Andrews recently held an election for the new Andrews University Student Association (AUSA) officers for the 2022-2023 school year. This week, I interviewed the new AUSA president, Aya Pangusan (senior, nursing). Aya gave an inside look at what she has planned for the upcoming school year, what made her interested in the job, and provided a peek into her personal life.
Where are you from and what brought you to Andrews?
Originally, I am from Virginia, but I was born in the Philippines. I came to Andrews since my older brothers were already going to school here and for the major I started in, Andrews had the best program out of all the Adventist schools. When I was visiting Andrews during preview week, I was drawn to the diversity and the events put on by the campus. I felt that I could learn more about my culture here since the community was growing and active on campus. I wanted to be a part of such a diverse school that celebrated the variety of cultures on campus.
What do you like to do with your spare time?
I love spending time with my friends, working out, and catching up on sleep. Since I tend to get overwhelmed easily, I take time to refresh myself by going out to eat at my favorite restaurants or going for a drive.
What are 3 things you can't live without?
I can’t live without my family, my friends, and my dogs. My family gives me unconditional love and support. I know that they are always in my corner, supporting me and helping me be a better version of myself. My friends are also another source of support for me when I’m unable to see my family. They keep me in check, help me laugh and smile, and give me love and support that pushes me forward. My dogs are just a big source of happiness in my life. They give me love and are just a serotonin boost whenever I’m feeling down.
Now that we got to know you a little better, what do you believe you can bring to Andrews to make it a little better?
I believe that I can reconnect the student body and bring back school spirit to the Andrews campus. Covid has definitely impacted our campus and our social as well as spiritual events. Since we’ve had to adapt to the new norm of Covid, we’ve had to limit events and it’s been difficult to bring the student body together. I believe that the AUSA team can revamp events and bring in new ones that can rekindle school spirit and relationships! I also believe that I can make AUSA more connected to the student body. As I said before, I want to push for AUSA to have open office hours again and make AUSA more present in the student body.
What made you interested in the position?
I love serving people and I have always had a passion for planning events, hearing the concerns of others, and finding new ways to improve. I believe that leadership needs to be changed on Andrews campus and that AUSA can do even more to serve the needs of the student body.
Do you have any other plans for next year that you would like to share?
I definitely plan to have another AUnited Weekend to celebrate culture and diversity on campus. Some events I have lined up are bringing back the Block Party, working with Campus Ministries to plan an off-campus vespers such as a beach vespers or another worship retreat to strengthen and reconnect our relationship with God, and improving campus wellness by having more mental health days where we check up on the student body throughout the year.
Is there anything you’d like to say to the student body?
I am here to serve you, so please don’t be afraid to share your concerns and what you would like to see happen next year! AUSA functions because of all of you. If you feel like you are not being represented or want a space to be represented, please tell us. We will do our best to make next year emotionally, spiritually, and physically amazing for all of you and one that you will all remember and enjoy.
The Student Movement is the official student newspaper of Andrews University. Opinions expressed in the Student Movement are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors, Andrews University or the Seventh-day Adventist church.