Meet Student Government Association Officers and Senators

River is a Senior at Schenectady High School (Early College High School Program) and President of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. 

What are your goals as a student leader?

To amplify student voices, bridge gaps between students and administration, and foster a welcoming community where students feel they can succeed regardless of background.

What do you plan to do after you graduate?

I plan to continue my studies at a four-year university and eventually work my way up to law school.

What are your hobbies?

In my free time, I enjoy playing the cello, relaxing with my cats (2 black ones), playing video games, and practicing card magic.

Who gives you the best advice and why?

I think my friends give me the advice I find the most helpful, as they are often unafraid to be honest and real with me, even when the truth is unpleasant.

What’s a motto that you live by?

"Living is not breathing but doing/To live is not to breathe but to act." -Rousseau

What song can you not live without?

"Superstition" by Stevie Wonder

M&M's or Skittles?

Skittles, always.

How do you balance being a student leader with school and everything else that you do?

I make sure to plan everything out on my calendar, which makes managing my time optimally much easier.

Favorite study snack?

Beef jerky or popcorn.

Where’s your favorite place on campus and why?

When it's nice outside, I like hanging out in The Quad to enjoy the weather, but on chillier days, the Library is a great place for me to clear my head, answer emails, or reviews class notes.

Tejram is a graduate of Schenectady High School. 

What are your goals as a student leader? 

My goal is to give my fellow students a voice and representation.

What do you plan to do after you graduate?

Get a bachelor's degree in Biology and decide if I want to move on to med school.

What are your hobbies?

I love gaming and driving!

Who gives you the best advice and why?

This is a tough question but I’d say my Mom gives me the best advice because she cares deeply about me and is always pushing me to keep going to the next level.

What’s a motto that you live by?

“Pressure creates diamonds, yes, but it also creates rubble.”

What song can you not live without?

"Clarity" by Zedd

M&M's or Skittles?

M&M's

How do you balance being a student leader with school and everything else that you do?

I just deal with problems one at a time because I’m no good to anyone if I knock myself out.

Favorite study snack?

Vanilla ice cream with bananas, blueberries, and strawberries topped with a bit of cinnamon.

Where’s your favorite place on campus and why?

My favorite place on campus is the Library because even though you’re supposed to study in there, it ends up being a great social point to gather with your friends.

Shiv is a Senior at Schenectady High School (Early College High School Program). He is Chair of the Budget/Finance Committee and Awards Committee and Vice President of the Speech and Debate Club.

What are your goals as a student leader? 

To listen to student ideas, help clubs bring their events to life, and make our campus a welcoming place for everyone.

What do you plan to do after you graduate?

I plan to pursue higher education in the Computer Science, Finance, and Business Fields.

What are your hobbies?

I don’t really have hobbies; I try to keep myself busy!

Who gives you the best advice and why?

Elizabeth Richmond from ECHS. She is remarkably approachable, open minded, and consistently offers thoughtful, well-considered guidance.

What’s a motto that you live by?

Life changes all the time, so I’d rather stay flexible than stick to one motto.

M&M's or Skittles?

M&M's, not a fan of sour candies.

How do you balance being a student leader with school and everything else that you do?

I manage my time by time-blocking in my Google Calendar; it essentially holds my life together!

Favorite study snack?

Don’t really snack while studying.

Where’s your favorite place on campus and why?

Begley Library’s study rooms. They offer the ideal private space to study and catch up with peers without disrupting others, and the whiteboard walls are a huge plus.

Lexi is a graduate of Mohonasen High School. She is Chair of the Student Volunteer Organization, is studying Culinary Arts: Baking (in addition to Music) and is a Student Worker in the School of Music.

What are your goals as a student leader?

As a student leader, I hope to make campus an inclusive environment for everyone.  I want everyone to feel like they belong.

What do you plan to do after you graduate?

After I graduate from SUNY Schenectady, I am looking to transfer to a four-year institution.

What are your hobbies?

I enjoy baking, yoga, hiking, and traveling.

Who gives you the best advice and why?

There are many people in my life who I have received good advice from.  My Great Aunt, Mother, and Sister inspire me to live my best life, and to always be kind to others.

What’s a motto that you live by?

Not every day is good, but there is something good in every day.

What song can you not live without?

"Footprints On The Moon" by Gabby Barrett

M&M's or Skittles?

Depends on the day.

How do you balance being a student leader with school and everything else that you do? 

It's very easy to find time for the things that are important to you. Everything I do is important to me, which makes it easy to balance it all. Being a student leader allows me to make positive changes to my campus which I have grown to care so much about.

Favorite study snack?

Chocolate

Where’s your favorite place on campus and why?

My favorite place on campus is the School of Music Lobby. It is the place where all music students sit in their free time and talk to people you may not interact with otherwise.

Hema is a Senior at Schenectady High School (Early College High School Program), President of the Speech and Debate Club, Chair of the Constitution and Judicial Committee, and a Member of the Council of Clubs and Organizations.

What are your goals as a student leader? 

My goal as a student leader is to turn student concerns into changes that outlast my position.

What do you plan to do after you graduate?

I plan to continue my education at a four-year university, where I will pursue my degree in Criminal Justice and earn my bachelor’s degree.

What are your hobbies?

I enjoy reading and playing games with my younger cousins. I enjoy shopping with my Mom and dressing up because I believe in the quote, Llook good, feel good”.

Who gives you the best advice and why?

My Mother has always been the person I turn to for advice. She has carried me through some of the most difficult moments of my life. I think that she has simply lived long enough to understand the world in ways I have yet to, that every experience she has endured has taught her something worth passing down to me. There is something comforting about knowing that

What’s a motto that you live by?

My motto in life is to live in a way that inspires others.

What song can you not live without?

Any song by Lana Del Rey.

M&M's or Skittles?

M&M's

How do you balance being a student leader with school and everything else that you do?

I have strong time management skills.

Favorite study snack?

Chocolate covered pretzels.

Where’s your favorite place on campus and why?

The SGA room. When there isn’t a meeting happening it’s very quiet and it helps me to destress and be more productive.

Altahir is a member of the Student Volunteer Organization. He is a graduate of Asir Abbadi High School in Sudan.

What are your goals as a student leader?

As a student leader, I hope to make the best use of the resources available to help improve the student environment. I would like to listen to students, understand their needs, and work with others to find practical ways to support them. My goal is to make our college a more welcoming and supportive place for everyone.

What do you plan to do after you graduate?

I plan to transfer to a four-year university and continue my education.

What are your hobbies?

I enjoy reading, learning new things, volunteering, and spending time with family.

Who gives you the best advice and why?

My family because they have more life experience and always encourage me to make thoughtful decisions.

What’s a motto that you live by?

"Do your best, stay humble, and never stop learning."

What song can you not live without?

Michael Jackson – "Heal the World"

How do you balance being a student leader with school and everything else that you do?

I try to manage my time, stay organized, and give each responsibility the attention it deserves.

Favorite study snack?

Coffee and a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.

Where’s your favorite place on campus and why?

The Library because it is a quiet place where I can focus, study, and relax.

Ariana is a Senior at Schenectady High School (Early College High School Program). She is a member of the Bible in Acts Club.

What are your goals as a student leader? 

My goal as a student leader is to listen to students, address their concerns, collaborate with SGA, make positive changes, and most importantly share the way, the truth and life.

What do you plan to do after you graduate?

In the future, I aspire to be a politician. I hope that I can help my country become more prosperous and blessed.

What are your hobbies?

I love reading my bible, playing badminton, and spending time with my family.

Who gives you the best advice and why?

My Lord and Savior Jesus Christ gives the best advice because there’s nobody who’s more trustworthy and perfect like him.

What’s the motto that you live by?

"Without Christ nothing is possible, through him all things are possible."

What song can you not live without?

"Worthy" by Elevation Worship

M&M's or Skittles?

M&M's

How do you balance being a student leader with school and everything else that you do?

By putting God first and he takes care of everything things else that follows.

Favorite study snack?

Snickers

Where’s your favorite place on campus and why?

My favorite place on campus would be the Library because it’s peaceful and quiet.

Victor is a graduate of Schenectady High School. He is a member of the Student Volunteer Organization and Speech and Debate Club.

What are your goals as a student leader?

I hope to empower those around me through sharing thoughts and experiences, as well as making real change for those who will benefit the most.

What do you plan to do after you graduate?

I plan on attending a four-year school to achieve my bachelor's degree in the field of Science.

What are your hobbies?

I love going out with friends, as well as volunteering for school in my free time. Additionally, I enjoy physical activities such as taking walks and going out to the gym.

Who gives you the best advice and why?

My brother always gives me the best advice, because he is always able to understand the position I'm in when I must ask for advice, which allows for an answer that is fair and worthwhile.

What’s a motto that you live by?

A motto that I live by is, “Everything in life that matters requires risk."

What song can you not live without?

"The Party & The After Party" by The Weeknd

M&M's or Skittles?

I absolutely adore M&M's, they're all too addicting.

How do you balance being a student leader with school and everything else that you do?

I balance being a student leader with school, as well as everything else that I do, by utilizing a calendar; having my entire day planned out on my phone is extremely useful.

Favorite study snack?

My favorite study snack is KitKat, not only is it my favorite snack in general, but I also just feel so motivated and generally good after eating one.

Where’s your favorite place on campus and why?

My favorite place on campus is the SGA room because it's quiet, comfy, you can control the temperature, and most importantly, it has a microwave.

Rodney is a graduate of Troy High School.

What are your goals as a student leader?

My goal is to make sure every student has the best experience possible while attending SUNY Schenectady.

What do you plan to do after you graduate?

I plan to use my degree to find a more lucrative position in Human Services.

What are your hobbies?

I play semi-pro football in the summer. I am in a band that performs three to four times a month. I organize music festivals throughout the Capital Region.

Who gives you the best advice and why?

Books give me the best advice. They reassure me what I already know, learned, experienced or have been thinking.

What’s a motto that you live by?

A motto I live by is, "It's not what you say, but how you say it."

What song can you not live without?

"Back to Life" by Soul II Soul

M&M's or Skittles?

M&M's

How do you balance being a student leader with school and everything else that you do? 

Before deciding to go back to school I arranged and prioritized my schedule with the help of multiple planners and white boards. 

Favorite study snack?

Carrot cake

Where’s your favorite place on campus and why?

The SGA meeting room is my favorite place because its quiet and only a few people have access to it.

Neha is a graduate of Schenectady High School. She is Chair of the International Affairs Committee and a Member of the Volunteer Committee.

What are your goals as a student leader?

My goal as a student leader is to voice student concerns and bring it to the College's attention, to make life easier for our college students.

What do you plan to do after you graduate?

I’m going to be pursing my bachelor’s degree at the University of Albany.

What are your hobbies?

I have a lot of hobbies, and I do a lot of fun things, usually though I watch anime/read or do makeup, draw/sculpturing, and I play video games as well.

Who gives you the best advice and why?

I would say my family, friends, and tutors at the College are the ones who give me some of the best advice.

What’s a motto that you live by?

A motto I live by is, "There is a time and place for everything, you don’t have to rush through life."

What song can you not live without?

"Funkshun" by KOAD feat. Asha Imuno & Judith

M&M's or Skittles?

Skittles

How do you balance being a student leader with school and everything else that you do?

Strong time management and planning skills, while remaining flexible and adaptable when plans need to change.

Favorite study snack?

Snickers or a Coca Cola or Pepsi 

Where’s your favorite place on campus and why?

The Library especially upstairs or the SGA room.

Tamesh is a graduate of Schenectady High School and a Member of EOP and TRIO.

What are your goals as a student leader? 

My goal as Senator will be to ensure equality among all students, and to make sure funds are there for student activities making a successful semester.

What do you plan to do after you graduate?

I plan to transfer and complete my bachelor's degree in Business Analytics.

What are your hobbies?

I love investing, managing businesses, stocks/equities, nature, and travel.

Who gives you the best advice and why?

My Grandmother. She gives the best advice because she has knowledge and wisdom. She once told me, “Someone can take everything from you but not your education.”

What’s a motto that you live by?

“Win by any means necessary.”

What song can you not live without?

"Hardly" by Future

M&M's or Skittles?

M&M's

How do you balance being a student leader with school and everything else that you do?

Honestly, I ask myself that sometimes. This is an important office that my fellow students have trusted me to serve and knowing that makes me motivated to balance out other responsibilities to be available to serve my role.

Favorite study snack?

Cadbury Chocalates

Where’s your favorite place on campus and why?

Begley Library. It's a quiet place to study and if you are confused you can find support from the tutors.

Shivnarine is a Senior at Schenectady High School (Early College High School Program). He is a Member of the Speech and Debate Club.

What are your goals as a student leader? 

My goal as a student leader is to make campus more fun to stay on and give students more opportunities to be involved.

What do you plan to do after you graduate?

I plan to go to a four-year college to study Engineering specifically Software/Hardware Engineering.

What are your hobbies?

My hobbies are singing, eating, playing video games, playing cricket, and playing basketball.

Who gives you the best advice and why?

My Grandma does. She always tells me things from her experiences and how she got over them. My Dad also speaks to me about knowing my right and wrong and to do what's right.

What’s a motto that you live by?

It's a simple one: "Don’t give up." One school-based motto I like and would like to do more is, "If an assignment is due today, do it now, if an assignment is due tomorrow, do it today."

What song can you not live without?

Indian songs! I really like them.

M&M's or Skittles?

M&M's

How do you balance being a student leader with school and everything else that you do?

A calendar and knowing what you can and can't do helps out a lot. You know ahead of time whether you can or cannot do something depending on your availability

Favorite study snack?

I like to eat a solid food before I study like rice and chicken curry, but a study snack I like is a pack of Lays potato chips or toast with cheese.

Where’s your favorite place on campus and why?

I like to be in the Library in one of the study rooms. They are very quiet and I can easily focus and get work done there.

Randy is a Senior at Schenectady High School (Early College High School Program).

What are your goals as a student leader?

To stand for student voices, strengthen campus community, and help create opportunities that support academic success, personal growth, and a welcoming environment for all students.

What do you plan to do after you graduate?

Transfer to a four-year university.

What are your hobbies?

Playing the viola, traveling, and spending time with family.

Who gives you the best advice and why?

My family gives me the best advice because they always encourage me to work hard and trust the process even when things get challenging.

What’s a motto that you live by?

"All things are difficult before they are easy."

What song can you not live without?

Don’t really have one

M&M's or Skittles?

M&M's

How do you balance being a student leader with school and everything else that you do?

I stay organized, plan ahead, and make time for the things that keep me grounded whether that may be studying in the Library, practicing viola, or spending time with my family.

Favorite study snack?

Nerds gummy clusters or dark chocolate covered pretzels.

Where’s your favorite place on campus and why?

My favorite place on campus is the Library because it is the perfect mix of focus and connection. Not only can I study and reset, but also hang out with friends who are working on their own goals

Hsu graduated from high school in Myanmar. She is a Math Tutor in TRIO and a member of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society.

What are your goals as a student leader?

As an ESL and first-generation student, my goal is to support and empower students facing similar challenges to succeed in their academic journey.

What do you plan to do after you graduate?

I plan to pursue my bachelor’s degree and eventually a master’s degree in Business.

What are your hobbies?

I have a strong passion for business. In my free time, I enjoy watching informative, educational, and inspiring movies.

Who gives you the best advice and why?

My Father, my husband, and my Mother. My Father motivated me to return to college by challenging me to shape my own future through education. My husband is my biggest support. He helps me study, answers my questions, and comforts me through tough times. My Mother supports me behind the scenes by caring for household chores. Thanks to their love and guidance, I can pursue my goals today.

What’s a motto that you live by?

"Never stand still; keep learning. Sometimes we experience losses, such as failing an exam or facing other setbacks. When that happens, allow yourself to fully feel and process the sadness. Then, use that pain as strength to stand back up, rebuild yourself, and keep moving forward."

What song can you not live without?

"Shake It Off" by Taylor Swift because no matter how much others may criticize or judge me, I will keep walking my own path and standing strong on my own ground. It reminds me to focus on myself rather than worrying about what others say.

M&M's or Skittles?

M&M's

How do you balance being a student leader with school and everything else that you do?

I manage my schedule carefully by setting clear priorities for school, my student leadership role as a Senator, my part-time job, volunteering, and personal time. When I first started college, I didn't have many friends and often felt lonely. However, by participating in volunteer work and campus activities, I’ve had great opportunities to meet friends, build a strong community network, gain knowledge, and create more opportunities for myself. I don't see these responsibilities as a burden; rather, they bring me valuable connections and wonderful benefits.

Favorite study snack?

Sweet chocolates and sweet drinks. However, I usually don’t have snacks while studying.

Where’s your favorite place on campus and why?

The TRIO Computer Lab because it is very quiet and peaceful. I easily get distracted by noise and have a hard time focusing when it's loud, but here I can concentrate deeply and study effectively. I even consider it my peaceful sanctuary on campus.