Tell us about yourself.

My name is Jay Blyakhman (he/him) and I’m from Los Angeles, California. I’m a 3rd year Psychology major with a business minor. Beyond academics, I enjoy leading my poker club, interning for CDR (an organization dedicated to guiding at-risk youth away from the juvenile justice system), and rock climbing in my free time. I'm passionate about the psychology field and can't wait to make positive changes to our systems here at the UO.

What are the three key issues that you've noticed on campus that you hope to improve for students as an elected official?
Please list each issue and briefly explain how you hope to improve it. 

The primary problem Psychology students grapple with is getting into required classes. The current registration system fails to keep pace with the expanding student body, resulting in overcrowded classes and limited availability. I want to use my position to urge the university to prioritize responsible growth. I also hope to address the lack of support for marginalized student organizations. The university often fails to bring awareness to these groups, and they often get stinted in terms of financial support, a crucial factor in their longevity. I hope to improve this by working closely with these organizations and uplifting their voices. Lastly, I'd like to advocate for the student unions. Many on-campus jobs aren't getting the pay or benefits they deserve and that needs to change.

Why are you running?

As an active member of our campus, I've seen a lot of difficulties in our psychology department, from enrollment issues to uninspiring classes. I'm committed to smoothing out these issues, making courses more accessible, and reigniting students' love for psychology. Many friends have switched out of the major because they can't get into classes, and that shouldn't be happening. I want to transform our psychology program into a place where students thrive and feel heard.