanted to get more involved. I joined Sigma Tau Delta, which is the English Honor Society at UNO, and I met so many other students in my area of study that I could connect with.
I ran for office at the end of my sophomore year and became the Communications officer of Sigma Tau Delta. It felt good to be involved, and this year working with Sigma Tau Delta has been wonderful. However, I feel as if I can do more. While working on a group project with Jabin Moore this semester, along with previous encouragement from Cade Wolcott last summer, I was encouraged to run for Student Senate. My objective for running for a senate seat is to be more connected to the student body of UNO.
I want to be an advocate for these students, and I think many incoming students may be feeling the same way I did my freshman year: disconnected and confused. I want to advocate for increased mental health services, as I have heard from fellow students the lack of access to adequate assistance. I want to advocate for more affordable options across campus, whether it be parking licenses, food available for purchase, room and board, and more.
I want to advocate for groups on campus that are facing discrimination, such as the Queer and Trans Services student organization. I would be proud to be a representative for this school and work to make it a better place for its students.
Which issue do think should be changed or improved on campus?
We have two reasons to change and improve the parking situation at UNO. Firstly, the safety of students is at risk when they have no choice but to park in Elmwood Park or elsewhere off campus. Just last year, there was more than one incident of attempted sexual assault on students because they had to walk to their cars in the dark off campus. This needs a permanent solution, not a temporary one like the one put in place in the spring of 2019.
Secondly, parking licenses are simply too expensive for what they are worth. Students on Dodge Campus truly have a difficult time finding even one parking spot during busy times of the day, and they are limited in what parking lots they are allowed to use.
Parking fees should be lowered or abolished in order to serve the students who are already paying thousands of dollars in tuition. Parking licenses should also give students the flexibility to park in any parking lot. This will relieve some stress and anxiety for students in their day-to-day routines.
What makes you qualified to sit on Student Government?
I believe my experience as a leader in several student organizations has prepared me to sit on Student Government for UNO, including: Student Councilmember for three years in high school, Student Council President my senior year of high school, two-time cheer captain, Communications Officer of Sigma Tau Delta, and two-time Editor for the 13th Floor Magazine here at UNO.
These leadership positions have taught me how to plan, be organized, gather people together, and keep my mind set on the bigger picture. Beyond that, I also believe that my areas of study have prepared me to be a great advocate for a diverse group of students. While I am mainly in the Arts and Sciences College as an English major, my business minor and marketing minor have allowed me to take a step outside of that circle and meet all kinds of different students and professors across UNO's two campuses.
My experience in these two different schools of study have given me different perspectives on student life, enabling me to advocate for many different students and identities.