Hello my name is Eliza Torres and I am an international student from the United States of America. I was born in Manhattan and raised in the Bronx, New York. I am ethnically Puerto Rican and African American. I have an associate’s degree in the Liberal Arts Social Sciences and a bachelor’s degree in Social Work; which allowed me to intern as a case manager in the Geriatrics field. I am currently pursuing my master’s degree in Early Childhood Education.
My studies have contributed to the development of good communication skills, which has enabled me to work well on my own and within team settings. This, I consider important when representing others, allowing their voices to be heard; thus, allowing for informed collective decisions to come to light. My awareness with regards to wellbeing and well fare has increased through my volunteer work. In 2014 I volunteered abroad in Honduras and helped to build homes for orphaned children. Volunteering abroad changed my life and ignited my love for helping other and traveling. In the Spring of 2015 I volunteered abroad in the Dominican Republic, there I helped out in an orphanage for disabled students. Through that experience I was reminded of the fact that education is important and is the key to breaking down barriers.
I ran for class representative of the masters early childhood education course and won the representative role. Through that role I have been able to interact with students and learn more about the university. Acting as a liaison within my course has opened up new opportunities for me and helped me to grow in confidence as an individual.
Back home I grew up in an urban area, which has given me a personal understanding of the importance of representation. Representation by definition is the act of speaking and or acting on a groups behalf. Such an influential and important role is not one to be taken lightly. Often candidates say anything to get elected and later don’t make good on the things that got them into office. Not I, I aim to be accessible to students and act as a liaison between students and university staff. I have gladly attended my course representative meetings and attended trainings. Learning more and obtaining more trainings if elected as Vice President, would be my pleasure!
Feedback in this role is necessary and not only am I open to it, I welcome it as well. I aim to learn more, do more and be more; which I believe this role will allow me to do.
There are a “Minion” reasons to vote for me, but I’ll just list four:
- Plan- As Vice President I plan to act as a liaison between students and all faculties, by gathering students views and ideas. Thus, enabling student’s voices to be heard, considered and taken seriously; as a way to enrich the overall student experience. I will be accessible to students to help them with any presenting pressing concerns they may have. I would continually check in with the student body at large to ensure that the overall student experience is going well and if not I would be open to helping to change things.
- I would run a campaign for students once a month to help students destress. Life as a student is stressful and sometimes we need an hour or so to just relax. Events such as therapy animal sessions, paint nights, bonfires and whatever else the student body finds interesting or fun!
- I would be focused on helping both international students and EU students combat the feelings of loneliness and feeling homesick. Through different methods such as a variety of cultural events and cultural outings. I will also greatly encourage attending and creating different Give it a go events for the student body
- Were stronger together and I would be honoured to represent you!