ASG president gives interview
Saddleback’s Associated Student Government (ASG) is responsible for the majority of the events that run through this campus. From the activities running about in the campus, there is a person behind the organization.
Melissa Fenerci, 19, is the ASG president for this year and from her jovial personality, she is a great addition to the student body. Her overall dedication to improve the school is a refreshing feature to the college, especially since there’s an increase of students attending.
From her attitude, no one would expect that she had a rough past. Fenerci’s high school years weren’t the happiest times for her and she escaped those feelings through drugs. She felt a sense of desolation until she attended Saddleback College. Her difficult background inspired her to strive forward and make a difference within herself. With determination, she ran for the position for ASG president and won the title.
“I know this sounds cliché, but becoming ASG president literally saved my life. It was a truly humbling experience and it inspired me to help out other people,” said Fenerci.
Some of the plans Fenerci hopes to achieve for the campus involve a blood drive from September 21-22 in SSC 212 from 8 a.m. – 8.p.m. Club Rush will occur on October 6 in the Quad from 11 a.m.–2 p.m. and it will involve numerous clubs.
“The clubs are run by self-motivated students with specific interests, so I hope it will increase student involvement in the college,” Fenerci said.
As ASG president, Fenerci wants more students to be involved in the activities and events present at the college. She believes that when students are active in their respective college, then they would reap in personal benefits that will aid them in the future.
With a busy schedule, there is little time for her to take a break and relax. However, some of the activities Fenerci likes to do are to hang out with her friends and boyfriend as well as do volunteer work. She is involved with an organization called Women Helping Women, which aids with women from low-income backgrounds look sharp when looking for a job. From what Fenerci stated, her involvement in the organization will help these women find the self-confidence they need in order to succeed in the work force.
Fenerci is also a member of the international honors society, Phi Theta Kappa. It is known to be the official honors society of two-year colleges. She felt that from her experiences being a part of Phi Theta Kappa, she gained leadership experience in order to become the ASG president.
For her academic aspirations, Fenerci plans to transfer over to either the London School of Economics or Cambridge University. It may seem far out for an American student to attend school in England, but she has dual citizenship in both America and the UK. Originally she planned to major in public relations, but she switched to sociology with a concentration on human rights. Fenerci chose to gain that degree in order to help with policy changes and to be involved with social activism.
Fenerci’s experiences with ASG helped her personal development and self-awareness. She also realized the importance of civic responsibility, social justice, leadership, and communication skills that are so important in today’s society. Being involved with the student body at Saddleback is hard work, but Fenerci said that there are ways students can be involved with the college.
For example, one can apply on Saddleback’s website through ASG and go through two interviews. This is for anyone who is interested in running for any officer positions in the Senate, the Events Cabinet, or the Inter-Council Clubs. People who are a member of any of the following must serve 10 – 25 hours per week.
The second option would be the Volunteer Core, which anyone can sign up to in SSC 210 or ask one of the officers. These consist primarily of students aiding in events such as the blood drive or any other activities present. Clubs are another method in which students can get active as well as the Diversity Student Council, which meet every Tuesday at 1 p.m. in SSC 211.
The president’s passion for helping the students of Saddleback and campus is a tremendous feat during this tough time. Despite the fact that the college is a commuter campus, Fenerci wants everyone to feel included in Saddleback’s various events. With her drive to succeed, students can clearly count on her to make a difference.