Eight years ago I invited former Cal State Long Beach President Robert Maxson to speak to my ninth-grade class about The Beach. He came and, instead of speaking about academics, he spoke about the “college experience.”
It was that day that I learned a very valuable insight into what college is, what it could be and really what it should be. He said, “If the only thing you do in college is go to class, then you have not had the full college experience.”
I took that to heart and have taken full advantage of every opportunity that The Beach has presented me. While maintaining a 3.67 GPA, I joined my fraternity — Delta Chi — and have been on the executive board in three different positions including vice president.
I have worked for three years at The Beach as a college adviser for high school students in the surrounding area, where I promoted our campus and all of its highlights. I took advantage of the study abroad opportunities and studied in London for a semester.
I am currently the vice president of The Beach Model United Nations. In short, I have dedicated my college years to the development of a truly sound education and now I am looking to make sure that others have the same opportunities as I have had.
I am happy to be supporting Avis Atkins for ASI president and Piero Sandoval for ASI treasurer. I believe that together we can bring a new direction to ASI!
I am running for ASI vice president to:
• First and foremost be the student voice on important matters
• Develop ASI’s abilities to assist student organizations
• Help raise student participation on campus 10-15 percent
• Focus on student involvement in Beach Athletics
• Increase campus notoriety and participation in the surrounding community of Long Beach
• Help foster a unique and memorable “college experience” for all students
I have lived and worked in Long Beach my entire life. I have the policy experience needed to do a great job as ASI vice president and the contacts in the community that will benefit the school. I have worked on three campaigns in the Long Beach community: a mayoral race, a California Assembly race, and a Long Beach City Council race. My desire to help the school is sincere, and my goals are admirable.
I will not make a promise I cannot keep and I will take a stand on important university issues. I know the job, I can do the job and, most importantly, I will do it best.
Thank You,
Matt Barnett
GO BEACH, GO BARNETT