Layla Alaswad (she/her/they/them)
Hi! My name is Layla Alaswad, and I’m running to be your ASDC President! As your ASDC Secretary for the past year, I’ve gained valuable insight into the structure of student government and the issues prevalent in our campus, as well as familiarizing myself with student leaders, faculty, and administration over the previous year. I made massive strides in the development of campus policies and procedures. Notably, I co-authored multiple resolutions and collaborated with resource specialists to provide new opportunities for students.
As ASDC President, a few of my goals for ASDC are to establish a way for clubs to have an active role and voice in the planning of student events; create an active campus life, and engage students with opportunities for representation in district-wide and state-wide advocacy efforts. Clubs on campus are integral to creating a diverse campus life. I plan on collaborating with our Inter-Club Council to create easier methods of communication within clubs, which will promote opportunities for clubs to plan events with the help of ASDC or collaborate during our monthly College Hour.
As an Officer for the Politics and Law Club, I developed a bridge between our student body and the Student Senate of California Community Colleges (SSCCC). Aligning with this state-wide organization allowed Delta College to promote solutions to a wider audience. In March, the Politics and Law Club joined the ASDC board for “March in March”, a march advocating for affordable higher education, student housing, and environmental justice. If elected, I'd expand on these efforts by inviting students to attend an Advocacy Workshop in Sacramento this Fall Semester. Opportunities like this should be accessible to students despite the stigma surrounding community colleges.
My philosophy is that students should feel comfortable voicing their concerns without consequences. My goal as a representative and face of the student body is to ensure student voices and concerns are heard. This can be achieved through outreach by utilizing surveys regarding matters impacting students. A proper grievance process will allow students to anonymously report or discuss campus issues. Student perspectives from our remote campuses are under-represented, and I will leverage my position to bring their concerns to light at administrative discussions.
I truly love Delta College and the community that it has created. I am so excited to be continuing my efforts by being given this opportunity. I hope I have earned your vote and confidence in me as the next ASDC President!
Daniela Romo (she/her)
Hello. My name is Daniela Romo (in case you missed it) and I’m running for ASDC president. I have been at Delta for a year and a half. I am an English and Political Science major and a part of the Speech and Debate team. I’m running for all the students who struggle but don’t speak for themselves.
I originally came to Delta as an excuse to quit my job. I worked as a dental assistant straight after high school (the lady who uses a tube to suck up saliva while the dentist drills) and became so depressed I stopped eating. I came to Delta, not because it was the best option but because it was my only option. I’ve been in the shoes of most students. I’ve done school online so I can work full-time to help my family; I’ve been a full-time student supported by my parents. Currently, I work part time for the only Chicano Studies professor on campus. I grade written papers, so I also happen to know how behind our students really are.
It’s no secret that Stockton USD sucks—even more so with Covid. The transition from fully in person to fully online classes was something we never fully bounced back from. Students are cripplingly behind. Most people can’t format MLA style. People can’t navigate Canvas. You have tech savvy students still using a Google Doc to type because they don’t know the school offers Microsoft word. This doesn’t even begin to cover the issues online students have. It’s the little things that build up to ruin the overall experience at Delta.
When the library Wi-Fi doesn’t work, it takes weeks to see a counselor, and Danner Hall serves anything but fresh food, nobody can bear to be on campus for more than their classes. People aren’t proud to go to Delta. But for many, I know Delta is their only option, and their only hope. I believe Delta is the place to correct the wrongs of SUSD and provide all students with the building blocks they need to transfer or get their certificate. When the transfer rate at Delta is only 8%, the most important thing is building up student confidence and arming them with the right tools to continue improving. For all students, whether it’s the single mother online or the high schooler taking their first course, they should have a right to basic amenities, digital literacy, extracurriculars, and a dignified campus.
I myself am not intimidating. I have a voice like a Walmart John Mulaney and walk without moving my arms. I am a Mexican immigrant and the first in my family to go to college. I hope to become an immigration lawyer, so vote for me if you want a discounted green card (for legal reasons that is a joke!). And as the eldest daughter in a Hispanic family, I can tell you that if there’s one thing I do, it’s get things done.
Miranda Cooper
“Thank you”