Mariam Hernandez envisions building ASGC participation and leadership
by on Aug 19, 2019
“When I served as Vice President of Activities last year,” said Hernandez, “I thought it would help to develop self-confidence, speaking to other students.”
Encouraged by Dr. Blanca Arteaga, ASGC advisor, and Ryan Shook, Student Life Coordinator, Hernandez campaigned as president on the theme of building the student government base. “It’s my responsibility to advocate for student needs and do it in an impactful way,” she said. Last spring she advocated for a scheduling shift of required biology classes. Two upcoming fall semester classes were scheduled at the same time. “We made our points to the administration,” said Hernandez, “and they made the necessary change.”
A STEM student majoring in biology, Hernandez wants to transfer to either UC Davis or UC Berkeley and study cellular and molecular biology before attending Stanford Medical School. She is the first in her family to attend college and appreciates her family’s support. “I have always loved school,” she said. “My parents always encouraged me to be somebody, and be myself.”
In her second year at Gavilan, Hernandez organized an ASGC retreat for student leaders in July to discuss the planned events sponsored by student government throughout the year.
Shook noted, in the past two months, Hernandez has shown the most involvement of an ASGC president during the summer. “I’m looking forward to Mariam really growing into the role,” he said. “She’s the type of leader who stays quiet, takes it all in, then executes.” He specifically noted her commitment to building leadership and more student participation.
“When she speaks,” Shook continued, “It’s something that needs to be said and is worth listening to.”
Hernandez convened the ASGC retreat so students could discuss and begin planning activities for the year, including
- Textbook scholarships
- Welcome tents the first week of school
- A time capsule during the upcoming Centennial Gala
- Constitution Day
- Suicide Awareness Week
- HSI (Hispanic Serving Institution) Day
- National voter registration
- Gavilan's annual Health Faire
- Halloween costume dance
- Transfer Day
- Great American Smokeout
- World AIDS Day
- Stress busters during finals week
Attending the planning retreat, Luis Garcia VP of Finance and Tanvir Mann, VP of Community Outreach discussed the annual plan and additional events.
(l-r) Ryan Shook, Student Life Coordinator, with incoming ASGC officers:
President Mariam Hernandez, VP Community Outreach Tanvir Mann and
VP Finance Luis Garcia.
Participating in student government opens up leadership opportunities at the state level. Hernandez and other student representatives will attend the annual Student Leadership Conference sponsored by the California Community College Student Affairs Association in October. Later they will participate in the annual general assembly. Students from across the state can network, attend trainings and hone their leadership skills.
Hernandez describes coming to Gavilan, its resources, people and opportunities, as wonderful experiences.
“I want people to know I value teamwork,” said Hernandez. “I am just a regular student, like they are. I am open and willing to talk with anybody about anything.”
She can be reached at asgcpres@my.gavilan.edu or by calling (408) 848-4777.