I found yesterday’s article discussing the upcoming Graduate Student Senate election troubling and feel that incumbent president Tracy Kelly’s comments were inaccurate and need to be clarified.
The letter implied that the hOUr party lacks the experience necessary to lead. I would like to refute those statements and tell graduate students that is not the case.
My name is Thomas Raabe, and I am the only undergraduate student running with the hOUr party. I am the candidate for vice president for Committees and Legislative Affairs, and I have the experience to execute the office. In the spring of 2010, I was elected as the senator for the College of Arts and Sciences on Student Senate, and prior to that, I served as the vice commissioner of the Academic Affairs Commission under current Student Senate President Jesse Neader.
The College of Arts and Sciences is the largest on campus, and I currently represent 4,500 students. Being elected was a humbling experience, and I take my role as a senator very seriously.
I also bring cultural experience to the office. I have traveled to Mexico and Spain through Ohio University’s Study Abroad Office in my journey to master Spanish. These experiences helped me gain a more global perspective and flesh out an idea of diversity, a trait that is essential for dealing with students from throughout the world who travel to OU for a graduate degree. Next year I plan to join that diverse population while obtaining my master’s in public administration.
I am driven, passionate and politically experienced. I’m a Spanish and political science major with a focus in American politics. I’m not afraid to speak when necessary, and I am also a team player. I strive to be the type of person who leads but still does not hesitate to ask questions. I am experienced and ready to lead Graduate Student Senate next year with the hOUr party.
Check out our website at www.hourparty.com and please feel to email me with any questions at tr411206@ohio.edu. The purpose and hope of hOUr party is to open as many opportunities as possible for the graduate community and allow you to choose what, if any, of those options you wish to explore. I am just one of the many dedicated members of the hOUr party. We have the experience to advocate for you. The hOUr is now. Please remember to vote on May 18 and 19.
Thomas Raabe is the hOUr candidate for Graduate Student Senate’s vice president Committees and Legislative Affairs.
