Noah Evaga: Diversity and Organizations Director candidate interview

What makes you stand out from other candidates? Why should people vote for you?

I am a second-generation student. My dad is from New Zealand, I am half Samoan. Growing up I was able to experience some things where I felt excluded and discriminated against. It made me feel sad and angry and lonely of course. And so I would like to use my abilities to help the marginalized identities of Utah State to feel more included and comfortable so that they can get the most out of their secondary education experience.

If you are not elected, how will you continue to be involved at USU? 

I would like to continue going to the PSU club meetings, the Polynesian Student Union meetings. And also, just helping those around me feel more included in the community. I just really enjoy meeting people and making them feel good. Whether I get elected or not I think that is something that would continue to happen regardless of the outcome.

How do you plan to properly advocate for and represent minorities at USU?

As a minority, I know what it feels like to be alone and sometimes look around a room and realize that you really are outnumbered. And so, I’d like to create more involvement for the minorities at Utah State to help them feel more included. And I would also like to involve those of the predominant race and predominant religion here so that there is more inclusion. So just as much as the minorities feel like they have safe spaces I would also like to make an integration possible where both peoples are connected and more integrated and hopefully more comfortable and happier.

USUSA committee and council settings are often very friendly. How would you handle disagreements and making decisions that may go against your fellow officers? 

I think any time you get a community of people together there will be times where they don’t see eye to eye. But I feel like the majority of students involved with USUSA have a pretty good vision of what they want Utah State to look like. And I think that creates this idea. So even though we may disagree on aspects of this vision, I think all of us will be able to clearly and effectively communicate with each other in order to resolve our differences and make compromises.

Favorite Disney Princess? 

I’ve always thought that Mulan was cool. The way that she goes against her culture in order to do something that she felt was right. I’ve always thought that was admirable. She’s pretty cool.

-Maya.Mackinnon@usu.edu