Meet the Candidates Running for RUSGA’s Executive Cabinet

The Regis University Student Government Association 2025-2026 Elections are in full swing.

Here are your candidates:

Candidates for RUSGA President

Eleanor Hébert

Photo courtesy of RUSGA

1. Why are you interested in this (or these) positions?

As a dedicated and engaged student leader and Regis community member, I passionately seek to understand and improve the experience and lives of my peers. Serving on RUSGA Senate during my first two years, I used my platform to become an advocate, leader, and voice for my peers, a role I feel called to continue. Through myriad other roles on campus in the Center for Service Learning, First Year Experience, Office of Mission, University Ministry, and Harvest Table, l labored to build, organize, and unite the student body and foster a strong sense of community, challenging me to live out the Jesuit values I hold dear as I work for and with my peers to make meaningful change. I care intensely about issues that affect the Regis student body, including taking just climate action and improving the sustainability of our campus as well as student rights and safety under an oppressive political climate, and I feel a strong moral call to use my passion, resources, and energy to improve these areas. The office of Student Body President provides a profound opportunity to engage in making positive impact in addressing these student concerns and, furthermore, the culmination of my previous RUSGA experience, mentorship from strong student leaders and organizers, and various other campus leadership roles equip me as an experienced, qualified, and strong candidate as I remain intensely engaged in my campus community and focused on improving the experience of my peers and amplifying student voice.

2. If selected, what would be your top two priorities to improve the student experience at Regis?

My top two priorities to improve the student experience at Regis are to hold Regis accountable to climate action and to amplify student voice and solidarity. Regis students are deeply concerned about the rapidly changing state of the climate and recognize our urgent call to answer the cry of the earth as we walk with the marginalized to take just climate action. We seek to hold Regis accountable to its Jesuit values to care for our common home and build a more just, humane, and sustainable world and especially to reach targets set forth by our recently-established Laudato si’ Action Plan, rising to meet the progress made by our AJCU network and neighboring Colorado Higher Education Institutions. If selected, I will work tirelessly to voice and enact the student body’s urgent demand to institutionalize Regis’ commitment to just climate action while seeking to amplify student voice as an advocate and liaison between the student body and administration. In the wake of budget cuts, merges, and institutional politics, student say in the changing times is an even more pressing right which I will labor to defend if selected for RUSGA presidential candidacy through engagement, active listening, and empathizing with my fellow Regis students as I boldly represent these interests and concerns to administration with poise and professionalism.

3. In your opinion, how best can RUSGA serve the students of Regis University?

RUSGA serves the student body best when the President, Cabinet, and Senate develop a dynamic, committed synergy with the student body. During my three years at Regis and two years serving on RUSGA, I have watched the most effective RUSGA members be both present, engaged, and involved in campus events and student gatherings as well as, perhaps even more importantly, fostering intentional visibility and approachability in everyday campus life. I seek to emulate my most successful predecessors by remaining intensely involved in student life by connecting with peers daily, speaking with diverse students to gain a thorough understanding of nuanced, differing student interests and opinions, and walking for and with marginalized and minoritized student populations to seek justice. A former Regis student body president spoke to the vital need for a diverse cabinet and senate as she painted a picture of RUSGA functioning at its best—a collective of diverse representatives from a complex, colorful student body with intersecting concerns. I envision RUSGA as a symphony of diversity harmonizing to amplify student voice, a defining goal of my future candidacy, if selected.

4. What skills and strengths do you possess that will help you to be successful in your position, if selected?

I am intimately guided by the Jesuit values, which serve as a personal ethos to enact justice, as well as remaining grounded in my personal spirituality, which calls me to enact the wisdom of Micah 6:8 to “act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly.” I seek to live out a faith that does justice as I work for and with my community to answer the intersecting cries of the earth and of the poor. I set daily intentions to live this mission out by learning from and following the wisdom and examples of role models like Jesus, Gandhi, MLK, John Lewis, and Reverend James Lawson, RBG, and the Obamas. As a community leader contributing to building the Beloved Community and enacting justice, I emulate and adopt these individuals’ values and ways of being in the world through continually deepening my own ideology of “soulforce” by growing practices of non-judgement, empathy, and radical grace to recognize the value of every individual and the nature of individuals as participants in systems of injustice. I see the power of working to dismantle systems of injustice by valuing individual participation in collective action toward a harmonious and just future. The world I envision and strive for at Regis and beyond is one that is more peace-filled, more just, more humane, and more sustainable and it begins in my community with my own daily affirmation to commit to my personal peace practice, the path of nonviolence, and the moral call to act justly.

5. What job related, volunteer, or lived experience do you have that you think has prepared you for, or would transfer well, to this position? 

As a dedicated member of the Regis community, I have served in many different capacities over the course of three years including as an Engaged Scholar Activist in the Center for Service Learning community, a Peer Navigator for the Office of First Year Experience in which I mentored first-years on their journey to college life, a Peer Advisor for the Office of Mission, as First-Year Representative and Sustainability Senator during two academic years on RUSGA,   as a representative for Harvest Table’s Student Board of Directors, and as a volunteer for UMin including as an alumni leader on the Connections Retreat and team leader for Advocacy Day. I have also served in my community outside of Regis as a volunteer for The Gathering Place Denver and as a peer mentor for college-bound high school students at Arrupe Jesuit High School. These various roles have allowed me to gain direct experience serving and representing student interest and serving as a liaison between various parties, groups, and interests, working together toward collective community-based solutions. In my roles on RUSGA and on the Harvest Table Student Board of Directors, I have worked hard to make improvements according to student concerns, experience which I believe equips me to continue my strong call to this work through RUSGA presidential candidacy.

Julia Salter

Photo courtesy of RUSGA

1. Why are you interested in this (or these) positions?

I have seen and heard the wants and needs of my fellow students, and I would be honored to have the opportunity to address these needs and desires in a meaningful and effective way. Leadership has always been a passion of mine. Being a leader in the service of others should be the priority of the Student Body President, and I promise to approach this role as a servant leader. I would love to continue my involvement with RUSGA and help the organization reach its fullest potential. One of my hopes is to cultivate a more engaged and inclusive campus environment. The bottom line: I love Regis University, and I want to do all that I can to see it thrive!

2. If selected, what would be your top two priorities to improve the student experience at Regis?

Many of my priorities as Student Body President will depend greatly on the priorities of my fellow students. They will ultimately dictate a considerable amount of the projects I take on. That being said, I do have my own aspirations and goals for this role. For one, I will be a visible and approachable resource for students. To achieve this, I will continue to grow my presence on campus and directly support our student body by attending campus events, club meetings, sports games, etc. I will also encourage and incentivize attendance to these activities for the rest of the student body to cultivate a more engaged and connected campus. I will work tirelessly to dismantle the notion of separation between student government and the student body. As Student Body President, I will work for you and with you, not separately from you.  Another priority of mine is to improve communication between students and administration. In this role, I will have the opportunity to uplift student voices, and I will do everything in my power to ensure that all voices are being accurately and equally represented. I will advocate for direct student input, and I will make sure that RUSGA is an accessible, accountable, and transparent organization.

3. In your opinion, how best can RUSGA serve the students of Regis University?

RUSGA has a responsibility to be a student-facing organization. This means that the organization should provide students with the resources they need to succeed. RUSGA should also put on events that students want to see on campus. Since RUSGA is funded by the students, it should be centered around the desires of the students.

4. What skills and strengths do you possess that will help you to be successful in your position, if selected?

My communication and relationship-building skills will help me be an approachable and trusted leader. I have a passion for service and advocacy, which will ensure that I am putting the needs of the students first. Because I am organized and driven, I will be able to implement new initiatives and follow through on already existing ones. My passion for servant leadership promises that positive change will happen at Regis University.

5. What job related, volunteer, or lived experience do you have that you think has prepared you for, or would transfer well, to this position? 

Many of my jobs and experiences have taught me skills that would transfer well to Student Body President, especially my current role as RUSGA's Vice President of Academic Life. I have learned many things, one of the most important being how to listen to my fellow students and advocate for their wants and needs. This position has also taught me how to support clubs and organizations. In a more operational sense, I have seen firsthand the strengths and weaknesses of this organization-- what works, and what doesn't. Working alongside friends and peers can be difficult to navigate, but because of my current position and experience, I feel confident that I will be able to foster a space where each member of RUSGA feels seen, heard, and valued. My experience will allow me to capitalize on the potential of the role of Student Body President and will give me the ability to start helping the student body as soon as the next term starts.

Magdalena Tapia

Photo courtesy of RUSGA

1. Why are you interested in this (or these) positions?

I believe in creating welcoming spaces for everyone, so that people can be confident in who they are, exist without hesitation, and trust and love their identities. As a queer, Latina, first-gen student, there have been a lot of places in my life where I did not feel welcome. So, I have made it my goal to create spaces for others who do not feel welcome to strengthen our community and bring others together. It is important to see people who represent what you stand for in power and have interacted with many students at Regis who do not feel accurately represented within the community, much like I once did. Therefore, it is important for me to become a representative of people like me, in order to create the space for others to step up to this role in the future. Making change starts with being the change.

2. If selected, what would be your top two priorities to improve the student experience at Regis?

If selected as President, my top two priorities will be to increase the pool of resources for first-gen students at Regis and create space for more diverse student body representatives. Based on information provided to me by the Community HSI Advisory Group, and by mentors like President Aceves, VP of Diversity, Dr. Gonzales, and Provost Bucher, I know that the percentage of first-gen students attending Regis has more than doubled since my time being here. Now more than ever it is essential for first-gen students to know about their resources. Resources for first-gen students would involve clear and accessible event advertisement/promotion (which can be worked on with the future VP of Involvement), workshops/course materials about hidden curriculum that are easy for students to attend/access, and possible scholarships for first-gen students even after their first year at Regis. Over the past few years, Regis’ student population has diversified extremely. After surpassing over half the student population identifying as Hispanic/Latine (Regis Academic Year by the Numbers 2022-2023), it is disheartening to not see a more culturally diverse student-body executive board. If the “primary goal as an organization is to empower and advocate for the diverse needs of all Regis students,” (RUSGA Website), there should be more opportunities for students from different cultures to be *obviously* represented on the board (not hidden behind hyperlinks), and overall, in RUSGA. It speaks volumes when the only black student on the home-page of the RUSGA website is in the background of the photo. *That* isn't representation.

3. In your opinion, how best can RUSGA serve the students of Regis University?

“The Regis University Student Government Association seeks to represent, empower, and advocate for the diverse needs of all students...” (RUSGA Website). In my opinion, a great way to do this would be to start having information made available by RUSGA (either on the website, social media pages, or other events) accessible in more languages. Because Regis is an HSI, the first option may be Spanish. However, because our community is slowly (but surely) expanding, it is important to implement more access to resources by providing them in common languages spoken on campus, including, but not limited to, Vietnamese, Arabic, and Hindi. Providing resources in more languages allows more people to easily understand more of what RUSGA may have to offer, for the whole university, and for individuals.

4. What skills and strengths do you possess that will help you to be successful in your position, if selected?

As a growing leader, I have learned to tweak my skills to best fit my community or the people I aim to help. Though I prefer to work individually, I can easily adapt to a group environment/workspace. This allows me to be flexible in spaces that call for change and fast-paced reactions. Being approachable and relatable is also extremely important in any leadership role. As I have grown and interacted with multiple different groups of students/people (whether at Regis or elsewhere), I learned that it is important to communicate transparently with your community and develop a sense of trust. This happens by allowing people to express their feelings or opinions to you without feeling that they will be unheard or neglected (approachable). This also means that people do not feel intimidated by said leader (in this case, me) just because of a held title. The idea of being a person first rings strongly in my mind when thinking about interacting with the greater Regis community (relatable). Being a friendly face on campus and a supportive staple in the community has always been important to me, and that will not stop with a title such as “President.”

5. What job related, volunteer, or lived experience do you have that you think has prepared you for, or would transfer well, to this position? 

As someone who has worked with children, there are many lessons that I have learned about interacting with people day-to-day. The first is how to work under serious pressure. When you are confronted with upset, worried, or otherwise emotional parents, it is important to be able to navigate the situation kindly, respectfully, and efficiently. Though I understand that childcare is not an aspect of being RUSGA President, kids teach you a lot about yourself, in ways you may not have realized at first. I have learned to be a kinder person while working with children. That’s not to say that I was not kind before, but there are certain times where you learn to care more for people and their stories before reacting to their actions. This applies greatly to the average adult life, especially after something so drastic as a split election, like we had recently. When people say or do things that upset you or that you do not agree with, I have found it extremely important to take an extra second before responding to think about why they may have that mindset. This not only helps you learn more about them, but in turn, you can also learn about yourself and how you react to things when you truly take time for them. I also learned to smile a lot more when working with children; we need more smiles in the world, it is important for everyone.

Alexandra (Alex) Walker

Photo courtesy of RUSGA

1. Why are you interested in this (or these) positions?

I am interested in running for student body president because I am deeply passionate about fostering an inclusive environment where every student feels valued and heard. At the core of my vision is creating a campus culture where no one feels overlooked or marginalized. I believe that every student deserves to be seen, respected, and supported, and I want to be the catalyst for ensuring that becomes a reality.

2. If selected, what would be your top two priorities to improve the student experience at Regis?

If selected, the first of my top two priorities to improve the student experience would be to have more consistent and approachable town halls, and maybe even create an online forum that makes them more accessible. Secondly, I would like to do some small things so that Regis improves so that it is more deserving of the HSI designation, like by working with CoBE, 1Leads, and SOMOS to do more during Latinx Heritage Month, by implementing cultural competency and anti-bias training for students, faculty, and staff, and promoting more community outreach.

3. In your opinion, how best can RUSGA serve the students of Regis University?

In my opinion, RUSGA can best serve the students of Regis University by creating dialogue with students and asking them what they want and what they think. In order to serve and help others I think one should first know what it is that they need. I think that this can be achieved by being approachable on campus and online.

4. What skills and strengths do you possess that will help you to be successful in your position, if selected?

If selected for this position, I believe my combination of leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills will help me succeed in serving and advocating for my peers. I'm able to effectively communicate with diverse groups of people-- whether it's one-on-one conversations, group discussions, or public speaking. I'm also a good listener, which allows me to hear the concerns and ideas of others. I've held leadership positions in SOAR, the SEAL office, and other student organizations, which have given me the opportunity to lead teams, manage projects, and bring people together around shared goals. I am skilled at analyzing situations, identifying challenges, and developing practical solutions. Whether it's navigating a campus issue, handling unexpected obstacles, or collaborating with different stakeholders, I bring a flexible and resourceful mindset to the table. Above all, I have a deep passion for serving others. Whether it's advocating for campus initiatives, improving student resources, or creating a stronger sense of community, I genuinely care about making the university a better place for everyone. This commitment to service drives me to be persistent and focused in pursuing initiatives that benefit our entire campus.

5. What job related, volunteer, or lived experience do you have that you think has prepared you for, or would transfer well, to this position? 

My experiences as a SOAR Leader, Commuter Assistant, and the Commuter Student Representative on Senate have best prepared me for the role of student body president. As a SOAR Leader, I developed strong leadership and communication skills by guiding incoming students and their families, addressing their concerns, and helping them acclimate to campus life. This role helped me grow in my ability to connect with students from diverse backgrounds and foster a welcoming community. As a Commuter Assistant, I've worked closely with commuter students and have helped them navigate challenges. This experience has taught me how to advocate for underrepresented groups and create solutions specific to unique circumstances. Lastly, as the Commuter Representative on Senate, I gained experience in advocacy, collaborating with various clubs and orgs on campus, and addressing the needs of students who often feel disconnected from campus life. Ultimately, I believe that these experiences have strengthened my leadership, problem-solving, and advocacy skills, making me well-equipped to represent and support our diverse student body as president.

Candidates for RUSGA Vice President of Academic Life

Ashley Silvaggi

Photo courtesy of Monty Nuss Photography

1. Why are you interested in this (or these) positions?

I am interested in these positions because I have been in a variety of different acadmeic programs, and was able to interact with a wide variety of the student population. I have also undergone the difficultity that so many expereince when they start their college career, and enjoy being able to help others find ways to naviagte so many challenges while helping them discover skills to help them be successful.

2. If selected, what would be your top two priorities to improve the student experience at Regis?

My top two priorties to improve the student experience at Regis would be to help the transition for Freshman by providing them resources before classes even start on what to expect from college classes, and also holding seminars to help incoming students find skills that will help them to be successful in a low-pressure environment. Another top priotiry of mine would be to make sure that as students progress through their acadmeic careers at Regis that they have access to different types of educational tools outside of one-on-one tutoring and their professors such as large university organized study groups taught by students who have previously taken the class. In my time at Regis, I have found it somewhat intimidating to meet with someone one-on-one at the TLC for help, so have opted to try and figure it out alone, and that has not always worked in my favor. I want to be able to create a space for students to work more collabortavely and comfortably to ensure that they preform to the best of their ability in whatever their field of study is.

3. In your opinion, how best can RUSGA serve the students of Regis University?

RUSGA can best serve the Regis student population by being more conscious of problems that affect campus on a larger scale than a select group of people. In my time at Regis, I feel as though there have been initatives that focused on a niche in the student population, none of which I have found myself falling into. I wanted to apply to be a part of RUSGA to ensure that every student on the campus feels seen, heard, and supported in a way that is comfortable and applicable to them.

4. What skills and strengths do you possess that will help you to be successful in your position, if selected?

Some skills and strenghts I possess that would help me to be successful in this position are that I am very good at connecting with people, communication, and leadership. I have always been in leadership roles in sports and jobs, and feel that I excel in finding a common goal and finding ways to step towards and reach said goal. Also, in my extracurricular and work expereince, it has always been critical for me to convey accurately to the people around me what the situation is. This is beneficial within RUSGA and the general student body because I beleive that I can serve as a bridge between the two to ensure that our message is available and heard by the whole student body, and so that the student body also feels heard by RUSGA.

5. What job related, volunteer, or lived experience do you have that you think has prepared you for, or would transfer well, to this position? 

I have had managerial/leader positions in nearly ever job I have ever held. This has taught me how to manage a team, listen to concerns, plan effectively, and a wide variety of related skills. The volunteer opportunities I have participated in have shown me how to rally people beind a cause, and also how to logistically organize what is going to be done, and what the processes will look like to ensure that the goal/deadline is met. Another thing that makes me well prepared for this position is that I have two young children. They have taught me to have more compassion, love, and patience than I ever thought to be possible. I have a unique perspecitve to the world after graduation because I expereince the after graduation life as soon as I walk off campus. This is valuable to the students of Regis because there is a large number of college students who feel anxious about the major life transition of college to after graduation, and I would be able to use my knowledge and experiences to help students ready to graduate feel more ready for what is to come after graduation.

Julian Mendoza

Photo courtesy of RUSGA

1. Why are you interested in this (or these) positions?

Being a first-generation college student, I know first-hand the challenges that can be faced when placed in a new environment of academic rigor. Growing up, my parents had no insight on the reality of college and how to handle the stress that comes along with academics. Since attending an institution of higher education, I’ve grown to create a safe learning environment for myself using campus resources and connections. I feel that the VP of Academics is essential in providing support for students, and a target audience that is being overlooked are first-generation students. Creating access to campus resources for the entire student body is essential for the success and wellbeing of students. I have a personal interest with student engagement through clubs and organizations which I believe is where students can gain the most resources from, and as VP of Academics, I could bridge the cocurricular experiences of all students.

2. If selected, what would be your top two priorities to improve the student experience at Regis?

Mental wellbeing and accessibility are two things I find to be at the highest of my priorities.  I struggled a lot with mental health in high school putting heavy emphasis on the future and its unknown route. I know the story is the exact same in college where the uncertainty of the future is scary, and increasing the opportunities for students to build skills to improve their mental wellbeing is the first step to taking on the future. Accessibility is also something that needs to be improved for the entire student body. The success of students relies on the success of the campus’s accessibility efforts.

3. In your opinion, how best can RUSGA serve the students of Regis University?

RUSGA can best serve students by being transparent and increasing student advocacy efforts. I feel that there are voices on campus that need to be heard to move Regis forward and be more representative of the student body as a whole. Regis has a diverse community both culturally and academically where representation is essential.

4. What skills and strengths do you possess that will help you to be successful in your position, if selected?

Being involved in multiple clubs and organizations I’ve been able to develop leadership skills that involve organization, initiative, and communication. I’m able to manage school, work, and clubs relatively well and still find time to care for myself and have fun with others. I’m not one to back down from a challenge but also not afraid to say no. Through some personal development I’ve been able to set a boundary for myself and knowing my limits. I think having this boundary is essential for a leader to instill in their life.  While understanding my limits taking the initiative to keep myself accountable is essential for growth in a leadership position.

5. What job related, volunteer, or lived experience do you have that you think has prepared you for, or would transfer well, to this position? 

I work for the Office of Student Engagement and Leadership for this academic year and absolutely love it! Working in this office has prepared me for budgeting, event planning, and generating promotional material. In my previous roles on campus, I’ve worked in the Office of the Provost and the Office of Community for Belonging. Some of the clubs and organizations I serve on the executive boards for are 1LEADS, Psychology/Neuroscience Club, and Alpha Epsilon Delta. I think my biggest skill that I have learned working in all these positions is working with others. I work well under pressure and can understand the role I’ve been given. It is also essential to build a community where you can rely on others for assistance, guidance, and cohesiveness.

Candidates for RUSGA Vice President of Involvement

Jameson Johnson

Photo courtesy of RUSGA

1. Why are you interested in this (or these) positions?

Because it's time to make Regis fun again! There I was, alone in my dorm, eating my dinner out of a green reusable container, when I realized my college years were slipping by. Our university experience is supposed to be when we create lasting relationships and albeit dad lore that is carried with us and shapes who we become. Now I don't know about you but I don't want to be known as the green container guy on fizz. I plan to run for VP of Involvement because it's time to take ownership, and make some real change. So let's work together to consensually pry our friends out into the sunshine and make some memories.

2. If selected, what would be your top two priorities to improve the student experience at Regis?

Overall mental health is at an all time low, and it's not even midterms yet. What helps our mental health improve you ask? Inclusivity. That means being involved in your community. Whether that's in your dorm, your program, or with your homies, nobody likes feeling isolated. And consistent smaller events are more manageable as they are designed for you.

3. In your opinion, how best can RUSGA serve the students of Regis University?

With our socially awkward generation, the previous "one-size fits all" event methodology obviously doesn't work. While I respect our predecessors for powering through poorly attended events where they dangled free food and expensive legos. The one thing missing was a sense of community. I'm gonna let you in on a secret... Regis is lacking school spirit. We don't have a NCAA football team, Greek life, or century old traditions. What we do have is an incredibly diverse student population which is the least homogenized group of Gen Z possible. And that's why large events are largely unsuccessful. We need to build our community using grass roots vibes. Once our clubs & orgs feel supported (and heard) we can start cooking.

4. What skills and strengths do you possess that will help you to be successful in your position, if selected?

I am a breath of fresh air—anyone who says otherwise is a certified hater. But in all seriousness, I might be cringe, but if making a fool of myself is what it takes to bring out school spirit, then it’s worth it.So, what are my skills? I emcee. I’m a TV personality. I’m an athlete. I grew up poor, so I’m not pretentious—I believe in the values of friendship and community. I helped plan and host the Ranger Rave last year. I run the Regis Rugby team’s social media. And if there’s an event on campus, chances are, I’m there turning it up. If you haven’t seen me repping the Reeg at the bonfire, open mic nights, bingo, scavenger hunts, or escape rooms, then let’s be real—you just haven’t been to them. And it’s events like those that we need more of.At the end of the day, we’re all in this together. No matter our differences, every single one of our diplomas is going to say Regis University—so let’s make the most of it.

5. What job related, volunteer, or lived experience do you have that you think has prepared you for, or would transfer well, to this position? 

Weird flex, but I do drag. As a niche micro-celebrity, I’ve been planning events and performing in front of thousands since I was 15. My major and internship both focus on media, community engagement, and inclusivity. I’m pals with Denver’s mayor, the governor, and state reps—but we’re not gonna talk about which celebs I have on speed dial... unless I can get them to perform on campus. What we are gonna talk about is how we can make Regis fun again!

Candidates for RUSGA Vice President of Representation

Olivia (Via) Clise

Photo courtesy of RUSGA

1. Why are you interested in this (or these) positions?

As a long-term RUSGA member, I am well-acquainted with the wonderful opportunities RUSGA provides for positive change. This all began with my tenure on the Senate as the Women’s Identities senator, in which I helped enact the Cura Personalis Period Bill. Through my experiences with the RUSGA Senate, I recognize how critical the Vice President of Representation is to the overall functioning of RUSGA as an institution. Serving as the Chair of the Senate, the VPR guides the Senate toward community-centered service. And as an individual whose leadership capabilities have benefited from the guidance and support of previous VPRs, I desire to share that same support and mentorship to future senators. Furthermore, I aim to improve the productivity of the Senate. I believe that the Senate is an underutilized branch of RUSGA; serving as the most direct connection with the vast student body, the Senate has the opportunity to better determine student concerns and needs. As the VPR, I would aim to support the passing of more legislation that improves upon student experience and better upholds our shared Jesuit values.

2. If selected, what would be your top two priorities to improve the student experience at Regis?

If selected to serve as the RUSGA Vice President of Representation, my top two priorities would be to increase the productivity and appearance of the Senate as well as continuously increase transparency on all Senate operations. Having previously spent two years serving on the RUSGA Senate, I am well aware of the fact that the majority of our student body is not quite aware of the purpose the Senate serves. A lot of this unfamiliarity is due to the lack of Senate’s presence across campus. Indeed, I strongly believe that the RUSGA Senate should be as involved and visible on campus as the RUSGA Cabinet members are. As such, I aim to implement community service campaigns for senators to partake in to spread their influence across campus. Furthermore, I strive to create more opportunities for students to meet and converse with their senators by implementing monthly “Ask Your Senators” office hours. Students can either check-in with RUSGA senators or stay for longer discussions during open platform “office hours,” allowing for genuine face-to-face interactions without the hassle of chasing down your representative via email. Additionally, I aim to increase Senate transparency by creating recordings of our Senate meetings, similar to the function of C-SPAN. Through this, RUSGA Senate operations and history would have video logs to be posted and available on both the RUSGA website and the Regis Library Archives. Moreover, this would provide an added sense of accountability for the Senate to remain true to the Regis student body’s desires.

3. In your opinion, how best can RUSGA serve the students of Regis University?

In order to best serve the student populations, RUSGA must be transparent and communicative. As RUSGA is meant to serve as a connecting hand between students and Regis staff, faculty, and administration, such conversations and decisions must be made fully accessible to student eyes and ears. In doing so, these conversations can further incorporate direct student voices, clarifying the thoughts and ideas of the student body and shedding light on the various RUSGA operations. If RUSGA aims to strengthen its connection with students, actions and decisions must be candidly divulged, allowing for the nuanced voices of our Regis community to be heard. Specifically, I believe that RUSGA should expand upon the” RU Speaks” initiative, continuing to host these town hall-esque events on topics that students are often most concerned with. Each RU Speaks should also provide updates on previous meetings and concerns, as students currently do not typically know the state of their concerns after they have voiced them. By expanding upon this initiative, student trust concerning RUSGA’s commitment and productivity will be improved.

4. What skills and strengths do you possess that will help you to be successful in your position, if selected?

I pride myself in being a very timely and organized individual. While I have many commitments, I take great care to mindfully manage my time and efforts accordingly, while also scheduling in a balance of downtime. As such, I am a highly dedicated individual, qualified by my achievements in both my studies and various leadership positions. The efforts I put into all of my endeavors would be fruitless if I were lacking the oral and written communication skills I have built up. I am capable of connecting with various individuals and love to collaborate on projects and events. Furthermore, I truly feel I am able to discern the potential that resides within every individual. I enjoy mentoring others as they themselves work toward bigger and better things. If not for the support I myself have received, I would not be capable of doing all that I do. As such, I find it imperative that I provide the same support to those that I mentor. With all of these in tandem, I believe I would be very successful serving as the Vice President of Representation on RUSGA’s Executive Cabinet.

5. What job related, volunteer, or lived experience do you have that you think has prepared you for, or would transfer well, to this position? 

As a long-term and active member of RUSGA, I believe my time spent as both the 2-time Women’s Identities Senator and, over this past school year, as the Director of Sustainability well-acquaint me with the overall mission and proceedings of RUSGA. Through my time spent with RUSGA, I have developed the network, organization skills, and accountability necessary to be successful when occupying a student government position. This enables me to better prioritize the student body’s experience when pursuing RUSGA endeavors. Furthermore, through the experience I’ve garnered from other leadership roles I hold across campus, such as serving as the VP for Alpha Epsilon Delta (AED) and as the Communications Liaison for the Laudato Si’ Committee, I believe I would serve as a strong Vice President of Representation. Both positions have required me to remain organized, imaginative, and communicative. And indeed, both positions have inspired me to push the boundaries of the status quo. For positive change to become tangible, strong leaders must have the strength to push against the status quo.

Candidates for RUSGA Vice President of Social Justice & Diversity

Evelyn Dang

Photo courtesy of RUSGA

1. Why are you interested in this (or these) positions?

I am interested in this position because, with ongoing issues that are affecting the well-being of our students, especially those from marginalized backgrounds, I am eager to take on a more influential position to advance my mission to support my peers. As a Vietnamese-American woman, I have actively participated in various equity-based and affinity clubs throughout high school and now in college to be able to engage with those like me. However, one obstacle I’ve recognized is the critical need for administrative authority to implement my goals effectively. I would have ideas ignored or carefully crafted plans broken down at the very end because of my inability to have the final say. I know many students like myself feel this same struggle of wanting to manifest our goals. That’s why I want to become Vice President of Social Justice not only to amplify my voice but to also be able to empower other voices.

2. If selected, what would be your top two priorities to improve the student experience at Regis?

My first priority to improve the student experience would be to foster inclusivity by strengthening my relationships with lesser-known groups, especially affinity groups, on campus. While there are stable and well built up groups on campus, there are many others struggling to get their footing. I have friends in various groups and notions have been brought up about not knowing how to do club logistics or feeling like they are outside of the “inner circle.” So if I do get this position, I would prioritize building relationships and offer resources and advice, so that not only do they feel like a part of something bigger, but their representation and voices can shine throughout the rest of the university. This is in hopes of building a more united community during a hard and confusing time. Another priority would be to enhance my communication and visibility. Right now there’s a lot of confusion regarding federal policies, social issues, and much more that would affect most Regis students. So I would like to use my position to help clear up the confusion, bring awareness to it, and provide resources. Also, I think it’s important that students know the people behind the work because then they can deepen their sense of trust, and that’s why I would want to enhance my visibility on campus. That way students can know me as a person, and willingly come to me as a resource.

3. In your opinion, how best can RUSGA serve the students of Regis University?

I believe that RUSGA can best serve their students by being the student body’s best advocate. In my eyes, people in RUSGA have the great opportunity to meet and get to know such important figures on campus like our school president, campus security, our provost, and so many other administrative figures. However, not every student gets that opportunity, so that’s why I believe it’s important that when RUSGA has those conversations and connections they can voice student’s issues and/or ideas. Not only that, but I hope they can advocate wholeheartedly for these students' wants. At the end of the day, only students know what other student’s need because we are all living the same experience. That's why RUSGA can best serve students by not only representing them but by taking action for them.

4. What skills and strengths do you possess that will help you to be successful in your position, if selected?

My strengths are empathy, proactiveness, and communication. To me, empathy is one of the biggest strengths I can offer because a part of this position is being known as someone who understands that not everyone comes from the same background, is born with the same opportunity, etc. Being empathetic will help me build deeper connections with peers so that we can further understand each other. Next, I know I can be a proactive person, which is needed in this position where change won’t happen without action. If upcoming problems or projects need to be brought to life I can take that initiative before the issue becomes damaging. Furthermore, I can communicate properly which will help me discuss plans or advocate for other students. If I am selected to be in this position, eloquent communication will help build that foundation of ethos. For skills, I can effectively event plan and can create DEI policies. I know I will have to plan my events and help others with their events. Since I’ve had experience in planning Regis events, I know firsthand what works and what doesn’t. This skill will help me plan events that are enjoyable and beneficial. Finally, I’ve had the opportunity to be a part of DEI policymaking for my county. This experience helped me understand DEI policy better and taught me what wording should be used. I know this will be useful when I have to give my input on the wording of policy, descriptions, statements, etc.

5. What job related, volunteer, or lived experience do you have that you think has prepared you for, or would transfer well, to this position? 

In highschool, I joined this internship known as the Jefferson County Student Voice Leadership Committee. As I previously mentioned, I was able to be a part of DEI policymaking, be one of ten student representatives for my county, and help host Student Voice district conferences which I know will serve as a stable foundation for this position. To start, in that internship I learned how to confidently speak to higher ups about my lived experience to not only invoke empathy, but to also educate them on what the true student experience was like for marginalized students like me. Those talks give me the assurance that I can speak up for myself and others. The internship also provided me with the stark reality that DEI policy making is difficult to cultivate and manifest. I realized that I will meet a lot of people and face a lot of challenges that will dishearten me from the mission of wanting to create a more equitable space. However, I can confidently say that knowing this reality has only empowered me to pursue this position more because now I know what to expect and how to work around it. Overall, that internship provided me a lot of insight into what it’s like working with school boards and institutions in regards to DEI policy and mission which I know will transfer well if I assume this position.

What To Expect on the Upcoming Colorado Ballot

Charlie Means, Guest Writer 

Hello Rangers! My name is Charlie Means, and I am thrilled to be writing for The Regis Highlander this year. Since this is my first article as a Guest Writer, I assume that they will give me something easy to write about… and it’s politics. Oh dear. All kidding aside, I actually wanted to take this opportunity to shift focus away from the presidential race, and look at some of the propositions and amendments that are on the ballot in Colorado for November. 

You can find the full State Ballot Information Booklet here, if you are interested in looking at the whole thing. But, since I like hearing myself talk, or in this case write, I’m going to go through a brief summary of some of the things that are in this booklet so that you don’t get caught flat footed come Election Day (November 5th).

The first section of the booklet is about State Constitutional Amendments. While there are seven on the ballot, I have football to wat- I mean homework to get through so I’m going to condense it into the two that concern what I consider to be the most high profile issues. The first is Amendment J, which, if passed, would repel the statement in the Colorado constitution that marriage is between a man and a woman. Essentially a vote for Amendment J would be a vote supporting same sex marriage. 

The second amendment that I would like to focus on is Amendment 79. If you are like me, you are probably wondering why one amendment is a letter while the other is a number, and to be honest, I have no clue. Hopefully someone can tell me. Anyways, where was I? Right, Amendment 79! If passed, Amendment 79 would enshrine abortion into the state constitution and would repel the current ban on state and local funding for abortion services. 

How are you guys doing, are you hanging in there? Don’t worry, this next section is going to be about guns! Specifically, proposition KK, which, if passed, would institute a new tax on firearms, firearm parts and ammunition, and would use that money to fund things like crime victim service and school safety programs. 

Ok, last one, I promise, and this one is probably the most boring but I still think it is worth talking about and that is Proposition 131, which would dramatically shift the way that we vote in state primaries. Essentially this proposition would remove the separation of the Democratic primaries and Republican primaries and would make the primaries one giant thing. With this, you could vote for whoever you choose, regardless of your affiliated political party. After that, the top 4 candidates would advance to the general election, where voters would rank the candidates on their ballot from 1 to 4, rather than voting for just one candidate. 

I know that was a lot, and there were some things I didn’t touch on, but I do think it’s important to stay informed about the issues on the ballot where you live, or at least go to school. This ensures that when you do go to vote in November, you are making your decision with all the information available to you so you can cast your vote the way that you want. 

On a lighter note, if you did manage to make it through this article, here is a video of some sloths in a bucket!

Thanks for reading and Go Rangers!

The Department of Education Under Attack

Gabriella Sandoval, Staff Writer 

Despite differing political affiliations, everyone should be in mutual agreement that the Department of Education (DOE) and the various programs within the department, are vital and that their work is imperative. The DOE is responsible for providing necessary assistance and aid towards our education system, and to those that benefit from it. Recent news regarding Trump’s plan to completely defund, and shut down the DOE has sparked controversy on what this could mean for the millions of American families and individuals that rely on federal support from the DOE.

The Department of Education is responsible for establishing, distributing, and monitoring policies on financial aid for education. They also collect data and research on schools, focus national attention on key educational issues, and prohibit inequalities while ensuring opportunistic access to education and other resources.

Although Trump has not fully clarified how he plans to shut the DOE down, there is no doubt that this threat could be monumentally impactful. Project 2025 (the Republican policy initiative) has recommended entirely abolishing the DOE, which would result in various programs to be transferred to other federal agencies, or completely terminated.

There are several necessary and revolutionary programs that the DOE is responsible for, and that are at risk for permanent removal. The first program is known as Head Start. The Head Start program provides comprehensive early childhood education, health, nutrition, and parent involvement services to a plethora of low-income children and families.

The next program in jeopardy is known as Title 1. The Title 1 program helps provide funding in schools where a high percentage of students are from low-income families. The purpose of Title 1 funding is to help schools develop and establish programs that provide necessary resources to deserving students whose families cannot fully provide for them.

Another program is the IDEA program. This program ensures children with disabilities receive an appropriate education by imposing requirements on school districts and other local education agencies, to make all aspects and locations equally accessible and up to date.

Trump’s threat to terminate the DOE is also hugely worrisome for college students. One of the most prominent functions of the DOE are Pell Grants. According to a recent NCAN report, each year, nearly 7 million undergraduate students benefit from Pell Grant aid. So, if you’re a student (like me), or a parent of a student that is reliant on Pell Grant aid, the potential threat on Pell Grants should concern you, and to some extent, even disturb you. 

It’s fair to say that all of these programs are important, and because of this, it’s also fair to say that any presidential candidate that doesn’t deem these programs as necessary may not be considered worthy of a vote. Make your opinion known and your voice heard by voting in the upcoming presidential election. Many futures depend on it!

The Power of Voting

Caleigh Montoya, Staff Writer

On September 10th, 2024, the presidential debate between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump took place. The main topics included the economy, abortion, immigration, and health care. Whether you identify as a Republican, a Democrat, or as an Independent, voting is crucial, especially in a time of chaos. 

According to Francis Page Jr. of CNN, Generation Z votes combined with millennials “will account for a significant 37% of all voters. That’s a staggering potential that could shape the entire political landscape,”. 

Our passion for reproductive rights, immigration policies, housing, and environmental issues could change politics. We have the power to shape our future, so we need to get out there and vote! We also have new access to politics with social media being a new medium for all news and conversations. Of course, this can be a way of learning new information but also a way of spreading awareness to teach others about what is happening in politics today. Information always needs to be fact-checked, but still, this influx of information at our fingertips is a new kind of political access and we need to utilize it. We have a completely new way of receiving politics which will change the landscape. Because of this, make sure to get out there and have your voice heard! The power our voices hold is extraordinary.

The Diminishing Value of Your Vote

By: Jesse Stewart, Staff Writer

Osman Hamdi Bey, "The Tortoise Trainer" (1906), oil on canvas

Just before his death, Osman Hamdi Bey painted a portrait of an old man attempting to train tortoises and succeeded in indirectly depicting the inherent deficiencies of a dying government. Bey was the preeminent artist during the Tanzimat, a time when the Ottoman Empire was struggling to adopt the technological innovations of Europe while preserving their sense of identity and culture. In his 1906 painting, The Tortoise Trainer, Bey displays the simple scene of an elder (who bears a resemblance to the painter himself) using a flute and vegetables to train the tortoises at his feet.

The image is a satirical one; regardless of who the man and the reptiles are meant to represent, he is an antiquated figure in antiquated garb and using antiquated techniques to coach creatures for a pointless purpose (tortoises were once used as living decorations but certainly no longer by 1906), rendering this entire moment an anachronism: there is no reform or action that the Ottoman government can take to salvage itself, as the political structures by which it operates are the very nooses slowly tightening around its neck.

You can look at The Tortoise Trainer and think of the Ottoman Empire, ‘destined’ to fall and fracture after World War One, but I see the United States in every brushstroke, a comparison quite evident not just by the candidates of the 2020 election but attitude of its voters.

In November of 2016, citizens saw the election of Donald Trump as an event that signaled either a potential collapse of the American identity or a partial restoration of its virtues. The attitude and demeanor of the average person either plummeted or was driven to elation. Now they beat the drums again, for the ‘most important election in history’, as if such a thing were true and as if this mindset weren’t rooted in a mania brought on by impatience, ignorance, and some measure of ideological insanity.

Let’s look closer at the trainer and their turtles, shall we?

The average American voter is very intelligent, routinely consuming a diet of facts, figures, statistics, and historical precedents so that they can feel and appear superior to one another. The average American voter is woefully unwise, completely unable to divorce their ego from their conclusions and unable to accept a reality that may rob them of any autonomy they assume to possess. The average American voter is catastrophically insecure and more than willing to take this out on anyone around them in the form of angry ignorance, "Look, the candidate isn't my first choice but it's better than the alternative."

Wearing an ugly yellow sweater because it's the only warm top that goes well with my boots isn't my 'first choice' and 'better than the alternative' of wearing nothing at all, but this is a vote I make in my closet, that has an impact of one day at the most, and really only affects me. Stepping into a voting booth and punching the ballot for a specific party has an impact of four years at the very least, and at that point the concept of a 'lesser evil' is less of a call for pragmatism and more of a diffusion of responsibility.

America is very young in that it has only ever had one dominant political system. In fact, it's really the only current country in the world that has maintained the same general system of government for the last two centuries. This inexperience means that even its most politically-minded citizens don't quite understand the concept of a 'mandate.' For example, the Chinese dynasties operated under a 'mandate of heaven' for about three thousand years, justifying the emperor's rule over the people as an assertion that he was the 'son of heaven' and therefore entitled to lead them. Regardless of whether or not it was believed, this mandate was only as good as the happiness of the people. If infrastructure decayed or too many wars were lost, "How could this man be the son of heaven?" might be the reaction, giving another faction the opportunity to seize the people’s mandate and establish a new government. This has happened many times, in some form or another, in basically every country that exists...other than the United States.

Richard Nixon is not well-regarded today, but he is emblematic of Republican platform during his tenure in the same way that John F. Kennedy is viewed by most Democrats as being one of their best executive representatives at the time. They may have been in office a half-century ago, but the artificial discrepancies between their parties remain to this day.

Place yourself in the shoes of the member of a small fishing village in 1960s Indochina. A well-meaning American eight thousand miles away votes for Nixon (a man that will later wipe your community from the face of the earth) because of the candidate's proposal to give tax incentives to minority-owned businesses and housing; a noble idea but paid with your blood. Not even a decade before that, another well-meaning American eight thousand miles away votes for and then eulogizes Kennedy (a man that defied the Geneva Conventions by authorizing the use of the chemical weapon Agent Orange to begin a genocide of your people in name of self-defense) because of the candidate's calls for a peaceful and prosperous America for people of all colors; again a noble concept, with your scars as a receipt.

Given the trajectory of the last seventy-five years, the Republican and Democratic Party have long lost their mandate to govern and a vote for either party is willful ignorance as to how the machinery of government operates. This is not a statement of opinion. This is not some revolutionary or radical stance. This is the simple reality that exists outside the crumbling window that the trainer and their tortoises would rather not acknowledge.

When you vote, you’re granting legitimacy to the party and people you’re endorsing. In a democracy of any variation, there is no such thing as a ‘lesser of two evils.’ You can vote for Joe Biden or Donald Trump out of protest to the other, and a ‘win’ might feel good for about a week or two, but the political reality is that you’re elevating a group of people to a level where they possess dominion over three hundred million citizens and there exists very little recourse in holding them accountable. A ‘vote’ is not a statement of support or agreement; it is a certificate of irrevocable trust, one that Americans are woefully opulent in giving.

Due to our population size and surface area, we require a government centralized to a degree that both betrays the ‘individualism’ of our foundation and cannot possibly be filled competently; the citizenry see themselves as possessing autonomy over the political decisions of the nation while accepting no culpability for its faults. Had we put it to a direct vote in 2003, the United States would still have found itself mired in Middle Eastern warfare. Had Hilary Clinton been elected in 2016, the United States would still have a six-figure death count from COVID-19. The United States is fundamentally at odds with itself in regards to accepting the responsibilities and consequences for its identity in a way that only the Ottomans can relate to.

Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it, and we Americans have a very warped view of what constitutes ‘history’. Our nation isn’t even three hundred years old, so most of us may see anything occurring before the mid-1700s as so long ago that it isn’t even relevant to what we’re experiencing today. Wrong.

The Ottoman Empire was arguably the first nation in history to be both definitively multicultural and revered for its strong economic vitality. Sound familiar? For six hundred years it presided as the center of trade between the empires of Europe and Asia, occupying a vast territory now belonging to most of the Middle East, Northern Africa, and stretching all the way up into Central Europe. Imagine telling one of its citizens that in less than three generations it’d go from ‘experiencing some minor governmental inefficiencies’ to ‘so non-existent that most of the world will have forgotten it ever was.’

As an American, imagine being visited by a tourist from the future. “Oh, the United States? I think that sounds familiar....” While they sifted through their history book, imagine asking them just how many centuries they had traveled to reach 2020. “Almost two.” Only two hundred years? How could that be possible? Your grandchildren could still be alive at that point! Imagine asking them what you could do today to prevent this fate from befalling your homeland, what political action you could take to not only improve the present but ensure a future. “You can’t just untangle…well, let’s just say that the US doesn’t have a knot, you are the knot.”

In industrial sociology (how people interact with their working environments) there exists a phenomenon called the System Accident (or Normal Accident), where the unanticipated connection of multiple failures in a complex system cannot be slowed or stopped by any further interaction. Think of the Chernobyl disaster or the 2008 financial crisis; an inherent need is attached to a system that is overwhelmingly complex due to the efficiency/profit it can generate, to the point where multiple operators are required for it to function. Each of these operators may be incredibly competent in regards to their specific field, but the mechanism itself is nothing more than a series of dominos, where an operator can be only realistically be responsible for their single domino. If a single one manages to fall in an unexpected way and causes another domino to pivot in a way that cannot be predicted, there isn’t an operator that could possibly be so all-seeing as to prevent the entire chain from tumbling.

The federal government of the United States is experiencing a System Accident; the complexity of its governance, inherent at the founding and exacerbated for centuries, has rendered not only its citizens politically illiterate but its leaders as well when facing the multitude of existential threats that the country faces. Issues of education, the environment, immigration, economic inequality, and healthcare (among a plethora of others) have all reached critical mass, to such a degree that no one candidate or even series of successful candidates could possibly ‘solve’ them before one, some, most, or all aspects of American life collapse. ‘American Exceptionalism’ is real in that we are on the precipice of an exceptionally-elaborate demise; a noose tied with a Gordian knot that no drone strike can cut.

One can argue as to when the dominoes began falling, but the fact remains that the alarms are buzzing, the lights are flashing, and our elected operators are staring at their manuals, dumb-founded, “Maybe if we shove more votes into it?” And any attempts to reform the machine itself become paradoxical: installing an elected official into an apparatus where they, their family, and all of their peers benefit from the status quo and yet expecting them to follow through on their campaign promises is literally an exercise in insanity. But still, the cries of empty madness echo between the ears of those pushing you to the polling place, "You just gotta vote."

At some point in the life of an American voter they are faced with a conundrum: either the president is directly responsible for the trajectory of the country during their time in office or that the position has far little authority when compared to the overall inertia of 'American interests' and the figure serves as nothing more than a ceremonial scapegoat. A rational individual might conclude that the truth lies in the middle, but this inconvenience is too complicated for the voter to consider, as their political consciousness has been reduced to not only a binary mindset but a race to find the most pedantic, politically-expedient, and laziest opinions possible.

There isn’t a single American who whole-heartedly approves of our two-party system, yet nearly all calls for reforming the structure are woefully ignorant of the complexity of the knot they seek to untangle. You can implement Ranked Choice voting, you can abolish the Electoral College, and you can promote the existence of third parties but none of these will rectify the situation as long as the Senate exists. The highest legislative body in the country will always favor the two largest parties so long as membership to its ranks is limited too so few seats per state. You could possibly amend the Constitution to dissolve the Senate into the House of Representatives and give us a unicameral legislature (which would make it easier for a fascist party to take over, by the way) but how could such a proposal ever pass? What legislative body is going to pass a measure that restricts its own powers? And to abolish the Senate would require such a comprehensive rewriting of the Constitution that it (the document that our entire government is based on) would bear no resemblance to its former self:

We don’t have a knot, we are the knot; each new major-party president that you vote into the Oval Office is nudging the stool from under our feet.

Every Republican and Democratic president of the modern era (1945 - now) has put this country three steps forward at most, and four steps backward at least. The idea that change can only be implemented incrementally and four years at a time as being integral to the fabric of governance has doomed the country that was handed the literal world at its feet in the 1950s only to regress to its former state: a swath of lawyers, sharecroppers, and slaves convincing themselves that they are so much more enlightened than the rest of the world simply because they raise their hands twice a decade for a war criminal and slap a crude 'I Voted!' decal on their chest. "Do the people of China get a sticker like me? I think not! Feast your eyes on me, an intellectual, as confirmed by my shiny sticker!"

I was in Hong Kong in 2019 when the people stood up and said, "Enough. We’ve been voting for pro-Hong Kong candidates for two decades, but they can only exist in a legislature ultimately beholden to Beijing. Time to burn down the banks and take back our mandate." I was back in America by June of 2020, when the people realized, "Enough. Look how big the politicians' eyes get when we actually do something instead of pretending like the ballot will fix a four-hundred-year-old problem. Time to burn down the banks and find a mandate." I was incredibly proud to be an American in June of 2020. But now it is the fall, just before an election, and I look to my compatriots who have defanged and declawed themselves, tying the leash of their hopes and dreams around the first-past-the-post, "Well, you see, voting is actually the MOST important thing you can do to alter the trajectory of this country, as evident by all those wars, bail-outs, and other catastrophes that they never put on the ballot."

At this time in history, it's incredibly spoiled, selfish, and maniacal to behave as if the platform and values that you vote for aren’t paid for with others’ blood. Every single president in the last seventy-five years has waged war against civilian men, women, and children in places 'unfortunate-enough' not to be inside American borders, and yet each of these leaders still maintain some small cult of personality to this day. Loyal Republicans and Democrats sing their praises in regards to the virtuous deeds they've done for the American people while dismissing any light shone on the grotesque exploits they've rendered unto those 'unfortunate-enough' to not be born American. Look at the war crimes of Obama and Bush and the benign image these two men been rehabilitated toward; were it to happen in any other nation we'd refer to it as 'grooming' of the people and idolatry of the State, as if we didn't all grow up pledging allegiance to the flag of a government that not-so-subtly implied that our actions were an extension of God's will.

The Declaration of Independence's most famous phrase is in its opening, "We hold these truths to be self-evident"; though it is not a legal document, this statement does imply a fundamental position that the value of human life is integral to the foundation of our government, meaning that this right extends to any person, regardless of race, creed, religion, sex, and -especially- nationality. Imagine a perfect candidate that not only promises several wonderful improvements to the American way of life but can absolutely guarantee their implementation…though the only catch is that they will kill innocent civilians eight thousand miles away during their time in office. Considering that Donald Trump and Joe Biden have no such promises, with no avenue to actually pass anything through Congress, and are already both responsible for a multitude of deaths during their time in government, maybe take a moment to consider the ludicrous degree that one would have to abandon every form of ethics in order to punch the ballot for either of them and the audacity required to brow-beat others into accepting voting as an actual gesture of positive political change.

There is no Republican or Democratic platform that does not involve the unjustifiable deaths of citizens in countries too small to respond with a declaration of war, and there is no argument that an American life is worth more than another’s. You can vote for Donald Trump or Joe Biden, and claim that you're doing so "for human rights," but both candidates will respond to a softly-spoken briefing from Pentagon officials with the same answer: "Do it." And they won't think twice, because they've never lost votes over 'collateral damage'; Americans simply grab their self-righteous teddy bear named 'better than the other candidate' and doze off to sleep.

Osman Hamdi Bey painted The Tortoise Trainer not as a statement of pessimism or from a jaded outlook on the state of politics. The man was instrumental in helping the Ottoman Empire define itself through times of great change and strife, granting a sense of identity to a nation struggling to adapt to the global stage. But, by the end of his life, he saw the State of an empire for what it was: a machine which could weave strands of culture, economy, science, and diplomacy into a beautiful tapestry but instead chooses to fashion these threads into a noose which it is too arrogant to believe could ever be its own.

When filling out your ballot, in this or any year, begin at the very bottom. Your vote is most important for city, county, and state elections. But as you ascend the mostly-binary choices, understand that your actual voice diminishes with each new selection. And when that fateful day arrives and the winners are announced, understand that it is no great tragedy or triumph, as the sun will set no slower than it already is and that you have your specific tortoises to tend to before it gets dark. And, unlike those who promise to fix your crumbling walls yet can't seem to find the time between doomed wars, you can sleep at night knowing that you don’t whip your tortoises into submission ("Vote!") but educate them to perform by the art of the flute and nutrients of the vegetable; maybe someday an empire will rise which understands this, but it'd be the first. Vote, but don’t punch any holes large enough for your hopes and dreams to fit through, lest you once again hang yourself from the ballot.

What you Need to Know About Who is on the Colorado Ballot

By: Sarah Gomez, Staff Writer

Though I’m sure as we approach election day everyone has heard about the presidential candidates, however, not everyone is sure of what else is on the ballot. When voting, there are federal and state positions looking to get filled that not everyone knows about. Out of state students who especially don’t know what views some candidates have can be inclined to only vote for the president. With that being said, here is a quick guide to individuals running for federal office on your Colorado ballot.

Running for senate there are 5 candidates, two of which do not have much of a presence in the media. Of the three well known candidates we have John Hickenlooper, Cory Gardner, and Stephan “Seku” Evans. John Hickenloper is the democratic candidate known for being former governor of Colorado, mayor of Denver and even running for president. Hickenlooper’s views include abolishing the death penalty, raising the federal minimum wage, and keeping the electoral college. Cory Gardner is the republican candidate known for having served in the Colorado House of Representatives, U.S. House of Representatives and is running for reelection into the Senate. Gardner believes in keeping the death penalty, supports the second amendment, and wants to invest in transportation. Stephan “Seku” Evans is the Unity candidate known for his previous affiliation with the black panther party. Evans is well known for his work against nonviolence and community service work.

Also, up for election is representative to congress with five candidates on the ballot and three with adequate representation of their ideologies. Shane Bolling is the republican candidate that lacks much representation in the media despite being affiliated with a major party. Diana DeGette is the democratic candidate known for serving in the Colorado House of Representatives and her representation in Congress. DeGette is against teenage vaping, supports the Colorado Wilderness Act, and wants to lower the price of insulin. Jan Kok is the candidate from the approval voting party best known for co-founding The Center of Election Science. Kok does not want further gun restrictions, believes the federal government is preventing economic recovery, and wants approval voting in federal elections. Paul Noel Fiorino is the candidate for the unity party, known for previously running for the U.S. Senate, governor of Colorado and mayor of Denver. Fiorino supports a strong military and tax paid public higher education.

There are several other items on the ballot, and I strongly encourage you to research further and form your own opinions on state offices and the candidate’s political views. This is a summary of what each of the well-known federal office candidates support and though it is not extensive, I hope this offers some help when filling out your ballot.