Candidate Profile

Rohan Kumar

(He/Him)

My name is Rohan Kumar, and I am ecstatic to announce my candidacy for Senator in the University Senate. I am currently a sophomore studying Aerospace Engineering with a minor in Business, and I would be beyond excited to serve as a representative for the Grainger College of Engineering. I’ve always been a passionate person. If I knew I loved it, I stuck with it. Exhibit A and B would be space and sports, respectively. The former is the driving force behind my career choice and field of study, with the latter being something I’ve thoroughly loved and enjoyed for as long as I can remember. To me, passion isn’t just emotion, but action, which is why I chose to study Aerospace Engineering and continue my affinity for sports. Space and sports may not have taught me a lot about politics, but they have taught me a lot about life. Running track in high school taught me discipline and implanted a deep respect for those who teach. Sports taught me patience, which, trust me, can be difficult to have speaking as a lifelong Bears fan. Space taught me curiosity and wonder, which I know are essential to the decision-making process, for a creative solution is forged by a curious mind. As far as this position goes, I’ve always understood that anyone can make a difference. It doesn’t take one person to solve problems, nor should it. Communication is paramount and knowing how to communicate is equally important. Transparency isn’t just being open with those whom you report to, but it is even more important to be clear with those you represent. That is why I am running for this position. Participating in Model UN in high school, I have a good grasp of how processes like these function. Yet, I also understand how important it is that students feel their voices are heard. Each student has a different opinion, and I respect that. It would also be my job to portray and represent each opinion equally and fairly, which is what I fully intend to do if given the opportunity. Believe me, I know how different opinions can turn us against one another, but I also understand that our differences are what make us unique, and they shouldn’t be what tear us apart. I would take it upon myself to do my best and listen to every opinion, every voice, every mind. Each of us has the right to our opinions, as aforementioned, and just because a few of us are allowed to express those beliefs to those in power, it should not mean that not every voice gets heard. Ultimately, I recognize that this is an important position and I hope that you can consider me. I have a plethora of ideas to share and energy to bring, and I would be of great assistance to the students who make up this great institution and those who oversee it.