Bio
My name is Priscilla and i'm currently a student at North Hennepin Community College. I started my student government journey in 2017 and I'm grateful for the opportunities I've gotten to advocate for myself as well as other students across the state of Minnesota. When I'm not busy with student government, I try to run my podcast, catch up on my favorite anime and manga as well as getting out once in a while for some fresh air to explore the twin cities
1. What degree or certificate program are you seeking?
I'm currently studying for my bachelor's in Accounting. I intend to get my CPA in the next two years and then try out for Law school in order to pursue a career that combines business, finance and policy.
2. What are your future career plans?
My future holds many plans. I intend to be a lawyer and run a non-profit that advocates for underserved & underrespresented communities. I also want to open a restuarant that serves a fusion of cuisines.
3. Please describe your previous student government or professional experience, and how it has prepared you for this position.
My first student government role was as a senator at large at NHCC where I revived the OER conversation on my campus. This effort earned me a Newman fellowship from my campus. I then went on to become the legislative coordinator, where with the help of my senate ran the GOTV'18 efforts on my campus. Now I currently serve as the Vice president of LeadMN where I advocate for student's needs before the Chancellor and legislators. I also worked with a group of amazing leaders who sit on the Platform Committee to set the platform document as well as the legislative agenda for the session. I worked with the cabinet in establishing LeadMN's basic needs committee as well as advocating for the same committee on a system level. And I continue to advocate for students in whatever capacity my role requires and more.
4. Why are you running for this position?
I'm running for this position in other to continue both the work I help start as well as the work I came into and to see it through. I'm consistently brainstorming with LeadMN staff on how we can make things better for students as well as increasing the impact of the organization for the people we represent. One year is not enough time to get things done but two years can get you to a good place. And I believe my work is not yet done.
5. What challenges do you see facing Minnesota's community and technical college students?
The number one issue that plagues students is the ever increasing cost of getting a college degree. From the cost of textbooks to tuition, to the ever increasing cost of living and stagnant wages which leaves our students in the needs of the most basic things. Students all over Minnesota are finding it difficult to stay in school and colleges are reporting declining enrollment. That is something LeadMN continues to work on changing and I hope to keep the fight up.