Meet your new senator of diversity

Newly-appointed representative answers questions about the future of his term

Siddhant Shelke, 22, sophomore of India, is one of two new diversity senators on Student Senate. 

What made you want to join senate? 

“I just wanted to be on the student government so I can see how things are done in official settings and how things get processed and how they happen. Working with other senators gives an opportunity to see what everyone thinks and that way we have new ideas, and we come up with different solutions.” 

What are your platforms? 

“On senate I want to see more involvement, not just being part of the senate in meetings, but actually get out there and see what other schools are doing and see how we can improve our school. First start with senators and see some new things and also work on what existing agendas are, not just putting them aside, and include involvement from students.” 

In five years, where do you see yourself? 

“In five years, I probably see myself as working in a bank or some kind of financial institution. My degree is in business administration, and I have two options, finance and business information systems. I plan on going back [to India] because that way I can apply what experiences I learned in another country and see how I can make changes.” 

What are your goals as a senator? 

“In my last school they had a maker’s space, a DIY place where you could come in and do stuff. We had 3-D printers and sewing machines and different artforms. I want to see if we can get that done on our campus and incorporate extra credit opportunities or something where students can come in and make something they like.” 

What message do you have for students?  

“This last year has been kind of difficult and I’m happy to see everyone has been pushing through it and I would say continue to say continue to stay strong and do not hesitate to ask for help because there are a bunch of resources available to you.”