Hi, I’m Ivana, a sophomore from Sofia, Bulgaria. Family is everything to me, and my closest relationship is with my younger brother. While I’m often seen as analytical and strategic, l’m also deeply emotional — a side that might surprise people who know me only on the surface. I lean toward introversion and find comfort in quiet moments, often escaping into episodes of CSI when I need a break. One of the most defining moments in my life came when I suffered a serious injury during the peak of my athletic career. It was a huge setback, but it taught me resilience and the importance of adapting when life throws unexpected challenges your way. This experience changed how I approach obstacles: instead of backing down, I see them as opportunities for growth. I want to join the Student Leaders Board because I believe in the power of listening to every voice, especially those who may not always speak up. I’m eager to bridge the gap between students and the administration, focusing on clear communication and building trust. If elected as co-chair, my goal would be simple- to make DKU a place where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued. I’m excited about the chance to bring my mix of strategic thinking, empathy, and quiet determination to the role, and I’m ready to help make a real impact on our community.
Hello, everyone. My name is Haoran Zhang, a sophomore from the Class of 2027, and my intended major is Political Economy. I am also an amateur runner, and it is a pleasure to introduce myself as a candidate for Co-chair of SLB. I bring valuable experience as the OL Captain for the Orientation Week Program for the Class of 2028, where I led a team of eight Orientation Leaders to organize engaging activities for incoming freshmen. Additionally, I serve as the president of the Student Ambassador Committee, overseeing this year’s program and engaging approximately 150 Chinese students in sharing their experiences at DKU with prospective students in high schools nationwide. I believe DKU students need a collective voice to address essential issues, from cultural challenges like the “Crab Incident” to daily concerns such as the increasing campus theft problem. I see the SLB as an ideal platform for voicing these matters, and I aspire to contribute by fostering collaboration within the board, leveraging the diverse cultural backgrounds of its members to tackle these common challenges while enhancing my leadership skills and fulfilling my academic interest in understanding how democratic institutions work. As an ENTJ, I value and excel in organization and communication, which will help me establish strong relationships with board members and lead efficient initiatives. I hope to create a culturally and viewpoint-inclusive SLB team that addresses the aforementioned issues on campus by utilizing the strengths of its diverse members. I will emphasize making proposals that are highly actionable, ensuring SLB effectively balances student needs with the school’s objectives and prospects. Thank you for reading this piece and hope I will have the honor to serve for the DKU community.