2024 Student Government Officer Candidates

Emily Fry - President

My name is Emily Fry, and I am running for President of Student Government. I recently came across a quote by the philosopher Lao Tzu, which says, "The journey of 1000 miles begins with the first step.” Tzu’s words reminded me of the importance of taking the initiative toward problem-solving and being fearless when taking the exciting, sometimes challenging, but always rewarding first step. On January 11, 2021, I took my first step and began my journey with OCC. Now several classes and professors later, I am incredibly grateful to look back and see how my journey at OCC has shaped me into who I am today. I love math and am interested in how technology can improve the world, so I am aiming to double major in Applied Math and Cognitive Science. While I love math, I also have another passion: art, specifically the art of dance, as I have trained in ballet for over a decade. It was my journey at OCC, taking math and art classes, that sparked my love for these two passions. However, going on a journey by yourself is, of course, not as fun as traveling with others. This past year, I had the privilege of serving as Vice President of Student Government, a mentor in the peer mentor program, and a math supplemental instructor. Working with the other members of student government, I organized a volunteering event at Capuchin soup kitchen, a volunteering event at a nursing home, a donations toy drive, and the OCC Y2K benefit dance. We were also able to increase student wages, give presentations to college faculty, raise funds for our local homeless shelter, and more. Additionally, we held biweekly meetings and coordinated crossover events with other student organizations to increase synergy across the various organizations on campus. These experiences allowed me to connect with my fellow students and help them succeed in their journeys. Whether it be during my own journey or helping others, I have grown to love my school and the students it reaches.

I am incredibly grateful to OCC, and in return, I would love to give back to my school by serving as President of Student Government. First, as President, I would value inclusion and advocate that all students' voices be heard. My relationships with fellow students from my classes and my experiences on campus have let me learn from many different students' voices, giving me a unique perspective on student life and what it means to be a student in OCC's diverse student body. Secondly, valuing creativity and problem-solving, I would ensure that I always take the first step in any worthwhile journey. While not afraid to take initiative on positive innovation and collaborate with others on the executive board, I believe I could help our student body and bring together our community. As OCC has been there for me throughout my journey, I would be incredibly grateful for the opportunity to positively impact the school in return by serving as President.

Ayisha Sabahat - Vice President

Hello, my name is Ayisha Sabahat, I am a student at OCC and currently pursuing a degree in Dental Hygiene. Since joining OCC in 2022, I have been working with great dedication to complete the prerequisites for the program. My passion for Dental Hygiene comes from my strong belief in transforming people's lives by giving them a confident smile. I find studies at OCC incredibly rewarding and take pride in being an active member of the student body. Having lived in Thailand and Pakistan, I have developed a deep appreciation for diverse perspectives and experiences. I am fluent in English, Urdu, and Thai. In my free time, I indulge in painting and listening to music. I love painting, such as calligraphy and scenery. 

I am seeking the position in SG, as a vice president as I am eager to become more involved with the college community. Over the past year, I have actively participated in the Student Government and the Peer Mentoring Program during the winter of 2024. OCC has offered me an exceptional learning environment, and I aspire to create the same experience for all students. Being part of the incredible group will undoubtedly enhance my college experience, and the memories will remain with me for a lifetime.

Renata Perez Rosillo - Secretary

My name is Renata Perez Rosillo. I am a Latina woman from the north of Mexico, and I am interested in running for the position of Secretary in the student government.

When I was twelve years old, I got the news that I was to leave everything I had ever known and start a new life. So my family and I packed our bags and soon found ourselves in the state of Michigan; No family, no friends, nowhere. I was to learn not only the language but also the values, relationships, and experiences that today make me proud of who I am.

When people say the first few years are the hardest ones, they are not lying to you. The hardships of feeling like everyone is laughing behind you as you stumble on a word you cannot pronounce, the sudden realization that you don’t know who you are and who you can count on to be there for you. Leaving was the easy part; rebuilding yourself, over and over again, was brutal.

If you asked me in this present moment if I would go through leaving my family and coming to a country with a language in which even the phrase “May I go to the restroom?” was hard, the
answer would be yes. I have learned and gained a passion for all the versions of myself that I can be. Someone who is not afraid of change, who wears her heart on her sleeve, who is not afraid of making herself be heard and seen. Someone who is driven by the hope of making the world a better place. Coming to the United States was one of the most painful experiences I have ever lived through, but also the most nourishing. It opened my eyes to worlds I never would have been able to appreciate and understand how much pain we all, as humans and as a worldwide nation, live with and go through every day. I like to believe that we can all make a difference no matter how big or how small. My passion for justice, equality, and order has led me to understand that I am here to inspire and give to
people.

My decision to run for secretary comes from a deep-seated commitment to serving my community. My strongest skills are problem-solving, time management, integrity, and active listening. I believe I can serve and be a good part of the team by providing organization and fearless passion.

Joshua Wellington - Public Relations Coordinator

My name is Joshua Wellington and I am a second year student here at Oakland Community College. I will be entering a third year to complete my dual associate degrees of both Science and Pre-Engineering. I am applying for the office of Public Relations Coordinator of Student Government. I am currently serving the remaining term as PTK treasurer and have enjoyed getting to serve as such.

My goal as Public Relations Coordinator is to increase awareness about the presence and efficacy of Student Government. Students often voice complaints and yet they go unheard simply because they were unaware of the proper channel to voice said concerns. I intend to work side by side with the Student Government president to promote our organization and create a space where students can experience a sense of visibility. I am also presently running for Phi Theta Kappa president and should I be elected fully intend to leverage this influence to galvanize the fellowship between these two groups.

This semester I have become increasingly involved in both campus and college senate here at OCC in an effort to participate in the communication and decision making available to students. The passion I have felt being able to advocate for students in this way sparked my interest in pursuing Student Government to further this mission of visibility. I look forward to offering my service to the organization should I be elected as such.

Daniel Akintudnde - Public Relations Coordinator

Hello, everyone. My name is Daniel, and I am excited to announce my candidacy for the position of Public Relations Officer at OCC. I am a hard-working and dedicated student who is passionate about making a positive impact on the lives of my fellow students. Throughout my time at OCC, I have been involved in a couple of clubs like the black student union and Forensics. After being inspired personally by the current president and the successes of the current government in regards to raising work-study pay. I believe I have the qualities, mindset, and abilities to do an incredible job in introducing events to the student community at OCC.

Oliver Harris - Public Relations Coordinator

My name is Oliver Harris, and I am a Royal Oak High School graduate. During my time there, I honed my leadership skills as the section leader of the Drumline, captain of the Bowling Team, president of the Euchre Club, and founder and president of the Disc Golf Club. These experiences have given me plenty of experience in assisting people and helping them advance their abilities, making me well fit for the role of Public Relations. I am a lifelong resident of Royal Oak and have a deep love for Oakland County. I am also an avid traveler, exploring 41 US States, 23 National Parks, 3 Canadian provinces, and 9 different countries. At OCC, I have served as an S.I. for Calc 1 at the Royal Oak Campus, demonstrating my passion for helping others understand complex ideas. 

As the Public Relations Officer, I would serve the community at OCC to bring the best possible methods of communication available. My main objective in this role will be to increase student engagement throughout OCC by making sure everyone is aware of what events are planned. I am also ready to represent the Student Government in times of need and controversy. All of my experience has given me excellent people skills and that is what is most important for a public relations officer, being good with the public.

Suher Salim - Outreach/Community Service Coordinator

Hello! I am Sue, an OCC student since 2018. As an immigrant, I really struggled during my process of becoming a citizen while also being a student. I had to also balance challenges normal students may face such as changing majors, work/life balance, maintaining a social life, and balancing mental health. Although I had to figure out most of my path on my own, I certainly wouldn't want any fellow student to struggle with it alone. During my journey, I have come to get to know a lot of great supports at OCC that have helped me through my journey. I try to share these resources with my classmates and empower them to be the best they can. As a member of the student government, I'll be focusing on empowering students no matter what background they come from or what challenges they face. Promoting an atmosphere of community and fellowship between students and on-campus organizations and making their presence known is something I am passionate about.

Community to me means recognition and inclusion. I strive to recognize students wherever they are in life and ensure that they feel welcome, supported and included at OCC. Our community already has wonderful resources that need more awareness, but my goal is to also introduce new support networks for those who struggle. I recognize and hear these students, because I was one of them. Recognizing my struggles, reaching out to OCC resources, and being involved at the college has empowered me as a student who was struggling with grades and mental health to becoming recognized on the Dean's list and becoming the secretary at GEN Graphics. Becoming the Outreach/Community Service Coordinator means that I can give back to the community what was so freely given to me. Thank you greatly for this opportunity.

Caroline Eagan - Outreach/Community Service Coordinator

Hello, I would like to run for the student government officer election. My name is Caroline Eagan, and I would like to run for the Community Service Officer position of Student Government at Oakland Community College for the upcoming term. 

I am the best candidate for this position because I am deeply committed to making a positive difference in my community. I am the current Community Service Officer of Student Government and would welcome the opportunity to continue in this position next semester. I am a dual-enrolled high school student through the Accelerated College Experience (ACE) program. The upcoming school year will be my “13th year”, so I will be a full-time college student. This aspect of who I am gives me a unique perspective on student life and exemplifies that I am intrinsically motivated to achieve academic success. As the Community Service Officer in the upcoming term, I would work to create service opportunities for all students to get involved. This is important to me because students can gain information, life skills, and experience serving those in need by participating in community service projects and volunteering. To me, community means a reliable network of support. By participating in community service, we are helping others in our community and cultivating an environment in our school and wider community in which we can all feel supported and welcomed. I promise that as the Community Service Officer, I will organize a guaranteed school-wide community service event once a month to promote student engagement and other opportunities to volunteer when possible as well.

I volunteer regularly through a variety of organizations and also individually. As the current Community Service officer of student government I have the responsibility of organizing community service events. I established a relationship with a local nursing home in which student government officers can volunteer to spend time with the residents. It is amazing to see the tremendous positive impact simply dedicating our time has on the patients. Another event I helped to plan was OCC's first Y2K benefit dance. The event was a success and we raised over $600. The proceeds went to the HOPE shelter and the student food pantry at OCC's Orchard Ridge campus. Additionally, at my high school, I am a member of the Youth Advisory Council, National Honor Society, and Science National Honor Society. Each of these organizations value service to others and connected me with the means to plan and participate in many various service projects in my community.