Meet SUNY Schenectady’s Student Government Association

Jennifer, who has been named to the President's List, is also on the Awards Committee (Chair), Budget and Finance Committee, Civic Engagement Committee, and Intercultural Affairs Committee. She is Secretary of ALANA, a member of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, and works in the College's Food Pantry. 

What are your goals as a student leader?

My goal is to lead by example. As I continue to challenge myself to strive for excellence, I want to inspire and empower other students to do the same. Continuing to promote diversity and inclusivity is also very important to me.

Why did you decide to attend SUNY Schenectady?  

I was inspired to attend SUNY Schenectady by my niece, who graduated Phi Theta Kappa with a double major. After visiting the campus with her, I was impressed by the fact that SUNY Schenectady has such a diverse student body with such a great sense of community.

What are your plans after you graduate?

I plan to continue my education. I will be applying to the Accelerated Master's Program at the University at Albany.

And…what else should we know?

I enjoy participating in service-learning projects that provide resources to the underserved members of the community. I also enjoy volunteering my services to the elderly in my neighborhood. This includes shoveling their walkways, making trips to store, and providing home-cooked meals to those in need.

Frances is also on the Women’s Crew Team, Chair of the Organizational Board, and Chair of the Constitution and Judicial Committee.

What are your goals as a student leader?

This has been a very different semester for all of us; my goal as a student leader is to still get our student body involved with our activities even if it’s all online. It is important to let our students know that being a part of something helps with our continuous development as an individual in the society.

Why did you decide to attend SUNY Schenectady?

I am an international student and aside from the fact that it’s near where I currently live, I also heard a lot of good things about the institution since two of my uncles graduated from the college.

What are your plans after you graduate?

I am planning to transfer to the University at Albany and get my bachelor’s degree in Psychology there.

And…what else should we know?

I like to paint, sketch, do calligraphy and journals during my leisure time.

Dravid is also in the Student Veteran Organization, Phi Theta Kappa, and on the Student Organizational Board, Awards Committee, and Sustainability Committee.

What are your goals as a student leader?

My goal as a student leader is to improve the students’ experience at SUNY Schenectady, to listen and represent any concerns and issues the students face.

Why did you decide to attend SUNY Schenectady?

I decided to attend SUNY Schenectady because it is a stone’s throw from where I live and it has all the necessities I need for my first two years of study in aviation.

What are your plans after you graduate?

My goal after graduating is to pursue my bachelor’s degree in aviation science at a four-year university.

And…what else should we know?

I am currently serving in the U.S. Marine Corps while maintaining a 4.0 GPA. I am fully active in my church’s children ministry and youth group and I love flying, driving, and photography.

Nyri also works at Uno’s Pizzeria and goes to church on Sundays.

What are your goals as a student leader this year?

To help the student community get what they need to ensure their success in their endeavors at SUNY Schenectady.

Why did you decide to attend SUNY Schenectady?

Because ever since I was a little kid, all I wanted to do was have a chain of food trucks and restaurants.

What are your plans after you graduate?

After graduating from SUNY Schenectady, I will be opening a food truck and attending The Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, N.Y.

And…what else should we know?

I am the oldest of five siblings. I have one sister and four brothers. One of my hobbies is working with my four-year-old brother with autism.

Marc is also a member of the African American, Latinx, Asian, Native American (ALANA) Club.

What are your goals as a student leader this year?

To become immersed in the various aspects that govern student life on campus and lend my assistance and energy wherever it may be needed.

Why did you decide to attend SUNY Schenectady?

I wanted to grow as much as possible during the current period of quarantine and I decided that going back to school and finishing my education was the most astute choice for me.

What are your plans after you graduate?

To immediately transfer to the University at Albany or possibly Buffalo to finish my bachelor’s degree and then pursue an MBA at Buffalo or another competitive institution.

And…what else should we know?

I have a lot of interests: chess, anime, museums, film, sports, civil rights, music (if it has talent I can prob dig it), sustainability, literacy, science, etc. Please do not hesitate to reach out for my assistance if I can help you in my capacity as a member of SGA.

Destany is also involved in EOP and is Chair of the Intercultural Affairs Committee.

What are your goals as a student leader?

I would like to make a difference in SUNY Schenectady. I want equality and understanding during these hard times. I want to make sure everyone can have a voice.

Why did you decide to attend SUNY Schenectady?

My counselors suggested it. I am the first person in my family to graduate high school, and they said SUNY Schenectady would be a good starting point.

What are your plans after you graduate?

I want to transfer to a university, and I want to eventually get my doctorate.

And…what else should we know?

I work full time. I love to sing and dance. I’m a full-time student, and I love being a part of SUNY Schenectady!

Andrew is also President of the Drama Club, plays piano in the Jazz Ensemble, and served as Vice President of the a cappella club.

What are your goals as a student leader this year?

It’s important that we're able to unify and realize that we are all in this together. That is why I want to bring students together through school-wide activities as well as empowering clubs and other groups to get students involved.

Why did you decide to attend SUNY Schenectady?

Initially I was a Music major. It’s a no-brainer for an aspiring musician in the area to come here with such a great program. I stayed for the culture. The people I’ve met here have had a lasting impact.

What are your plans after you graduate?

I am seeking a bachelor’s degree in Psychology. I am considering paths in clinical psychology, law, and public life.

And…what else should we know?

Although music is no longer my major, it is still one of my biggest passions. I continue to play music regularly and it is one of my biggest motivators, influencers, and destressors.

What are your goals as a student leader this year?

I wish to work to engage more students in their educational careers, their student Communities, and Civic Process in general.

Why did you decide to attend SUNY Schenectady?

Because I believe in community and I am inspired that my community has a phenomenal facility for students to seek higher education.

What are your plans after you graduate?

To become a world-class educator that inspires a generation of the youth of my community to better themselves, their community, and the world at large.

And…what else should we know?

In under a minute I can solve a Rubik’s Cube, tell you what day of the week any day in history fell on, or memorize a list of 15 random items. I once won a nationally-televised trivia gameshow.

Miles plans to join the American Culinary Federation.

What are your goals as a student leader?

My main goal is to allow students to not feel too overwhelmed during this time and to help them relax and calm down a bit as well as to be an ear for their concerns.

Why did you decide to attend SUNY Schenectady?

I decided to attend SUNY Schenectady because they have a great culinary program with amazing instructors.

What are your plans for after you graduate?

My goal after I graduate is to move on to a four-year institute and get a bachelor's degree in food business management.

Mikayla is also Chair of the Student Activities Board and in the Collegiate Science and Technology Entry Program/The Louis Stokes Alliances for Minority Participation.

What are your goals as a student leader?

My goal is to work as hard as I can and to thoroughly enjoy my college experience. I want to demonstrate that good things come to those who work for them.

Why did you decide to attend SUNY Schenectady?

SUNY Schenectady is a starting point to test the waters, to get back into the game after my gap year. I wanted to get used to college in a format that was already known to me.

What are your plans for after you graduate?

I would like to transfer to the University at Albany after my time here and finish my Biology degree.

And…what else should we know?

I’m always willing to lend a helping hand, I can crochet, and I love to garden!

Sydney is also a member of the Student Volunteer Organization, Co-Chair of the Activities Board, Chair of the SGA Sustainability Committee, and the SGA’s Social Media Coordinator. (Photo taken in May 2018 at the Division I Men's Lacrosse Championships at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Mass.)

What are your goals as a student leader?

I hope to connect students during this unique time, so that everyone can still have a great college experience. It’s nice to have peer connections, especially when we can all use the human interaction even if it’s only through Zoom.

Why did you decide to attend SUNY Schenectady?

I decided to attend SUNY Schenectady because of the great selection of courses that were available to me, as well as the strong sense of community that the College holds.

What are your plans for after you graduate?

I intend on transferring to a four-year school to get my bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Engineering and possibly minor in Computer Engineering.

And…what else should we know?

I am super-competitive in everything that I do so I enjoy a variety of sports including skiing, lacrosse, and field hockey. I am also a big foodie who enjoys playing the piano every chance I get.