For President • Voices of Change
My name is Lamyaa Araf and I am running for SGA President. Ever since I was a kid, I’ve always wanted to advocate and influence major decisions about the quality of education and learning environments that make a strong community and leaders. Coming from a country that has been destroyed has made me want to dream bigger and become the next change. I knew every day that my life could be taken away at any minute while planes with bombs were flying above our school, other school buildings were being destroyed and I saw many armed men, however, that made me more ambitious. It made me want to continue my education. Coming to the U.S. was a huge step my parents took for me and my siblings’ future. As a child of immigrant parents, I learned to take responsibility for my family and myself at a very young age and it influenced me to stand up for what I believe is right with integrity, accountability, empathy, and positivity.
I never really identified as a leader until I got involved at BMCC. During my time at BMCC, I have been an SGA Student Representative, been involved with NYPIRG, NSLS, PTK, C.O.A.C.H and B.O.L.T. programs, and am currently a club officer. I realize that I am being listened to, have great insights on topics, and am good at planning and sharing tasks with others. Given that, I am sure I can bring my experience to the table.
My main objective in running for SGA President at BMCC is to prepare students to stay in school and become leaders who are confident, economically independent, and supportive of their community. Affordable tuition for all students is one of my priorities. This pandemic has made affording college harder and I hope to improve the quality of education for all students around campus by engaging with my fellow students and staff to create a successful and inclusive environment in which every person can flourish both academically and socially in a virtual or an in-person setting.
Another priority is to advocate for students with disabilities to get the resources they need. I also want to focus on making mental health a priority by sharing and connecting more students to all of the resources BMCC offers such as tutoring, mentoring, Counseling Center and the Women’s Resource Center. To assist with communication, I think that SGA members should continue their office hours and monthly town halls to inform students what they are doing to assist them. This will create accountability, trust, and relationships with administration as well. To manage the SGA budget, I will ensure that clubs’ efforts and activities are funded adequately and efficiently while other projects, such as trips, events or charity work, will be discussed and well distributed. Last, I want to coordinate with campus police to make our campus safer for students so they feel welcomed and loved, which will allow them to focus on their academic performance inside and outside of campus.
There are several concerns to be addressed in our school systems. While these cannot be resolved overnight, they can be made less burdensome if we work together. I want to encourage all of you to vote and begin this journey together to build a better community. Thank you and I hope you are staying safe and healthy through these unusual times.
