Why are you running in the ASUO Elections?

My name is Ming Kim (she/her). I am from Portland, Oregon. As a typical wannabe law student, I am a second year majoring in Political Science and minoring in Legal Studies. I seek to become an ASUO officer because I am passionate about contributing to UO’s student engagement. I am certain that I am not alone in feeling like this time period of our youth is perhaps the most daunting moment experienced, it can feel endless. What has helped relieve this feeling however, is the student engagement activities on this campus. For the reason that there is a sense of peace in knowing that I have a community where my footing is cemented. I want more than anything to help students find their place of welcome and also help/recognize the communities that do just that. By running for PFC Senate Seat 01, I believe I can effectively do this because I would be in the position to hear students' direct concerns and challenges within the scope of my own discretion and help in the capacity as best as I can.

As one of the most front facing parts of ASUO, how do you plan on making these interactions as positive as possible for students?

While I have not formally sat in on Senate Hearings as an official senator, I have attended numerous hearings throughout this academic year as a clerk on behalf of ASUO. From this experience, I have come to appreciate students' willingness to speak on behalf of their organization, despite the daunting environment that ASUO Senate Hearings have naturally fostered. Throughout my outside perspective as a clerk, I have come to understand that it is (1) transparency, henceforth the ability to communicate why a decision is made, and (2) that the process of arriving to the final decision is an open collaboration between the Senate and the students, that are the qualities necessary to foster a positive and worthwhile interaction. If I were elected, I would ensure that these qualities were fulfilled within the best of my capabilities by, for example, ensuring to ask for the student org’s perspective on whether or not a decision is suitable for their needs.

Is there a particular ASUO funded service or organization (or multiple) that you are passionate about and hope to work with? Why?

Prior to beginning my second year at UO, I had transferred to a school in DC. I thought it was the ideal place for me, only to discover that it was significantly lacking in community. I returned to UO with a renewed appreciation for the environment that always told me I belonged. I was, in no better words, so incredibly excited to join ASUO because it is a helpline for the student organizations that makes this campus truly breathe–the factor that united my decision to come back to UO because it is student orgs that cultivate the sense of belonging. For this reason, there is not a specific ASUO funded service or organization that I am exclusively excited to fund. For the reason that from cultural orgs to recreational organizations, all to my understanding, are vital and interconnected to making this university feel like an environment worth being a part of. I am passionate to hear with an open mind how each organization uniquely contributes to this community. Even more so, to work with these leaders who have shaped my experience and perspective towards UO for the better.