Reflection on the election

It is with great satisfaction that I can put this tumultuous election season behind me. To my friends and supporters, I give my biggest thanks. Without your support, our victory would not have been possible. To my teachers and advisers who have offered me essential insight and suggestions, I say, “Thank you.” To all those who stayed with me during this process, I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Now that the election results have come to a final conclusion I will admit that I am relieved. I feel more secure knowing that the popular vote has been upheld, students’ voices have been heard, and now I will have the honor to serve as student body president of the Associated Students of Portland State University.

During my campaign I decided to make an effort to bring people in that had never interacted with student government before. I reached out beyond my traditional circles to involve people who would otherwise be disinclined to be involved in student government. I hope I was successful in changing many of their minds, and creating a renewed interest in student government from different communities on the PSU campus.

This election season has proven that student government does matter. As PSU is in the process of experiencing change, I am most excited to be a part of that change. Next year will provide opportunities and challenges that will allow us to grow and make a difference at PSU while we are here.

As we move forward, I would like to honor that commitment to include more students in ASPSU, and therefore encourage all interested students to get involved by applying for positions within ASPSU. These are important, paid positions that will allow students to work on the issues that are most important to students.

Lastly, please know that my door is always open in the student government office, and if you have any ideas, questions, or concerns about PSU or your education, please do not hesitate to come and talk with me and other student leaders in ASPSU.

Rudy Soto