For Senator • Voices of Change
My name is Delfina Roybal and I am running for Senator of the Student Government Association at BMCC. It is an incredible honor to represent such a diverse, motivated, and bright student body. If elected, I will make myself available to all students and do my best to provide transparency and needed resources for students as I believe with hard work and dedication, anyone at BMCC can achieve what they set their mind to. Through access to resources and internships, any student can find themselves in a position they have always envisioned.
In the wise words of Billy Mills, an indigenous Oglala Lakota elder, “Find your dream. It’s the pursuit of the dream that heals you.” I believe it is important we are always striving towards helping our fellow peers to enhance their strengths and support them in challenging academic circumstances. It is imperative that the students have someone who is willing to fight for their voice to be heard amongst such a large school. I promise to be that voice!
I was born and raised in the Lower East Side of New York and have always been an advocate for community and social change. I have worked with indigenous leaders and collectives across the country to help with fundraising, educational opportunities, and raising awareness of social issues within the Native community. I am currently a history major and enrolled in Pre-Law. My goal after graduating is to become a Land Rights attorney for Native American tribal groups in the U.S. My time at BMCC has played a crucial part in working towards my goal, and I have seen first-hand just how much mental health plays a huge role in academic success, therefore it is important for me to push for access to this necessary resource.
If elected Senator, I will do my best to ensure that students have access to all of the tools they need to succeed. Most of the college’s students at BMCC are from low-income backgrounds which often means that mental health resources can be scarce and inaccessible due to a lack of funds. I will focus on the need for mental health resources, and how important it is, especially during this challenging time, to have access to free or affordable mental health counseling in addition to the counseling already offered at BMCC.
One of the first projects I will approach as Senator is providing access to virtual weekly yoga and wellness classes for all students. It is also imperative that our cafeteria is fully stocked with healthy food options. It is studied and known that students who eat a well-balanced diet have a higher chance of success, therefore, we must put a focus on our overall health so that we can achieve our fullest potential. Also, as a school with a high transfer rate, we must be diligent about preparing our graduating students for success! Therefore, I will put more pressure on increasing mentor programs and internships as students adjust to working in their career field.
All through the pandemic I have seen teachers go above and beyond for their students and have witnessed students overcome many obstacles as they persevered during this incredibly tough time. It is important we acknowledge and celebrate just how far we have all come, together. This is a time to listen to each other’s needs and empower our peers to never give up. I hope to bring a special voice to the student body, and use my heart, soul, and passion to ensure every student’s success!
