With Owen Naqica, the current Vice President of the Class of 2027, choosing to challenge incumbent President Zai Xiang for the presidency, a vacancy opened on the class officer board.
Soon after, Sonya Pokhrel announced her candidacy for the position Naqica would not be seeking reelection for.
“I was motivated to run for Class Vice President because I wanted to be able to actively contribute towards our class, and use my skills for the benefit of all. Class Vice President requires lots of time efficiency, organization, and collaboration, all skills I actively demonstrate. I want to be able to use these traits, and ensure the success of our class,” Pokhrel stated in an interview with The West Campus Times.
Pokhrel currently serves as the Class of 2027 Secretary, a position she was elected to unopposed during the last election season. Though new to the role, she has already established a strong presence in class activities.
She is frequently involved in Class of 2027 events, whether rallies or food fairs, dedicating her time to the betterment of the student experience.
“I would love to create more after school social events for not only our class, but others, to socialize and interact with one another. This would help connect our class with the underclassmen, and Seniors, helping support our West Campus mission of inclusivity and community. These events would include Movie Nights, after school food fundraisers, mini arts-n-crafts fairs, (etc.). With my experience with managing, and planning events, I am confident we can make this a reality!”
Pokhrel emphasizes promoting inter-class cooperation in the coming year, with plans to facilitate collaboration beyond rallies and into broader school life. She also stresses the importance of strong communication within the officer team.
“I plan on supporting the Class President but providing my assistance whenever it is needed, and using my past experience in Leadership to help take the decisions which best benefit our class,” she said. “I would work closely with all the officers, but would make sure to communicate with our President daily, to allow for more productivity and results for our class.”
Clear communication, Pokhrel notes, is critical for effective leadership and class representation in ASB-related matters. To encourage this, she added:
“I will work alongside my fellow officers and advisors to help organize and successfully implement class wide meetings where members of our class could come and ask questions, and discuss future events for our class.”
She hopes such initiatives will foster stronger community ties and greater student involvement.
Pokhrel also expressed her philosophy on leadership:
“The most important quality in a student leader is open-mindedness. Being a leader means that you will be representing and acting for your class. West Campus is an extremely diverse school with countless perspectives and ideas. In order to uplift and give these ideas a chance to flourish, you must be willing to accept and incorporate new ideas, different from your own.”
“A good student leader will always accept new and differing ideas in order to represent their class. and foster change, and a strong community.”
Pokhrel will face Ava Guerrero in the upcoming election, scheduled for May 23.
