Gissel Jayasi is a sophomore serving San Antonio College as the 2023-2024 Student Government Association (SGA) parliamentarian. Jayasi plans to transfer to Texas A&M–San Antonio in the fall to complete her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Licensed Professional Counseling. SAC Student News recently sat down with Jayasi to discuss her service with the SGA.
SSN: What are some of your hobbies and are you a part of other clubs?
GJ: As far as hobbies go, I am a very tedious person; school is my life. I am president of the Dreamers Club for undocumented students, immigrants and allies. I created that club the first semester that I came to SAC. Aside from that and SGA, I’m on the Student District Council as the primary delegate. I’m in the Honors Academy as well, but yeah, that’s basically how I spend most of my time.
SSN: What made you want to serve the SAC community?
GJ: As a Dreamer, I have always wanted to publicly advocate for immigrants who fear to speak up, as I had hoped someone would do for me. Before I joined SGA or created any clubs, I would think of what I could do or say to help those around me. Having nowhere specific to go helped me realize the Dreamers Club is a must, and serving in the SGA is how I can build that up while advocating for students.
SSN: When you ran for Parliamentarian, what were your main priorities?
GJ: I hoped to advocate for students, especially Dreamers. We are a big campus that has events going on every day, but there is much more than that. There is a community that needs help. Serving the community is the only way to know the deeper issues that need attention.
SSN: Do you feel like you were able to deliver on those priorities?
GJ: I know I was able to deliver what I could. You really had to know people to get your foot in the door. My peers and I were able to obtain scholarships for the Dreamers Club from [former SAC] President Dr. Naydeen [González-De Jesús]. I just hope that those who aren’t as connected can obtain what they need to deliver on their priorities.
SSN: What is your proudest achievement as SGA parliamentarian?
GJ: It was recently when we got the [Dreamer’s] scholarships. Since we created the club, we have not missed one fundraising opportunity. It was fundraising and gathering that money to create scholarships. We were able to create one scholarship, and someone else donated another. I was telling [Dr. Naydeen] all these things, and she was like, “I’ll donate five.” Five undocumented students receiveded the scholarships, and that’s one thing I feel like I achieved.
SSN: How has serving on the SGA benefited you?
GJ: I’ve had the opportunity to see leaders from around the state and unfortunately, not all leaders are good leaders or have the best intentions, which has really shown me the type of leadership role I want to play in society. I feel that I mostly learned respect. Knowing when to stop conversations [if needed] and when to continue them. Knowing how to say ‘no’ and not being afraid.
SSN: What do you want students to know about SGA?
GJ: I’d like students to know that it’s not all beneficial; it takes a toll on your mental health. It has on mine. It’s important to remember that most people are trying their best. You can’t always see everything that’s happening; there is a lot more going on.
SSN: Applications to run for four of the five SGA officer positions are open until tomorrow. What advice would you offer to anyone who might be considering an SGA officer position?
GJ: A lot is going on at every moment, good things as well as bad. Seeing other people run is great, but that is why it is important to become an [associate]officer and see what you would be going through and doing. Ask hard questions and be aware of the hardships that are to come.
Read Next: Applications Open for Student Government Association
