Usama Hussain

Lahore, Pakistan

Physics, Mathematics

A bee. (Class of 2014 is more like a colony of bees though)

Tenacious.

Disciplined, well organized, accommodating and appreciative of the diverse range of opinions in his class. He should be impartial, honest, bold, confident as well as strong and assertive in conveying the needs, opinions and concerns of his class in front of the student government, relevant committees and the administration. He would also put the welfare of his class before anything else and make sure that all class members are taken into confidence about changes in policy or regulations that might affect them.

Directed efforts for reintegration of the class of 2014 in the student body, in student government committees and other spheres of student life. I would also ensure that the Student Government pushes the administration and the faculty to take all opinions into consideration regarding graduation events, student honors and awards. Furthermore, I will make an effort to ensure that the student government devotes some time and energy to determine the role seniors and eventually graduates/alumni can play in the growth and development of the university as it begins its journey to Saadiyat.

Particle physics, English Premier League, contemporary South Asian literature (in English), family, women and minority rights in South Asia, politics (mostly Pakistan, Afghanistan, India)

That I am a Bollywood Encyclopedia

Eric Johnson

Saint Paul, MN, USA

Physics and Math double major

A guinea pig.  I think we all know why.

Resilient.

Honest, considerate, and measured in their opinions.  A class representative does everything they can to ensure that the class' opinions are well-representative and that their interests are considered in all aspects of university decision-making.

If I am elected, I would like to see increased student representation and participation in policy-making in a more legitimate fashion, particularly concerning academics and capstones, as well as in Student Life and Global Ed.  I would also like to see what we can do on an institutional level to better help seniors prepare for their years after NYUAD, whether that's developing programs with the CDC, or asking the library to add to their test-study guides.

I am passionate about many things, including politics, sports, nature, and, of course, math and science.

Since I've already exposed my musical hobbies at Open Mic nights, I'll have to settle for guessing that many of you didn't know that I achieved the rank of Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts of America while I was in high school.

Photo by Koh Terai/The Gazelle

Bobby Haynes

Chicago, Ill., USA

Psychology, Political Science concentration

...chimera?

Eclectic

Well-connected to the classmates

Special events for juniors on campus in Abu Dhabi, and making sure that there are concrete plans for our transition into senior year on Saadiyat.

I'm passionate about making a difference for future generations at NYU Abu Dhabi.

I didn't learn how to ride a bike until I was 8.

Photo courtesy of Maitha Al Mansoori

Maitha Al Mansoori

Abu Dhabi, UAE

Biology with a concentration in Economics

A chameleon! This class can blend into anything and still stand out!

Fierce. There are so many different personalities that make up this class but we're still accepting and welcoming of each other! Nothing can stop us from getting what we want.

An outgoing person who can represent the different views and backgrounds of the class and still have a way of bringing people together, whether it's within the class or with other classes.

If I was elected, I would like to bring the class of 2016 together in fun events, listen to their concerns and do what I can to possibly make this year the best they've had!

I'm passionate about horses and horseback riding. I've always have and someday, I'll save up and buy my own horse!

Most people would be surprised to know that I was actually a gangster in another life. I am very much into rap and hip-hop music, which for some reason, is very surprising to people because that's not the first impression they get of me!

Nino Cricco

Asunción, Paraguay.

Visual Arts and SRPP.

A gazelle.

Cosmopolitan.

Intimidating.

I’ll get back to you on that.

Oreos, the Hardee’s life.

I eat no vegetables.

Photo by Koh Terai/The Gazelle

Joseph Chu

Adelaide, Australia

Political Science and/or Psychology

A falcon because it comes from all around the world, flies high and does a good job of it.

Unique.

Someone who tries their best to help their class get the best out of college, and is there for people when they need someone.

Lots of fun, development, their voices heard and change being done.

Being a part of a community, making friends and lending a hand to those in need around us.

I went through the IB and am still yet to drink my first cup of coffee!

 

James Carrington Gardner

Auckland, New Zealand

Engineering

A chameleon — the colour of this class is not quite determined at this moment and we are bound to change!

Fluid.

A listener and an active leader. He or she must be willing to represent the views of the class even if they are not in accordance with their own — they must be humble and willing to put aside their own bias.

StuGov will act under the council of the class of 2017 — the views of the class will be relayed and represented when decisions are made.

I am passionate about people, their differences and  finding a common goal that can unite a group of people!

I am reduced to tears if I listen to more than a few Les Miserables tracks in a row!

Photo by Koh Terai/The Gazelle

Patrick Sheldon Wee (Yes, both my first names are from SpongeBob, Patrick Star and Sheldon the Plankton, but you can call me PWee as most of my close friends back home call me!)

Manila, Philippines

Economics

A PANDA! A cute one! But do not underestimate THE PANDA. It may seem cute on the outside, but it is strong, indefatigable and staunch on the inside. Just like Po in Kung Fu Panda (many people have mentioned that I look like Po) we may never see ourselves so greatly, but be ready to be amazed about the greatness we can accomplish as a class if we just believe and work together, for, really, that is what the class of 2017 is all about. And that's where we're going to do. As a class. Together. Indomitable.

Fresh. Fresh with new ideas, fresh with vigor, fresh with excitement, fresh with innovation, fresh with a hope for a better world. I mean, that's why we're here, right?

There for people. Be there to hear their stories. Be there to hear their thoughts. Be there to just listen. For if we want to hear what we want as a class, we have to stray out of traditional politics, to really be there for people, to hear them out, 'cause that's what true representation is all about.

Obviously, I WANT YOU HAPPY because if you are happy, WE(e) are happy! To do that, we will institute programs that will effectively bridge the student and the school. To name a few, we will have weekly primers that update you on what's happening. We'll work on a centralized Google Calendar that will contain all the events happening throughout a week, so that you know what's happening, when it's happening. We'll have town halls to hear you out. (That's of course on top of all the fun parties we're all going to work together on!) Remember, I WANT YOU HAPPY, so as long as we work together, we can make our stay here in NYUAD the most memorable years of our lives. Yalla!

I'm passionate about people. And I'm passionate about service. Do you think I'd ever even think of running for class rep if I thought otherwise?

Hmmm....I'm not good at these kinds of questions… Hmmm… Sorry, this is the best I could think of, for now: Back home, my friends would call me in the middle of the night, not to order pizza, but to talk, if they just need someone to talk to.

 

Gabriel Figueroa Torres

Bucaramanga, Colombia

Biology & Political Sciences

A baby spider monkey: Exotic, potentially talented to master tree swinging, but recently arrived to a new and unknown environment. Extremely curious for these new surroundings, it might fall at times from the trees but that will not prevent it from climbing back up.

Supercalifragilisticexpialidocius

Someone that beyond attending and working to solve the inquiries and the struggles of the members of its class, actively contributes to the improvement of communication within its members and between its members. Someone that enhances the potential its class has to exploit their diversity and talent, providing them with the support the student government can guarantee for the development of their projects.

A student governance in which each of the students can feel they are playing an active role, in which students can feel that they do not only have the support of the student government but that they are as well part of it. This is achieved through creative and dynamic ways/channels of communication and interaction between students, students and faculty and any other members of our community. I'll work non-stop as well to open spaces in which each member of our community can nurture and share their uniqueness, to enhance this cultural learning through experience.

I'm passionate about learning new languages, learning from new cultures. Each of them opens a new window for you, gives a 180 degree turn to your perception, to your way of thinking. After learning one, after you open one of these windows, you might realize you're walking in a different language, or cooking in a different language.

''Berraquera''! This word, which has no literal translation in other languages, comprises the strength of generations of Colombian families to thrive through adverse historical conditions. It is not dismaying, despite seemingly insurmountable circumstances. I think that's the thing people would be surprised to learn from me, that I'm ''berraco.''