Hello, Mt. Hood Saints. I, Javi Estrada, officially declare my candidacy for ASMHCC Student Body President.

At my previous institutions, I was an active student leader on campus. At the University of Dallas, I served as the Freshman class representative for the UD Student Government Association. We worked together to provide resources for students on campus so that they could succeed; and we hosted events so that students would feel welcome. At Dallas College, I served as a Student Ambassador. We were the bridge between prospective students, our college campus, and beyond. Here at Mt. Hood Community College, I am currently serving the student body as the ASMHCC Vice President.

This past school year, the ASMHCC team and I have worked with students and staff in the Student Union, the MDRC, Transition/Transiciones, the SOAR team, Rho Theta, Athletics, the Advocate, as well as the vast number of departments and clubs on campus, in order to accomplish the following: 1) distribute information to students about programs, resources, and events at MHCC; 2) provide food, snacks, drinks, and hygiene products for students at MHCC; 3) increase active participation and engagement with students on campus and online; and 4) distribute information from the financial aid department so that students can become financially literate.

It is because of these experiences in leadership that I know I am qualified to serve as President. I am knowledgeable, I am passionate, and I am accomplished. If I am elected ASMHCC President, I have three definite goals: 1) I will help provide more food, snacks, drinks, and hygiene products to students next school year, by working alongside the various clubs, organizations, and departments on campus as well as local food banks and food pantries. 2) I will strive to help the Latino community by building bridges between their present-day situation, their wants and needs, and their future goals. ASMHCC, Adult Basic Skills, and Transitions/Transiciones will co-host seminars so that non-English speakers can begin the intake process for ESL learning; thereafter, those wanting to pursue a degree or certificate can do so upon graduating from the ESL program. 3) I will work with the MDRC in order to build a lush and plentiful community garden so that students can benefit from fresh produce, learn about agriculture, and experience the therapeutic effects of gardening.

I would like to end my speech with the following statement:

“We the Students of Mt. Hood Community College enter to learn. We come together and get to know each other. We form life-long friendships. We experience new cultures, new languages, and new perspectives. We strive to be respectful, understanding, and compassionate toward our fellow man. And when we graduate, we will go forth to serve our loved ones, our community, and beyond.”

Hello fellow students of MHCC I am Sory Ibrahim Diarra and I am running for ASG President.

Right now, I am the Academic Affairs Representative of ASMHCC; you have probably met me at the Students Union, where our office is. I am always playing pool or having conversations with students. I have worked as a teacher assistant and customer service in the past so I have some leadership experience. My most qualifying experience is I have been president for my class multiple times back in Mali and in case I have not told you before I am from Mali (West Africa).

As students, not to assume we all have the same goals but at least, one we all want to graduate from here and two we all want to graduate with the best experience possible. With that said, my most important goal is to do my best to assure that and to ease students' stress and worries. I know I cannot make everyone happy but at last, I will do my best so most of you will be. With me as President any ideas, opinions and concerns are welcome and I will organize events and group talk so we can have fun and forget about everything else for at least a couple of hours. Moreover, I will do my best to find help you need.

To me we are all family no matter where you came from or your culture or background because even in our normal family at home, we are not all the same, there are diversities but the one important thing we all have in common is advancement of the family as our common interest in MHCC is success. I am from a different background so believe me when I say I know what it is to be different but that is what makes us human beings. There is a saying this saying that I love “Prejudices or discrimination reflects on the person judging and not the person being judged. Everyone should be treated equally”. I also believe what you give is what you receive so respect others and they will respect you. Let all be honest and confident about ourselves, so others will feel the same.

Hello everyone, my name is Emily Phoun, and I am declaring my candidacy to run as ASMHCC Vice President. At Sam Barlow high school, I was a member of my school's band council team as a representative for concert band and a class representative for the student body council during my sophomore year. Now, as a first-year student here at MHCC, I am a member of the ASMHCC student activities team as the student activities special events coordinator who creates and plans all the fun events here on campus like the Love Yourself event and Trunk or Treat. Not only that but I am also a member of the SOAR (Student Outreach and Recruitment) team here on campus. That helps guide students on a tour through campus and helps bring new perspective students an opportunity to hear and learn more about the campus. Because I have these skills and experiences as a leader, I know that I can do well as the vice president. I am a resilient, helpful, passionate, and creative person. If I am selected to be the Vice president, I have three defined goals in mind: I will work alongside the Student Basic Needs department to provide low-income students an opportunity to be successful in school, but also help the students who might not have the affordability to pay for things like textbooks, laptops, clothing, etc. I will work closely with the SOAR team to find ways to bring new and inspiring students to MHCC whether it be planning events dedicated entirely to high school students, doing off-campus college visits, or reaching out to the different high schools to promote and inspire students to come to MHCC. I plan to work together with the staff here at MHCC (Student life, MDRC, Financial Aid, etc.) to give students an opportunity to be successful even through the toughest of times. I plan to have the student life department and ASMHCC co-host events based on future planning whether it is hosting a financial literacy seminar, a club fair-style event, or having guest speakers on campus. In my eyes we are all reaching for the stars whether you think so or not, I know that every single one of you can achieve something greater. Don’t be afraid to show your true colors because in the end, we all can be able to achieve something no matter what comes our way. We are all strong, brave, and resilient, and we all have a story to tell about our journey here at Mount Hood Community College.

My Name is Berhanu Tibesso. I am a candidate for MHCC Student Government Vice President. It is my third year at MHCC, and I am studying Criminology and will graduate next year. English is my second language. Other than that, I speak about five different languages. In the past, I lived among people with different cultural backgrounds and shared their culture and learned their languages in a short period of time. I am always interested to learn about other cultures. I had a certificate in peace and security and worked with a nongovernmental organization in Nairobi Kenya. I had leadership roles; I organized youth and became a president of East Africa Oromo Youth Association for five years. I Always take accountability for my schoolwork and other things. I aim to motivate others and to create new ideas and help community by advising and mediating. I believe in helping others and believe no one is lazy. If we work hard, we can be anything. I am self-disciplined , confident, resilient, and I recognize the strength and achievements of others.