Candidate for Treasurer
Jarred VanHorn
Dakota County Technical College
Bio
I'm an extremely passionate person and over the past few years as a college student, I’ve learned to love the struggle for creating positive change. Whether in my clubs, my student senate committees, my nonprofit, or in my personal life, I’ve fought for positive change. Wherever I am, my goal is to always put others’ needs above my own. My plans for the future are fueled by passion for volunteerism and caring for others. In order to fight for the positive change I want to see, I need to be able to lead and inspire others. Because of this, over the past couple years I’ve taken on as many leadership roles as I could. As a college student, I’ve gotten involved with 7 of my student senate committees including the Treasurer role for the senate, I’ve founded and established a club relating to mental health, I’ve led many projects and initiatives, many through my skills as a speaker and organizer, and I’ve taken a role on my college’s Foundation (the nonprofit board who disburses scholarships to students at DCTC) – among many other things. Through taking on these roles I’ve absorbed so much knowledge and experience from my mentors, and I’ve also learned a great deal through my own failures as a leader. It’s been a trial by fire, and I’ve come out of this fire a stronger leader than I ever was before. Beyond my work in my college, I also am taking on leadership roles in my community. I’m a student volunteer with KARA (Kids at Risk Action) and the founder of a nonprofit organization (501C pending) that would eventually partner with schools and teachers to recognize children who are the victims of abuse, neglect, violence, poverty, or any other circumstance that would make a child less likely to grow into a happy, healthy, and functioning adult. The nonprofit would provide all-encompassing services to these children to redirect them away from negative outcomes. My ultimate dream is to create systemic change in American policy and culture surrounding basic needs, mental health & child education through my work with nonprofits, Minnesota communities, legislators, and community leaders. I have big dreams but I will spend every ounce of time & energy I have to accomplish them. I will not give up on this dream and will spend the next 60-80 years of my life fighting for these things.
What degree or certificate program are you seeking?
Architectural Technology A.A.S. & Technical Management A.A.S.
Please describe your previous student government or professional experience, and how it has prepared you for this position.
As a LeadMN student, I've had experiences testifying in support of emergency grant funding as well as speaking with legislators. I've also had the opportunity to shadow my state representative and speak with him about policy decisions. Beyond that, I've been a member of or led several projects and teams surrounding Dakota County Technical College student government: - Wellness Club (founder and president), - Phi Theta Kappa (current president, previous secretary), - Student Senate Treasurer , - Activities & Outreach Committee (member), - Voter Engagement Committee (member) - Ready, Set, Go! Committee (sole-student member) where I led and presented an orientation session called College 101 for new students, - Budget and Planning Committee (member) where I led presentations on a successful fee increase proposal for students, - SEM Retention Committee (student member), - Equity & Inclusion Committee (member), - Foundation Board (student representative) - Multicultural Student Leadership Association (member) - LeadMN Governing Council alternate Being a leader in so many positions at once has taught me much about managing my time effectively and working hard for those I lead. I've learned so much through failures and through many great mentors in all areas of my life (including at college in student government).
Why are you running for this position?
I'm running for these positions because I want to make a positive difference in the lives of my peers and fellow MN college students who are currently struggling to even survive. Ultimately, a position like this with LeadMN would be a great stepping stone to further my goals of creating systemic change surrounding basic needs and mental health.
What challenges do you see facing Minnesota's community and technical college students?
I see mental health and basic needs as the biggest challenges facing Minnesota's college students. Academic success, personal/career development is extremely difficult if your basic needs or mental health aren't doing well. With inflation and rent prices currently, most students can barely afford to go to college right now; Much less actually be successful while working 2 jobs, taking classes, and more. I'm working on many projects related to these areas through student government, my internship with LeadMN, and my nonprofit.