Before this year, I had never been involved with Georgetown University Student Association in any way. I was positive that GUSA was a waste of time and a joke. The only reason I initially agreed to listen to Matt Wagner and Emmanuel Hampton’s pitch was that I knew Hampton through my involvement in the GU College Democrats. But Wagner and Hampton were so impressive and engaging that I felt compelled to give them my support, and I have since enthusiastically joined their campaign – much to the surprise of people who knew me as a cynic.

Three weeks ago, I couldn’t have told you much, if anything, about the main issues of the GUSA presidential election. Yet over these last few weeks and after many hours of conversation with Wagner and Hampton, I have learned about the current issues of interest in GUSA and I have slowly come to realize the important role that GUSA plays on our campus, and the need for students to get involved. Today, I proudly support Wagner and Hampton because I am absolutely convinced that the real, concrete solutions they offer will make a lasting difference in our community.

One of the main issues of this campaign is the newly passed funding reform.

Before this election, I was never really interested in club finance, so I wasn’t all that captivated when Wagner first tried to explain to me the way the club finance system works and the changes he and Hampton would like to see. I’m sure many students would have been just as bored as I was. But after really reflecting on what Wagner told me, I realized that his approach is exactly what this campus needs.

Unlike the recently passed radical reforms that were proposed by the incumbents, Wagner and Hampton envision a more limited solution, that focuses specifically on reforming the Student Activities Commission, which seems to be the advisory board that has caused the most nightmares for numerous student groups.

An even more important result of my discussions with Wagner is the insight I gained into his character. He is someone who thinks deeply and carefully about the issues and knows them like the back of his hand. Furthermore, he is of the rare breed of student who both takes his work seriously and is willing to poke fun at himself and acknowledge his flaws. I can say with certainty that Wagner has all the makings of a wise and thoughtful leader.

I have gotten to know Hampton better as well over the past few weeks, and I have been most impressed by how eager he is to listen to other students and absorb their input. It should come as no surprise that Emmanuel is running for GUSA vice president, because he has the most crucial characteristic of an effective student representative: an open mind. Emmanuel’s affability and approachability have enabled him to learn and understand students’ primary concerns, which are reflected in the Wagner-Hampton platform.

For example, one of the most unfair practices currently in place at Georgetown is the standard enforcement of the Code of Student Conduct policy, under which students can be held accountable for an offense if it is decided that it is more likely than not that they committed it. This low burden of proof undoubtedly leads to many innocent students being written up for things they did not do. Wagner and Hampton believe that students should have to be proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, which would be a fairer standard. Adjusting the write-up policy would be a simple, common-sense change that will make a positive impact on many students’ lives.

I know it’s easy to become disillusioned with GUSA and anything GUSA-related; I discounted GUSA for over two years. But, as students who care about our university, we have an obligation to do everything we can to make the Hilltop a better place. On Tuesday, we can do just that by electing two men of uncommon character and integrity: Matt Wagner and Emmanuel Hampton. If you give them a chance, this former cynic can promise they won’t let you down.

Parimal Garg is a junior in the College and a columnist for Hoya Sports.

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