Need to bridge gap between USAC, students fundamental

  Evan Okamura Okamura is a third-year
political science and Asian American studies student.

Fellow Bruins, my name is Evan Okamura and I want to be your
External Vice President. The theme of my campaign, “Bridging
the Gap,” has many meanings and sums up my desire to ensure
that students and USAC are connected and successfully work
together. In addition, as a candidate, I offer extensive experience
and a comprehensive understanding of the EVP office.

“Bridging the gap” is symbolic of many of my goals,
such as ensuring that USAC and the programming it does are
consistent with students’ needs and concerns. I also seek to
bridge the gap by seeing that all student groups have a voice in
their student government.

Finally, at this critical juncture in time, it is imperative
that an in-house candidate is elected who has already developed
working relationships with the staff and external organizations
such as the University of California Student Association and the
United States Student Association.

I have worked in the EVP office for two years now. Last year I
served as the Statewide Affairs Director, where I worked with UCSA
on increasing financial aid, affordability of housing, and student
services issues.

Currently, I serve as the chief of staff of the EVP’s
office, where I work directly with the EVP to ensure that all units
within the office are functioning and all necessary tasks are
completed. If elected, I will bridge this rift in USAC and will
make a smooth transition without hindering the progress of this
year’s council nor negatively affecting the student body.