Although only in his first year at the University, Trinity freshman Amit Shah says he is not too intimidated to run for one of Duke Student Government's highest-ranking positions.
A current member of the facilities and athletics committee, Shah cited his familiarity with the surrounding issues of the position and his experience with key administrators of facilities management as his main qualification.
"I think that more than any of the other positions on DSG, this one is the one that the administration needs our feedback on the most," Shah said. "I know what angle to take to get the student position across to them. Because of that, I think that I would be able to get things passed more easily."
In addition to his DSG background, he said he is currently working toward becoming an Eagle Scout, something he said has also given him experience with the kind of planning necessary for the position he desires.
For an Eagle Scout project, for example, Shah organized children into groups to build an army base obstacle course, a feat that included raising money for supplies and obtaining plans from a contractor.
If elected, Shah said he plans to continue working on issues that were raised this year, including the opening of a new recreational facility on West Campus.
"I think that instead of improving little things in the older gyms, such as adding a new stair master or tread mill, we should try to get the proposed new gym open on time," he said. "I think that would have a greater impact."
Shah said would also like to revoke the three year housing mandate, which is currently only in effect for the freshman class. He added that he is also concerned with parking and handicap accessibility.
"Getting more parking will be very hard to do," Shah said. "I want to get some kind of pamphlet to tell people when and where they can park. I would also like to make some of the restricted zones less restrictive."
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