4 things you’ll want to know about the freshman ASA senators
As they settle into their new duties, these senators shared their goals and motivation for serving on Augustana Student Association. Students Courtney Chrystal, Dante Trujillo, Cooper Benning, and Gedion Alemayehu are the four senators representing the freshman class this year.
Courtney Chrystal
Hometown: Dakota Dunes, SD
Majors: Biology and Government
What made you want to run for ASA?
It just made sense! People and policy have always been my passions and ASA is a synthesis of the two.
What goals do you have for the year on ASA?
To be a mirror reflecting the best interests of those who allow me to serve them. While the process of vision to execution is one I am learning, I am committed to understanding it to see things to get accomplished, even things like a MyAugie app.
Although you probably haven’t done too much yet, what have you enjoyed about serving on the board?
The cohesivity and diversity of thought; each person brings their own arc and direction that creates an incredibly well-rounded whole.
If you could be another board member who would you be?
Logan Hattervig. That man has an affinity for Christmas like no other. Stay tuned for the manifestation of his jolly nature in a soon-to-come Winter Wonderland.
Donte Trujillo
Hometown: Mission, SD on the Rosebud Sioux Indian Reservation.
Majors: Government & International Affairs and Business Administration.
What made you want to run for ASA?
All four years of high school I have been an active member of my school’s student government. Serving two terms as vice president and two more as president, I accomplished many things. One that I am most proud of was co-founding the Sicangu Youth Summit, which is a collaboration with our rival but fellow reservation school, a day full of fun events, guest speakers (Lakota people who made a difference in and out of their communities), games, and overall just making our Oyate (the people) stronger and closer. I knew with my ambitious attitude and overbearing voice I knew I could change Augie for the better, whatever ways that may be possible.
What goals do you have for the year on ASA?
Being that I was put in the Co-Curriculum Committee, which “ensures that every student feels at home at Augustana and works with the university to create programs that push students forward.” As a member of the LGBTQ+ community and a person of color, Augie was and sometimes still can be a place where people like me don’t feel comfortable. So it is my mission to make sure that anyone and everyone can feel that they can find their niche anywhere at Augie!
Although you probably haven’t done too much yet, what have you enjoyed about serving on the board?
What I enjoy the most about being a member of ASA is the commitment and devotion that my fellow members have for serving their community and bettering Augustana. When campaigning, I heard a lot of talk about how ASA “isn’t that important” or “doesn’t really get stuff done,” so being around like minded, enthusiastic people is very inspiring.
If you could be another board member who would you be?
If I were to be another member of ASA, I would most definitely be President Luca Amayo! Being that he is Augustana’s first ever ASA President of color is—one—very sad to know that a place that boasts its diversity does not reflect it in its representation—but two—is also very good to see that Augie is moving forward in many ways. Luca’s courage and bravery to step outside of the box in a place that does not support people like him to the fullest is what drove me to run for ASA Freshman Senator. He showed me that someone like me can succeed at Augie.
I love being here at Augie with all my heart, but I do believe, like all things, it can improve. And that is why I love to serve on Augustana Student Association!
Cooper Benning
Hometown: Lennox, SD
Major: Exploring, with plans to major in Exercise Science
What made you want to run for ASA?
I decided to run for ASA for two reasons. The first being I have a passion for leadership. Throughout high school I was involved in multiple leadership-style organizations. The start of the new college journey here at Augustana didn’t sway me from wanting to stop that passion of mine but instead fueled it! I heard of the ASA opportunity during a college visit a while back and have had it on my mind ever since. The second reason was due to support from family and friends. One of the strongest qualities someone can have in life is the ability to believe in and to support those who you care for and cherish.
What goals do you have for the year on ASA?
My goals for the 2019-2020 school year as ASA Senator are:
-Getting locked in to how the organization functions
-Being successful in the endeavors of the Curriculum Committee
-Pulling ideas from the new Augustana freshmen
And finally, to take charge, represent the student body and step up to the role as ASA Senator.
Although you probably haven’t done too much yet, what have you enjoyed about serving on the board?
I’ve enjoyed the respect the members have for one another, the work our executive branch puts in to make everything run smoothly and finally the meetings. I actually rather enjoy the meetings.
If you could be another board member who would you be?
Logan Hattervig, because of his charisma and goofyness.
Gedion Alemayehu
Hometown: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Majors: Chemistry and Computer Science/Software Engineering
What made you want to run for ASA?
Seeking change and perfection is more or less an innate tendency of human beings all over the world. I was motivated to run for the ASA because I am a firm believer in being part of the change rather than just acknowledging the need for change and/or lucid dreaming perfection.
What goals do you have for the year on ASA?
My goal serving as a senator in ASA this year is fundamentally to represent the international freshman students in Augustana and to work with the International Programs Office on campus to help the freshman international students thrive in their social life and academics, synchronously helping them endure the inevitable culture shock and homesickness properly. Besides that, I am hoping to influence decisions made in ASA to be as representative and inclusive as possible.
Although you probably haven’t done too much yet, what have you enjoyed about serving on the board?
Although I have not yet done so much in ASA, I am enjoying getting to know my fellow senators and ASA members.
If you could be another board member who would you be?
If I could be another board member, of course, I would like to have even more influence and more responsibilities serving as a president or also perhaps a vice president.
