It is that time of year again, when SGA elections take place. Some students describe the atmosphere as bustling and exciting, whereas others describe it as busy and at times overwhelming. There are candidates all over campus running their campaigns and trying to gain votes. This can include anything from handing out flyers to giving out homemade cupcakes with fresh icing.

There are candidates everywhere; from in front of Outtakes, in front of academic row, to even the stairs by the UC ballroom. Some students have also combined their campaigns with other runners and have started handing out shirts and other campaign gear to promote themselves.

Nitya Kumaran, a junior studying biology stated, ““There are many people in each campaign who are running because they actually want to serve the community. That makes this year’s elections valuable to me; even if I don’t get elected, I feel like we’ll have people in the SGA who actually care.”

She also emphasized how much she wanted to make a change regarding Muslim lives, black lives, immigrant lives, LGBTQ lives, disabled peoples’ lives, women and other minorities who may have particularly been impacted during this time. She is also one of the candidates running for senator, who is combining her campaign with others who are running.

Markya Reed and Josh Massey, students who successfully ran for positions of President and Executive Vice President, combined their campaigns together. They also initiated many efforts such as handing out pancakes and flyers in the breezeway to gain attention for their campaigns. They have emphasized many issues such as: addressing hate crimes that have happened and increasing accessibly for commuters on campus.

Markya, a junior studying psychology stated “I’m excited to work with everyone, regardless of the election results. Based on everyone’s ideas and passion, I think it will be a really productive year.” Many candidates gave similar responses, stating that even if they do not get elected, they are happy to be a part of the process.

Felix Faccine, a sophomore studying political science who run for senator explained, “For me, the best part of this election was the opportunity I had to meet students, make new friends, and better understand the issues of the UMBC community. I feel more deeply connected to our school, and that has been an invaluable experience for me. I am so excited for the future of student government at UMBC!” He has been working with Meghan Lynch, who ran for Vice President for Student Organizations against two others.

Although elections can be hectic and cause stress sometimes, there is a certain type of bustle during this time that transforms the atmosphere of campus. It is a unique time of unity that works to achieve the goal of bringing the community together all while still making a change.

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