AS INTERNAL VICE PRESIDENT MAYRA SEGOVIA

STATEMENT

Many people do not understand the role of the Internal Vice President and the truth is that there are many hats that this individual wears. I ran believing in this association and the strength and power that people have and so often do not recognize and in some cases abuse. I was chair of the Senate, was part of many committees, chaired the Campus Elections Commission, and was given all of the support from staff to help guide me through the various challenges that I faced throughout the year. The executive officers that I had the honor to work with are also amazing individuals who helped me endure so much and I am happy to have stood united with you all. This job requires a very strong personality, charisma, and integrity; characteristics that I believe I exercised during my time.

Every quarter presented new challenges but it was Spring quarter that I will forever remember. Divestment was something that I was not prepared for but the Internal Vice President must be prepared for anything because no matter what bill or resolution is on the agenda the meeting must still move forward and business still needs to be taken care of.

Senators as much as those out in the audience possess great power. The Senators have the power to vote on bills and resolutions but the audience has the greatest power of all…the ability to demand transparency and to be represented. This takes form in many ways; one of which is through attending the Senate meetings or co-authoring a bill or resolution with a Senator. Senators just like the audience are students, are people, sons or daughters, brothers or sisters of someone who cares and loves for them, they feel pain and feel happiness, they struggle with personal issues or institutions, and knowing this will help the dialogue to be civilized and recognize each others own humanity.

I wish nothing but the best to those moving forward and forever remember that just like Aaron Jones once said, “You never know who might be watching.” The day that you create change is today…everyday you have the opportunity that is an innate thing because you exist and you are here. Remember that you have the ability to influence others and make an everlasting impact on someone. Work hard and stay true to yourself no matter what. You are your own worst enemy but also the one who can grant you salvation and unchain you. Set yourself free!