Tell us about yourself.

My name is Makoto Parchen, and I'm a second year student here at the University of Oregon from Austin, Texas. I’m a history major, specializing in European history, but I also have avid interests in linguistics and music.

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. 

As a student worker, I have noticed an unacceptable amount of food waste around campus occurring every day. With some increased effort, this food could be allocated to food pantries after closing hours or distributed to students who need it. Regardless of the solution, I’d like to see an end to food waste. Additionally, I know that minority voices are underrepresented and not sufficiently heard in ASUO; I’ll work to make sure that groups like the Black Student Union, Native American Student Union, and others are properly funded and represented. Finally, I’d like to improve the transparency between ASUO and the student body generally to make communication and funding easier, fairer, and more cohesive.

Why are you running?

I believe that running for ASUO is a great way to introduce new ideas and solutions to the community. New perspectives are extremely important for a student government to properly represent the student body and resolve issues around campus. I’d like to be more involved with the school while also enjoying the ability to benefit others and personally resolve their concerns.