Elena Avina, CSUB's incoming Associated Students Inc., president, wants students to know how much power they hold. "It is very important for students to get involved with student government directly or indirectly," she said. "Students can directly impact the changes that take place regarding funding, university policies, statewide policies, and academic requirements among other things.
"Indirectly, students can get involved by knowing that Associated Students, Inc. is a resource to the entire student body at a local and statewide level," she continued. "Also, if students are more involved the student government can better represent the needs of the student body."
This isn't Avina's first go around with student organization. "My first year in ASI I served as a director of business and public administration. I was elected as the vice president of finance for the 2006- 07 year and now recently was elected ASI president for the 2007-08 year. In this role, I serve as a representative of the student body to the administration, faculty, staff, and community-at-large. Likewise, I also inform the students about ongoing issues that can impact their financial and academic status in the CSU system."
When she's not busy in her elected role the near 21-year-old is working for her future. She's a double major in business administration and computer science. "In business, I have a double concentration in management and management information systems (MIS). My career interest is geared towards the business field, or corporate law," she detailed.
"My goal is to graduate with my bachelor's of science in business administration in spring 2008 and continue with my bachelor's of science in computer science. Down the line, I do plan on entering a master's in business administration program. As for ASI, my ultimate goal is to extend our focus towards advocacy. We have had successful efforts focusing on programming, and though we plan to continue those efforts, my hope is to broaden our goals to include student advocacy. Adding to our programming efforts, I would like to see more variety in what ASI offers. This includes not only the tangible items we give out, but also the way we advertise to students and accommodate based on their needs."
The Bakersfield native started at CSUB in the fall of 2004 and is currently working as a contractor at the Kern River Office for Chevron North America Exploration and Production. "I work in the learning and development department where I help administrate the training that is offered to employees and business partners. In addition, I also build online training modules that are required for employees in our business unit. I started working there as part of the STARS program at the age of 17."
Avina has helped continue the family tradition of Roadrunners. "I am the middle child in a family of three children," she said. "I have an older sister who graduated from CSUB in June 2006 and have a younger brother who just graduated from Golden Valley High School and will be starting at CSUB this fall."
She's thankful for her experience at the university. "CSUB has opened several opportunities for me. I have been able to experience a variety of opportunities by being involved in academic, support, and leadership programs. I was part of the College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP) upon entering CSUB as a freshman. I also became involved in Theta Sigma Chi, the Latina sorority. I held various positions in the sorority including public relations director, sergeant at arms, and president."
When she gets any free time, which she doesn't seem to have much of "I am a person who likes to keep busy. I enjoy listening to music, going to the gym, dancing, watching movies, traveling, hanging out with my family and friends, and above all just talking to people. Also, whenever I have a chance I try to make time to watch my all-time favorite show 'The Simpsons,'" she said.