By Molly Ashline, Staff Writer

Published in print Mar. 25, 2015

Hinsene Samson is one of the vice presidential candidates currently running in the upcoming Student Government Association (SGA) elections.

While Samson is only a freshman, she has vocalized some thoughtful and politically sound ideas. One of the biggest points in her platform is to reach out to a diverse student body.In a statement to The Carolinian, Hinsene said, “UNCG is known for it’s diverse campus and being a first-generation student with an Ethiopian background, it is easy for me to relate to students here. As vice president, it is necessary to understand and represent the issues and concerns of the students.”

As a part of accurately representing concerns, Samson has stated that she intends to put greater pressure on SGA senators to relay student issues. As a current senator herself, Samson has some insight into this role.

Samson also plans to add senator positions, such as Sustainability Senator. But Samson’s standards extend beyond the SGA.

“The new chancellor should expand on this idea of diversity and implement ideas that encourage the interaction between different social and ethnic groups.  With this university being a medium-sized institution, it is important that the next leader has personal interactions with students,” she said about the search for the next chancellor.

She believes that these interactions, in turn, create more political reactions from students.

“Students are not conscious about these pressing concerns because they feel as though the issues don’t affect them…by reaching out to students and informing them about issues like this they are more likely to care and spread the word about these pressing concerns,” explained Samson.

Part of this desired dialogue between SGA and students may be fueled by Samson’ s belief that SGA has become abstracted from the student body.

In her platform, she states, “we [SGA] lack recognition and support among our students.”

Samson may be able to gain back some of this support by challenging broader issues such as tuition hikes and budget cuts.“By participating in the rallies and going to meet with the Board of Governors I will garner information to help spread the word of what is occurring and inspire students to be involved,” said Samson.