Wait…Who’s the new StudCo president?

Person 1: Emmali…Emmali…where have I heard that name?

Person 2: You silly goose! That’s our StudCo president!

Person 1: Oh right! That’s where I know her from!

With the new StudCo board rising to their positions, it’s inevitable that us, as the people, want to know: who are these new board members, and how will they be different from StudCo last year? I have been fortunate enough to be able to interview the one and only 2024 student council president herself, Emmali Isham. Here’s what she had to say:

Why did you decide to apply to StudCo?

“I decided to apply to StudCo last year because last year my hall senator, for 02, quit in the middle of the year, and so we didn’t really have anyone…when apps finally came out I really wanted to apply because I really wanted to be on StudCo to help make a difference not only in my hall…but also for the campus as well.”

Are there any changes you are interested in implementing that we should be looking forward to for next year or this year?

“They’re all mainly changes for next year…we are working on rebuilding the website right now, and I know our vice president and treasurer are mainly working with ITS to get that up and running again. We’re going to try to really bring back studslips, bring back our bulletin board…and work on our communication…something you’ve probably already seen is the addition of our secretary position…and then something me and the treasurer are currently working on is reforming club culture at IMSA and the club chartering process. We’re hoping to have a pilot of about 5 clubs who can volunteer an test this out, but of course we still have to work, ideate, and define the system so we can really implement it.”

How are you liking the new board members so far?

“So I will admit, it’s not the new board I was always predicting throughout this year. But despite that, especially after going to spring field with them, I do really like them and I think we’re going to work really well together. I think we’re all a different blend of personalities and people, but despite that I think we have a pretty good bond so far, and we’ve been getting a lot of things done so far.”

Do you think that being 02 hall senator prepared you to take on the role as StudCo president?

“I think it definitely did. One of the biggest reasons is the amount of the project work I did this year and the different of projects I led definitely helped me prepare for the role…I think being on project teams and being head of them really allows me to get a good grasp of what that’s like so I can really support the team this next coming year.”

What’s one piece of advice you have for someone interested in applying for StudCo president?

“I would say try not to overthink it or get it too much in your head. Really just go with the flow. I truly believe that you will be placed where you are meant to be…and don’t be afraid to speak up and take charge of something as well”

What’s your favorite subject and why?

“My favorite subject is biology because everything makes a lot of sense to me…and I especially like the medical side…right now I’m really looking towards pediatric oncology or emergency medicine.”

Favorite memory at IMSA?

“I think my favorite cluster of memories is my sophomore welcome week. That was when IMSA was really new and really fun to me and it was really nice meeting new people, and living away from home.”

Any hobbies? And if so, what’s your favorite one?

“I’d say I really enjoy playing Minecraft. I just really like playing Minecraft, and I like everything about it. I haven’t done it in a while, but I like reading as well.”

What’s a surprising fact about you that not many people know/believe?

“I guess I have two. Well first of all, I’m a shmen. Something people also don’t know is that I’m adopted.”

What’s your favorite food or drink and why?

“I think my food is strawberries because they’re really sweet. But at the same time I’m also kind of allergic to them. I usually get a rash [if I eat them].”