Bettering Lives One Step at a Time
Written by Olivia Throssell
“Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other.” — John F. Kennedy
Leadership positions might be hard to come by, but Junior and Cellular and Molecular Biology major Chantelle Mashreghy has assumed the position as University of Hawaii at Hilo Student Association (UHHSA) president. She uses her position to better the lives of University of Hawaii at Hilo (UH Hilo) attendees.
“I wanted to join UHHSA,” Mashreghy explained, “because I believe [] we can [] make a difference here on campus for the students and [] because it’s a great way to understand the political process.”
The Biology major knew taking on this leadership position would be extremely beneficial as she finished her university career and started working on her future career goals. For instance, her position allows her to garner crucial organizational skills and confidence in public speaking. Being capable of speaking confidently in public helps Mashreghy voice student issues to the administrative board and achieve UHHSA’s main goal: To create a liaison between UH Hilo students and administrative staff so the university can be aware of and involved in what attendees want.
UHHSA members, from left to right: President Chantelle Mashreghy, Treasurer Melinda Alice, College of Pharmacy Senator Abraham Jose, Vice-President Ardena Saarinen, and Gabriella Cajandig. Photo courtesy of the Hawaii State Legislature office.
Mashreghy intends to pursue a career in public health, and might quite possibly go onto Medical School. The processes which motivate UHHSA are advantageous to her goal of working within the public health sector. Some of the skills she has gained concern public speaking, organization, and management. “I have [a] high hope[] to make [] difference[s] in people’s lives so why not start here helping the students!” The Biology major cried. “I also think that everyone needs to get involved somehow.” For her peers, she hopes that they will start making an effort to be passionate about their campus—because they have the power to make changes.
“If you are passionate about making changes on campus, this country or the world or just want to gain leadership experience,” Mashreghy asserted, “which is useful for any future career [], this is an excellent way to understand and enhance those skills.” While also, of course, learning about political processes. “The knowledge you gain [] [through UHHSA] will empower you and expand your horizons.”
Mashreghy urges students to find out what UHHSA is all about, and how they represent the UH Hilo student body. “There are student fees,” she clarified, “that each student pays every semester; a portion of [] [which] [] UHHSA [utilizes to] fund clubs and other campus improvement initiatives.”
If a student has any ideas which have the possibility to benefit the campus community, please contact the UHHSA office, located next to Lava Landing in Campus Center 203A.
