Name: Rawan Abbasi
Year: 3rd Year
Major: Biomedical Engineering
Position: VP of Student Life
1. Why are you running for an Executive Board position?
I am running for Vice President of the Student Life committee because I want to continue improving IIT’s campus life. I have been an active member on this committee for the past year and a half and I believe I finally have the right qualifications to run for an Executive Board member.
2. What relevant experience do you have with student government at IIT or elsewhere?
I have been a senator for the past year and a half (Student Life Committee). I dealt with the issue for renting/paying for gym lockers, I planned and went on Public Safety Walks, and Planned Earth Hour last year with Stacy Morton. Last year, I was picked to go to COSGA (a SGA conference in Texas) and we exchanged ideas and learned a lot from other school’s SGA’s around the US. I am also a part of the Coalition of Chicago Colleges- this is when a few senators from all Chicago colleges meet once a month and work on issues together and try to plan activities together. (ex: the NIU shooting). Lastly, I am on the sustainability committee this year- we have had 3 forums so far, where we are brainstorming and planning on making IIT the most sustainable school.
3. What other extra-curricular experiences do you have?
IIT Men’s Basketball Manager (Freshman year)
Innovation Entrepreneurship Academy (2nd year)
SGA
Work at Starbucks
Volunteer at RUSH Medical University
Wish Granter for Make-A-Wish Foundation
4. How would you best represent the interest of IIT students in your decision making?
In order for me to make ANY decision- I need to get my constituents advice, ideas and problems. It is not my school…but rather OUR school. I would talk personally to the students, send out surveys, sit on the MTCC bridge, etc to have them voice their opinions.
5. What strengths do you have that you consider as important to be an Exec Board Member?
I am very organized and determined. I can maintain a leadership role through communication with senators and students, as well as, keeping our student body pumped and excited for positive changes around campus. =)
