International Student Organization
Running Candidates 05-06
• President
- Madara Maurina
(Latvia) 
Why are you interested in ISC?
As I have said before- I love internationals!:) On a more serious note I want to say that ISC has opened the world to me. I came to one country (namely USA) and met half of the world here! I am so glad that i got to really experience and learn about all the different cultures, ethnicities and countries through these awesome individuals. Each one of you has made me understand the world and people better. I got the privilege to make so many international friends- if I would have to travel I would have someone to show me around in so many places! :) So I would like to give back - for the new people that will come, to make their experience here as great as mine was and for the people that have been here for a while, Ii would like for us all to become closer and build even better relationships. You all are great and I loved spending time with you people, all of us here are united by our differences...
What will you change & what will you add to ISC?
First I would like the board to become more like a team. I plan to hold board meetings every week and Ii am sure this is going to help us be more organized, goal oriented and accomplish even more good things than we did last year. I am looking forward to working with the new events coordinator and his committee and see what interesting new events we can schedule for ISC. ISC is a place where people can come, hang out and have fun - so organized events for more fun! I see how ISC has grown, thanks to Roxanne, Max and many other dedicated people, and I intend to keep it that way - we will only go upward but we need everyone to help us in this!
- Anas Daghmoumi (Morocco)
Why are you interested in ISC?
You know, It feels great the sense of belonging. Being a part of a society that accepts you the way you are. It feels great when speaking with a major We..we the ISC instead of a minor I?I the person. Emotions feel great internationally. How wonderful it is when a Pakistani, a Russian, an American, a Moroccan, a Lebanese and others yet their mother lands are different glacises share one word..Love. I have all the interest in ISC. It is the group that makes us look at the mirror several times before stepping out to the Friday meeting so that we get an international recognition rather than a local vision. You know what I am talking about don't be shy. We are special part of it because we are different; ISC is where you must be different that you are there!
What will you change & what will you add to ISC?
I learned a lot from my friends when it comes to managing organizations, consequently, I will make sure that ISC will move forward because of the new wise and energetic spirits. To be practical: I will make sure that ISC is a great experience for the members in terms of learning possibilities such as the French Club. In addition, I am very much interested in filling the emotional gap of the members by enforcing dating :) you'll see. For those who like being serious, I have interesting matter for them. I will assign a country to members to brief us with the latest news on that country or region. For instance, a group will be specialized in Pakistan and therefore, they will have to check the local news continuously and then brief us with the important summary orally and by posting the information online. If you have any questions feel free to ask me. I have more ideas to add to the club and I am sure the members will like them ;) My goal is to make the club as entertaining, fun and educational as possible. I am also looking forward to work with the new executive board.
• Vice President
- Saqib Sheikh (Pakistan/USA)
Why are you interested in ISC?
Because I find the diverse range of people involved interesting, and I am sympathetic to the concerns of internationals.
What will you change & what will you add to ISC?
More event-related activities, regular meetings where
everyone has their say, and greater accountability for board members. - Amanda Welte (USA)
Why are you interested in ISC?
I love ISC members, the diversity around us, and want to have more knowledge about the world around me.
What will you change & what will you add to ISC?
I want good communication in the Exec. Board, and also in the rest of the club so people know what opportunities members can have in the club. Organization is key to have a successful club, and I want to help strengthen that. My hope is that ISC will become more known to the school so that we can get more active members. I would also like to see new organized activities bringing more participation to the club. Oh, and encourage wet t-shirt contests. Just kidding.
- Asphand Malik (Pakistan)
Why are you interested in ISC?
I would love to run for this position firstly because I have previously been in the ISC board and have somewhat experience and also feel I can give time and energy to this prestigious organization. Secondly, I feel the vice president position requires someone who can not only give time and effort but also complete dedication, and as I have time on my hand the next semester I believe I am a good nominee for this position.
What will you change & what will you add to ISC?
Finally, I believe the people running for this position require some competition because if things are made easy for them they might not be motivated.
• Secretary
- Erik Josephson (USA)
Why are you interested in ISC?
As a International Studies major, I am geniuly like to learn about new cultures and peoples. As an exec board member, this would provide another outlet for me to get to know people and for them to get to know me. I have had an International Student as a roommate and have lived in two different coutnries (St. Vincent and the Grenadines (one month) and Costa Rica (one year). I enjoy spending time with my international friends and learning about their cultures. ISC is a great place to meet new people and have fun.
What will you change & what will you add to ISC?
I will get the emails out promptly to all members of the listserv. Also I would like to see better promotions of the activities through the listserv. Finally, I would like to see more informal events, such as movie nights and game nights. I will work to be an active member of the exec board.
- Ulyana Arzamasova (Russia)
Why are you interested in ISC?
I’m international student myself and I’m fond of getting to know and be friends with people from a great variety of countries. Being a secretary of ISC with give me an opportunity to socialize with people and learn a great deal about different countries and their cultures.
What will you change & what will you add to ISC?
I will promote ISC all over the campus so that to involve more people in it. I’m planning to put efforts to encourage people to share their background with others. I’ll try to do my best to motivate people to contribute more energy into our club activities. I will work on organizing more fun events too.
• Treasurer
- Samadhi Wijesinghe (Sri Lanka)
Why are you interested in ISC?
I think being an international student it's the best place to get together & know other people and the world. I'm always fascinated with other people's culture, customs &.food. I like to know them better!
What will you change & what will you add to ISC?
If I'm selected, I'll try to give my full support to the club & try to spread the club around campus more. Not only that, but also try to introduce new games & fun stuff that people will be interested in.
• Event Coordinator
- Amit Manocha (UAE/India)
Why are you interested in ISC?
First, because it promotes diversity and to get to know more people and their cultures (even though most of that is not a part of the meeting) and its a nice way to voice our opinions and experiences for our benefit and of other internationals.
What will you change & what will you add to ISC?
I'll definitely add more events and try to make the meetings more of a social gathering than a serious issue. I know its a long way to go from here but I also know that this is how people would enjoy ISC a lot more.
- Kristina Selzer (USA)
Why are you interested in ISC?
Being a International relations and sociology major I take great pride in learning about new cultures, regions and religions. I want to fully take in all that ISC has to offer someone like me, a person wanting to learn all there is to know about as many backgrounds as possible. And how often does one get the chance to make friends with people from all over the world. I would like to take on the responsibility of being the event coordinator, because I honestly love to plan events. I put my heart and soul into a project, making sure ALL details are taken care of. I have high expectations for my self to do the best and expect nothing less.
What will you change & what will you add to ISC?
My goal would be to have everyone get an activity of their choice. I would offer creative thinking and a knowledgeable background of the surrounding cities, especially the Twin Cities. I would love to see meetings not just held in the conference room but held out side and other interesting locations.
• Webmaster
- Jonathan Sadler (Jamaica)
Why are you interested in ISC?
When I first came to MSUM the people at International Students Club were the first I met. They embraced me and it was a very welcoming experience. I have taken this experience with me throughout the years and that's why I keep on coming back to it.
What will you change & what will you add to ISC?
My experience of web design but more importantly the experience of all the friends and acquaintances I have made through ISC by the many outings and activities they have had.