For seniors, this time of the year is bittersweet. We are filled with a variety of emotions ranging from happiness to sorrow, relief to joy. Perhaps more than anything else, this is a period for reflection as we transition from students to alumni. With so many big issues in our lives as seniors, why should we care about something as seemingly small as the Tufts Community Union (TCU) presidential election?
We care because our investment in Tufts goes beyond the time we spend on the Hill. The diplomas we will receive in a few weeks' time mark our permanent link to this institution. A part of our legacy is to leave our fellow Jumbos in good hands. This is why we will cast our votes for Brandon Rattiner for TCU president.
Throughout these four years, we have seen the potential that Senate has to make real change for the student body. While many may not realize it, senators invest a significant amount of time and energy in attempts to enhance the Tufts student experience. However, as recent debates have revealed, the culture of exclusivity and self-importance that the Senate seems to adopt at times can truly disconnect its members from the interests of the general student body. Being a TCU senator is not just sitting in the Senate office speaking with other senators. Being a TCU senator is talking to and advocating for his or her constituents: us. It is not enough to complete project after project without having a direction for where those projects are taking the Tufts community as a whole.
Brandon is the only candidate who can propel us forward toward this more collective Tufts identity. He has both the vision and direction to unify the student body. His demonstrated leadership experience through his work with the Senate Education Committee and as an active member of Alpha Epsilon Pi is reason enough to believe in Brandon. Yet it is because of Brandon's personal characteristics that we choose to cast our votes for him as TCU president.
Brandon's honesty, integrity and sincerity are reflected in his everyday interactions with his friends and the students with whom he constantly interacts. The two of us come from different communities on campus, but we have both worked intimately with Brandon. Both of us relied on his work ethic, innate leadership qualities and unique ability to bring diverse students together to make many initiatives a success.
Additionally, what makes Brandon appealing is that while he is dedicated to his numerous leadership roles, he still doesn't take himself too seriously. He is, after all, a fellow Jumbo -- and Brandon is not the type to fall into the trap of self-importance that can hinder other TCU senators. Brandon has made and will continue to make truly connecting with a wide variety of Tufts students a priority; in doing so, he will undoubtedly become our greatest advocate to the administration.
At its best, student government should serve as an intermediary between the administration and students. The role of the TCU president should be that of a lobbyist with a finger on the pulse of the student body and its concerns, the skills to articulate those concerns to those in power and the ability to negotiate real solutions that improve student life.
Looking back over four years at Tufts, we have seen where the Senate has taken us: to a new and much improved Hotung, campus wireless and many other new and exciting projects. Now as we put on our caps and gowns, we want to leave knowing that the Senate will take the student body where it needs to go. We have the confidence that Brandon Rattiner will take on this responsibility with heartfelt determination and vigor. Making decisions in the here and the now, Brandon will ensure the best possible Tufts undergraduate experience for each and every Tufts student.
Today, we will cast our votes for Brandon Rattiner. We invite you to join us.
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Jen Bailey is a senior majoring in political science and is the outgoing TCU academic affairs representative to the Board of Trustees. Naomi Berlin is a senior majoring in International Relations.
