Q: Tell us about you. What year are you in? What is your major? What clubs and organizations are you a part of on and off campus?
A: Hello Runners! My name is Brianahi De Leon, and I’m currently a junior majoring in engineering science. I’ve served in various leadership positions throughout campus that have helped me discover my true passion for leadership and improving the student life and experience for other students. I’m the president of the Fashion club, treasure for Runner Nation, the Programming Chair for the Programming Committee, I work for the CSUB TRiO program as a tutor for McFarland High school students, and am the current Director of Educational Events for ASI.
Q: What are your plans for CSUB if you are elected? What changes would you like to make? How would you work to leave it better than you found it? Where do you see CSUB headed for the next year in terms of student life?
A: I’m currently the Director of Educational Events for ASI, and through that position, I have hosted events through collaborations with various offices on campus. My most recent event that I hosted was the “BJ’s in your PJ’s”. I came across an article reporting that sexually transmitted diseases were on the rise statewide, but the rate of infection in Kern County was the highest. With that information, and seeing a lack of events centered on that, I set out and collaborated with the Health Center, the Counseling Center, as well as the DZT fraternity. I made the event an interactive effort, with students asking questions while enjoying Ben and Jerry’s ice cream. I have come to realize that is exactly what students thrive on. They seem to engage more in events that are interactive, fun and provide a comfortable atmosphere. If re-elected, I hope to grow in this position by providing more interactive events that are centered on topics that need to be brought to the students.
Q: What made you take an interest in student government? Do you have any previous experience in student government? What concerns you about the CSUB student government?
A: I’ve always felt the need to be active in my community. When I was younger, I volunteered at summer camps, at the Kern County Museum, in my church and student body in junior high and high school. When I first came onto campus, I was a typical commuter student. I drove to school and drove back without realizing the events or experiences that the campus had to offer. I came to the realization that there was more to college than just taking classes and going home. I began gaining a big interest for being part of ASI, ways I could improve events and be part of reaching out to commuter students like myself. Being a part of ASI for 2 years has truly helped me grow as a person, a leader, and has taught me ways of improving the student experience. However, I have so much more planned for this upcoming year, such as events that can affect students from every background and field while improving the ways ASI reaches to students. I’ve realized certain areas on campus are often left out or not reached, and those are the areas I hope to devote myself to reaching.
Q: Why are you the best candidate for the job?
A: I feel that I am the best candidate for the Director of Educational Events because of my leadership experiences, my eagerness to start the year with initiatives that bring awareness to the diverse community on campus and my enthusiasm for programming events that bring together students. I feel that I am quite qualified and hold all the qualities of a director who can provide you educational events that can educate and highlight issues in a creative manner.
Q: Anything else you would like to add about yourself?
A: My hunger for being part of helping and engaging students doesn’t stop outside campus. Outside of campus, I tutor high school students at McFarland High School, and I’m a teacher’s aide for Sunday school at my church. I find engaging in DIYs or interesting hobbies often unleashes the creative aspects within us. That being said, you can often find me refurbishing antique furniture, drawing landscapes, taking pictures and making DIYs.
Q: Anything else you would like to add about yourself?
A: I would love to have your vote for Brianahi for Director of Educational Events! If you ever see me around campus, please don’t be scared to approach me with any comments, concerns or questions. I’m here for you, to provide you with a great college experience while eliminating CSUB’s stigma of a commuter campus.
