New freshman class president ready to make a difference
Moe McGlynn – Jr. News Editor
HVCC’s new freshman class president, Bilal Elahi, is ready to make a difference as he’s “with, for and by the people.” Inspired by his older brother Manik Elahi, a former student of HVCC that ran in the student senate elections, he decided he wanted to do right by his brother by winning the election that his brother unfortunately lost in his election. Bilal is a transfer student originally from Lahore, Pakistan and when interviewed by the Hudsonian stated, “When I first came here it was a really hard time because I didn’t know the best English and I didn’t know how the humor works here, and humor is how I try to make friends.” Due to Bilal‘s own experience with meeting people in the US and after seeing how other transfer students struggle to meet new people, he wants to set up new activities and events around campus that will specifically bring transfer students and other students together. His goal is to make transfer students feel more welcomed to HVCC and much more comfortable communicating with fellow students across campus.
Bilal also previously ran in the Hudsonian’s elections for the position of Business Manager in which he added, “Unfortunately, I lost, Ledina won. She’s doing great right now, all good luck to her!” He now plans on taking his experience and skills in business to set up charity events at HVCC as well. “Student senate actually has a lot to offer,” says Bilal, “I mainly believe that students aren’t participating in all of the events because of covid but, I also don’t think they really know about what all is going on.” Bilal wants to work more interpersonally with the students at HVCC to figure out what students are currently interested in and want to participate in. While going around campus to gather his 200 signatures, Bilal told every student he met with, “I need lots of suggestions,” and that he received. He wants to continue to communicate with the students at school and come up with enough events that everyone attends at least one. Unfortunately, due to Covid-19 concerns on campus, some ideas aren’t up for discussion but, Bilal is determined to bring our school back up on its feet from the pandemic that knocked it down. More than anything, he wants to focus on making all students whether you’re transfer, minority, American, disabled, etc. all together, Nobody deserves to feel alone, “I see people every day sitting alone because they either don’t know how to communicate with other students or don’t want to,” Bilal explained. HVCC is a school of Vikings, we’re supposed to be warriors that unite as a team during hard times such as these, not become more distant than we already were.
Outside of school Bilal is very inspired by music and loves working on improving upon his vocal skills and guitar playing. On his YouTube channel, you can find videos of covers and live performances featuring him and even including other friends or family. He also stated that there will be a new music video released soon. Go support our new freshman student President not only by attending school events and activities but, also be sure to check out Bilal’s YouTube channel and send suggestions and ideas to him via his Instagram @bilalelahi03.
