AAUW Dialog

Mt. San Jacinto Participants

By Kinya Mururu, Board Member, Running Start

Mt. San Jacinto College (MSJC) in Southern California is one of the 10 colleges and the only two-year college chosen this year to hold Campaign College. As the dean of student services at MSJC, JoAnna Quejada’s goal in holding this training was to enhance student participation in the Associated Student Body and other student organizations on campus.

The workshop day included many inspiring speakers such as Temecula City Councilwoman and former Mayor MaryAnn Edwards. Interestingly, Edwards shared with the students that she had not always known that she would work in public service. She started as a volunteer and a PTA official at her children’s school. But she has been asked several times along the way to take up higher positions, and she has agreed to step out of the box and take the challenge. “Someone asked me, and so now I am asking you,” she said. Edwards is the second woman in Temecula history to serve as mayor.

We also got to hear from current student officers on their roles as student leaders on campus. Tammy Jimenez, Associated Student Body president, encouraged other students to be actively engaged in their campus community. She ran on a platform of increasing campus activities for students and is doing exactly that. “I was so shy and lived in my bubble,” she said. “Now when people see me, I hope they get encouraged to do something productive while they are here.”

Ashley Cook, president of the Beta Delta Omega chapter of Phi Theta Kappa, wanted to give back to her school. Her role has helped her learn how to delegate tasks, which she says is a very important skill to learn.

Students trying to get votes in the campaigning simulation

Anita Botello-Santoyo, president of the AAUW student affiliate branch at MSJC, said that she has learned to be patient and respectful, especially when faced with difficult situations. All three students shared a similar experience: They were all asked by a friend or mentor to run for the positions they currently serve.

Leadership roles on a college campus serve as a means to gain self confidence and invaluable practical skills. Sarah Welton, 2008–09 Associated Student Body vice president, and Angelica Andel, 2006–07 MSJC student trustee, echoed these sentiments as they shared the impact student leadership had on their lives after MSJC. Angelica plans to continue to grow professionally within the recreation and parks district, where she is currently employed, and Sarah is pursuing a career in medicine. She is currently a physiology and neuroscience major at the University of California, San Diego.

Other speakers included Karin Marriott, MSJC director of public information and marketing, who taught the students campaign messaging techniques. Many of the students who attended the training were encouraged, and said they would take the challenge to run during the next elections. And that is the power of “the Ask”!