-- Margaret A. Pribel

On May 20 his fellow senators voted Krishna Jha the new Student Senate president. When asked how he got started in Student Senate, he said, “It goes back to the private school I went to in Nepal.” Jha hints with a slightly bashful yet beaming smile, at a rebellious past that included a reluctance to speak English in school. Jha preferred Nepali, but only a few classes were taught in his native tongue. He became interested in politics, and since political affiliations or activities were not allowed, he became his high school student president. Jha was part of a group that worked to affect change at the school with a successful lockdown of the cafeteria that lasted two days.

He moved with his parents and siblings to Minnesota in 1999. After trying a few classes at other schools, he started taking classes at Metropolitan State University in 2000. The one thing that hooked him on Metropolitan State was getting involved in Student Senate in his second semester. He says, “Back then, Metro barely had any activities. I was one of the group that got the University Activities Board (UAB) started.”

When asked what qualities he brings to the Student Senate presidency, he dipped his head humbly and said, “I bring continuity to the Senate. I know a lot of the history of what has been going on and I can help the new senators get up to speed on issues. I want to help the new senators connect with the seasoned ones.” He added, “I’m very passionate about things and maybe a little effort on my part will help others.”

Jha’s mission for this year in Senate is based on this last election. “I learned that there are a large number of students that know nothing about Student Senate or even that we have one.” He wants to focus more on public relations with the new PR director, Valerie Novak, to increase this knowledge. “I want students to know that the Senate is here for them. I want students to feel free to share their ideas. I want students to know that I take it very seriously that they’re paying fees for the Student Senate and activities here and I want to get feedback from students.” He realizes that many students work full time, just as he does. He doesn’t expect everyone to join up with the Senate, but if there’s an area that students are interested in, they are welcome to contribute whatever time they do have.

He also wants students to be aware of Minnesota State University Student Association (MSUSA). “We pay fees to MSUSA, and it’s a good thing. We have more voice with seven universities in the association. Metro has been doing pretty good but we could use more people getting involved, more bodies will send an even larger message,” Jha says. “At the general assembly, the Lavender Bridge people stuck it out all day so Metro would be represented. If more people got involved, we could have shifts and it wouldn’t be such a burden on a few people. I am so grateful for the commitment and effort from Lavender Bridge. They were great.”

Jha points out, “Sixty percent of our student population is female. Is this population being represented? I don’t think so.” He would like to see a standing diversity committee in the future. He’s disappointed that Metro doesn’t already have one.

Another reason he likes Metropolitan State University is because it values diversity. “I’ve met so many people from all over the world here, and people of all ages; it’s something that makes Metro special.”

Jha is the first in his family to pursue a career outside of the medical and scientific fields. He is studying finance and economics and plans to pursue a graduate degree. Finance might sound like a greed-based career, yet Jha approaches it like a social service. He is truly concerned about others and plans on always staying involved in helping people and working to make this world a better place. Eventually, he would like to work for the World Bank in a third-world country where he could make a difference in people’s lives.

Jha wants to congratulate all the new and reelected senators, and is looking forward to making this university the best he can for everyone.

Students, administration, faculty and staff are welcome to contact Krishna Jha at jhakr@go.metrostate.edu.

The Metropolitan Home || Calendar || Commentary || Masthead || Contact
Metropolitan State University Homepage

All material © Metropolitan 2005, except as noted. All rights reserved.