NY Student Council NY Elections 2025/2026

Student Council Elections are on for the 2026 year!

You can vote at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/FFHSXD6 through Tuesday, December 16th.

Here is a sample ballot with introductions to the candidates and job descriptions. Participate in your college and VOTE!

Pacific College of Health and Science – New York

Student Council Elections – 2026

BALLOT

Voting is online

POSITIONS DESCRIPTIONS & CANDIDATE INTROS (alphabetical by last name)

CANDIDATE INTRODUCTIONS

KARIMA ABOUBAKR (MASSAGE REP)

I’m running for Massage Representative because I care about our campus community as a whole Massage, Acupuncture, Herbs, Nursing, everyone. I want every program to feel seen, supported, and included. We all deserve clear communication, equal access to opportunities, and a council that’s organized and actually works for students.

Being involved in SC this term made me realize how much potential we have, but also how much we need to improve. The way Student Council has been running for years hasn’t really been working for anyone. We can’t keep doing things the same way and expect different results. Nothing changes if nothing changes. I want to be part of the shift toward a council that listens, follows through, and creates real structure so every student feels represented.

I’ve already tried to bring that energy like helping push for and coordinate the Massage workshop that SC funded and promoted. That moment showed me that when we speak up and advocate for our programs, things actually move. I want to keep that momentum going, not just for Massage, but for every program that deserves a fair voice.

I’m organized, approachable, and I genuinely care about people. I’m willing to put in the work, communicate clearly, and help build a Student Council that feels united instead of disconnected. I want us to create a space where students trust us, feel included, and know that their concerns won’t get lost. We need to be the change we want to see and I’m ready to show up and be part of that.

ANGIE ASSAL (SERGEANT AT ARMS; HERBS REP)

My name is Angie Assal, and I’m a currently student in the Acupuncture and Herbs program.  I’m attaching my bio to submit myself for the running of either Herbs Rep or Sergeant at Arms (if I can only choose one, then I’ll run for Sergeant at Arms).

As someone who was the PCHS social media content creator for the last year, I’ve grown friendly across various sections and majors of the student body.  I know what the various personalities are like and how to navigate balancing them together for events and meetings, to ensure that they go smoothly and that any issues or problems are resolved.  I developed this skill across my various previous careers – being an elementary school art teacher, working in manufacturing, owning a small business, producing music and dance shows, and working extensively with special needs students.  Having this array of experiences developed my empathy seeing as I’ve been on various places of “supply chain,” which helps me understand where people are coming from and enhanced my ability to meet them halfway.  Working with special needs children and show production in particular is where I was placed in environments where emotional tension was more frequent, and I honed in on my ability to diffuse high-intensity situations.  The most important bit, however, is that I love the student body at Pacific College, and being able to serve on the student council in this way would be an immense honor.  I will always do my best to bring honesty, dedication, consistency, diplomacy, and a light-hearted jubilance to Pacific College and Student Council.

HYUN JEONG KIM (TREASURER)

Hello, my name is Hyun Jeong Kim and I go by Hailey. I began my journey at PCHS in Fall 2023 as an MSAc student but recently switched to MSAcCHM this year.

I anticipate passing my first-year COMPS for acupuncture session this December and continuing to build my knowledge in both acupuncture and herbs. This is my first time running for Student Council, and I look forward to the opportunity to be a part of it. I would like to run as a treasurer to handle accounting for all funds designated for the student council.

My goal is to distribute the funds fairly among the student body by introducing meaningful events and experiences that will help us acquire the deeper knowledge we all desire at school. I understand that the SC is responsible for spending funds collected in a given term to benefit the students who contributed during that term. I am excited to work together with the SC to find out what would really benefit the students and plan the budgets according to the needs of the student body.

I worked at a pain management office for three years and an acupuncture clinic for about two years. In both workplaces, I handled some bookkeeping tasks, which involved recording, organizing, and categorizing expenses. I feel comfortable using Microsoft Teams and will be able to transition smoothly after receiving training from the previous board members.

MARIE LYNCH (VP)

Hi everyone! I’m Marie Lynch, a student in the Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine program here at Pacific College. I started in January 2023 and have really enjoyed connecting with students across all programs.

Before joining PCHS, I served on the Transfer Student Council at Clemson University and held leadership roles in my sorority and community events such as Relay for Life. This semester, I’ve also served as the Interim Floating Representative, where I’ve gained valuable insight into how our Student Council operates, the initiatives we support, and the concerns students have shared. These experiences have reinforced how essential communication and collaboration are in building an engaged, supportive community.

If elected Vice President, my goals are to strengthen communication and transparency, promote equity across all programs, and create more events that bring students together, enhance our learning, and celebrate the hard work we do each semester. I also plan to improve Council organization through subcommittees, ensuring everyone’s ideas have the space and structure to turn into action. More specifically, I hope to introduce a monthly Student Council newsletter and calendar to keep students informed, a yearly formal to build community, and a series of anonymous feedback forms where students can voice concerns, participate in mental health check-ins, and nominate peers for Student of the Month.

I’m passionate about making sure every student feels included, heard, and represented– because that’s what real community looks like.

AISHAH MUHAMMAD (Acu REP)

Hi my name is Aishah Muhammad and I nominate myself to be a representative for Acupuncture with a concentration in Chinese Herbal Medicine chair. I think I am the right person for the job because I would like to address some issues the student body has. One of the issues includes lack of affordable transportation. Pacific College currently has a student discount plan for the MTA trains but not for the NYC ferry or for NJ transit buses. Other schools provide student discounts for commuters for all transportation services and I would like to try to do the same and make it more affordable to come to class. I have taken the initiative and have already talked with people at Bus Port Authority about how we can create a partnership between PCHS and transportation services in order to offer a student discount on monthly passes. I have also reached out to NYC ferry and suggested a student discount for college/graduate students to the Operations and Ticketing Managers for consideration in their future programs. I would also like to address the issue of scheduling classes. Many students have difficulty registering for classes because there aren’t many sections for certain classes and sometimes all of the sections are on the same day. If the class is an essential or prerequisite class, they are forced to take it on a day they are not very available or take it next term. As a representative I would act as a liaison between students and deans in order to try and help students register for classes more easily. I would also like to try and reinstate the PCHS NY Herb club back into use in order to create a community in which students who are taking herb classes are able to come together to help one another as well as host educational events from masters in this field.

My past experiences include hosting interfaith conversations and dialogues for my mosque. This included hosting events such as Religion and Racism, which aimed to discuss how different religious teachings can be used to combat racism. Another event I hosted was called World Crisis: The Need for Peace. It aimed to bring about different religious groups together to talk about the concept of peace within their faiths and discuss how different religious teachings can bring about world peace. These events both involved speakers which included a Murrabi (Muslim missionary), Christian priest, Buddhist monk, Rabbi, and a Hindu representative. I have also run clubs (RU Indigenous and AMSAW) as a student during undergraduate college as treasurer and president in which I have planned, organized, funded and hosted educational events and social gatherings. These experiences has trained me to communicate with people of different backgrounds as well as bring people together in order to reach common ground in order to find possible solutions to problems. These skills can be used to address issues the student body may have and suggest solutions to them, host social events in which students can gather for fun, and create a community in which we support one another and foster an open dialogue of what the student body needs.

JESSICA PRICE (PRES)

Hello, my name is Jessica Price and as the current Student Council President, I am seeking re-election. I have been on Student Council since January 2025 and in September I stepped into the role of President. As a member, I have organized numerous needle labs and end of term parties. As President, I campaigned and brought on several new members including massage students and a nursing student. I also advocated for Student Council members to attend our tricampus symposium in San Diego. Also, 14 massage students were able to attend a stretch seminar under my Presidency.  There will be more to come too!

When I went to Symposium a few weeks ago, I went with the intention of helping to create connections between our current students and companies like KPC herbs, Treasure of the East, and Blue Poppy. These three companies want to support us in our journey as students and hopefully after, too.  Many of our New York students could not attend Symposium so I forged connections with you all in mind.

My goal as President is to be a bridge between students. Every student on campus should be supported. Whether you are a nursing, massage, herbal, and/or acupuncture student. I want to see our students thriving and supported. As the Student Council President, and hopefully in the future, I aim to bring students together through connection and community.

If we have yet to meet or be introduced, I would love to get to know you! If we do know one another, I would love to know how you think I could be a better Student Council President in this term, or in the future. Please reach out to me if you would like. I have just over three terms left in my time at Pacific College and would like to make it the best for all of us.

RAY SHEEN (ALUMNI REP)

Hello everyone, my name is Ray Sheen and I’m excited to be running for Student Council as your Alumni Representative. I’ve had the honor of serving on the Student Council previously—first in 2024 as Floating Representative/Vice President and most recently in 2025 as Alumni Representative. During my tenure on Council, I have been a fierce advocate for student concerns and a collaborative problem solver, working with administration and fellow students to navigate challenges and elevate the student experience. I also supported our academic growth by coordinating needle labs and ensuring students had access to hands-on, supportive learning opportunities.

Beyond academics, I am passionate about building an inclusive and empowered student community. I organized and curated the 2024 Pride Month Speaker Series, bringing in acupuncture, massage therapy, and nursing professionals to speak on culturally competent care for queer patients. I also founded the Queer Student Alliance to give LGBTQ+ students a space to connect and advocate for their needs. I believe in listening to diverse perspectives and strengthening our alumni network so it remains engaged and supportive of current students. I would be honored to continue that work as your Alumni Representative.

BENNY SPOTT (PRES)

Hello, I am Benjamin (Benny) Spott and I am running for Student Council President. This coming year I begin my senior internship as an MSAc student. I have served on SC for the past two years; in 2024 I was the Sargent-At-Arms, I am currently the Treasurer. I’ve taken time to understand how Student Council works, and to know our professors, administration, and the facilities staff. It is my goal to run student council efficiently and effectively. I would like to improve coordination between the entire PCHS community and Student Council. I want add value back into our busy time at school. Continuing the work of organizing needle labs, massage labs, and review sessions. Encouraging and supporting clubs alongside SC, we can have frequent educational and social events with food/drink. Student Council is by the students, for the students. I’d like all students to participate in this community; Acupuncturists, Massage Therapists, and Nurses.

As an undergrad student I was president of two student organizations and led both through significant transitions. For more than 10 years I’ve worked as a tutor and a professor. I teach a range of undergrad science courses and tutor most subjects. Through my 3 years learning Acupuncture I feel the many struggles we face as students. Let us make the most of our time here at Pacific College of Health & Science. If you have any questions for me, please reach out. [email protected]

RENEE WHITEHEAD (VP; MASSAGE REP)

My name is Renee Whitehead. I am interested in serving as Vice President and Massage Representative because I am passionate about contributing to a positive and unified school community. I believe strong leadership is rooted in communication, organization, and compassion—qualities I have developed through my work and personal experiences. As a licensed esthetician, massage therapy student at Pacific College of Health & Science, and Department of Education paraprofessional, I have gained valuable skills in teamwork, leadership, and client care that align with the responsibilities of these roles.

In addition to my professional background, I am the founder of HolyHandsNYC, a wellness brand that reflects my commitment to healing, creativity, and service. I would be honored to use my experience to represent my classmates, help plan meaningful events, and support the continued growth of our massage therapy community.

GRACE ZHAO (HERB REP)

Hello, I’m Grace Zhao, a third-year student in the MsAcCHM program, and I’m running for Herb Representative on the Student Council. As herb students, we often find ourselves fully absorbed in single herbs, formulas, overwhelming our brains with the Pinyins, the Latins, as well as the polymorphic looks of the herb samples, that we may turn a deficient attention to student activities and socials. Our herbal perspective therefore may not always be fully represented in Student Council events. If elected, I hope to help bring more herbal visibility into our community spaces, whether through brain-nourishing teas, immune-boosting blends, mini-lectures, or food-as-medicine treats—to strengthen our connection with the materia medica we study and share their benefits with the wider student body.

Before coming to PCHS, I was wearing my “left-brain hat,” having earned a PhD in Computer Science. In my previous graduate program, I organized the school’s first-ever meditation series and invited meditation teachers from the Chan Meditation Center, Shambhala Meditation Center, and Brahma Kumaris World Peace Center. The series became so well-received that mental health became a regular event theme of Student Council for stressed out graduate students.

I can be reached at [email protected]. Thank you for your support.”

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Description of The Executive Board

The Executive Board is separate from the general membership which is open to all registered students without any discrimination.

Members of the Executive Board Officers include:

President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Program Reps from each of the colleges programs (MsAc, MSTOM, Massage, Nursing etc.).

Program Representatives can also hold other positions on the Executive board along with being a program representative.

DESCRIPTION OF JOBS AND REQUIREMENTS

 President Is the chairperson of the General Business meeting with full student body as well as the Executive Board Meetings. The President has general control and supervision, oversees the business of the  Student Council and has full administrative power to implement the functioning of the Bylaws.  President must be aware of all sections of the Bylaws and should be able to run meetings using Robert’s Rules of Order.  The President should be able to spend time working with all members of the Board and must be available for meetings of the general membership, Town Halls with Administration, monthly meetings.

tings with administrative liaison and be available generally to oversee all aspects of the Student Council. Students cannot run for President if they are leaving or graduating before next elections at end of Fall Term unless a plan for succession is in place at the time of the election.

Recommended prior experience: Previous experience on a board of directors.  Head or manager of a business of any type.  Administrative experience.  Can use Microsoft Teams. Must be organized.

 Vice President shall assist the President as required.  The Vice President will act in the absence, incapacity, resignation or removal of the President and will be granted all powers and responsibilities of the President.  They will be responsible for coordination of all committees within the SC. They shall hold the calendar and coordinate all events including Town Halls, Parties, meetings, Labs and more.   Students cannot run for VicePresident if they are leaving or graduating before next elections at end of Fall Term except Massage students who disclose their status in the program.

Recommended prior experience: Previous experience on a board of directors, Manager of a business of any type.  Some Administrative experience including scheduling. Can use Microsoft Teams. Must be organized and able to handle calendars.

Treasurer is the Chief Financial Officer of the SC and is responsible for handling and accounting for all funds designated for SC.  The Treasurer will prepare a report for each meeting regarding the financial state of the SC and they will also be responsible to create a budget for the full term of newly elected executive board.  The SC is responsible for spending as much of the funds collected in any given term to benefit the students who contributed during that term.  Students cannot run for Treasurer  if they are leaving or graduating before next elections at end of Fall Term except if a Massage student who discloses their status in the program.

Recommended prior experience: Previous experience on a board of directors, financial manager of any type of business organization, accounting experience, bookkeeping experience.  Can use Microsoft Teams. Must be able to balance budgets, work well with financial officers of PCHS as well as bank deposits, check ordering and do payroll and use checks.  Must be organized and able to balance check books, understand statements and make reports in a timely manner.

Secretary will be responsible for keeping the minutes of each meeting, handle all correspondence and records for the SC and shall be responsible for sharing information to the student body including newsletters and social media. The Secretary is the standing chair of the Media and Communications committee.  The Secretary will be responsible for setting up all recordings for meetings and ensuring all minutes of meetings are given to the administrative liaison and placed in Teams.  Students cannot run for Secretary if they are leaving or graduating before next elections at end of Fall Term unless a Massage student who discloses their status in the program.

Recommended prior experience: Previous experience on a board of directors.  Adept at creating newsletter, handling correspondence, keeping notes and using e mail and have some experience with Microsoft Teams. Being organized is important.

Floating Representatives will replace any officer in the case of their absence, incapacity, removal or resignation and will gain all working knowledge of the functions and responsibilities of all jobs within. The Floating Representatives are also responsible to oversee all clubs, their budgets and meetings.

Recommended prior experience: Should be able to learn quickly and have experience in many if not all of the above jobs. They may have worked on Executive Boards previously.

Sergeant At Arms must be well versed in Robert’s Rules of Order and will assist the President in the creation of agendas for all meetings. They will run the “time” of meetings and maintain proper voting protocol and discussion process.

Recommended prior experience: Should have worked on executive boards or similar previously.  Have an even temper, be secure and confident and understand personalities and needs students may have to express themselves.  They must be able to work closely with all on the Executive Board. Students cannot run for Sergeant at Arms  if they are leaving or graduating before next elections at end of Fall Term unless a Massage student who discloses their status.

Program Representatives:

Must be enrolled within the program they represent.  Must have general meetings with some members of the program they represent at least once a month in a common area of the school and report back to the full board with findings. They are responsible for assuring all students have a voice within the executive board of the SC by bringing problems, suggestions and ideas from students within their program to the board.  They are required to attend all SC board meetings as well as general meetings.

Recommended prior experience: Experience as a volunteer.  Able to be available to hear student grievances.  Organized and personable.