The following is the response to a Northern Star questionnaire sent to all SGA candidates. Answers have been lightly edited for clarity and consistency.

Villeda is running for a senator position for an NIU Colleges & Academics seat.

Introduction

To introduce myself, I am Breanna Villeda. I am a freshman at Northern Illinois University and a Health and Human Science major with intended Nursing. I am from Des Plaines, Illinois, fun fact I live 5-10 mins away from O’Hare Airport. I am a Patient Care Technician at Elmhurst Memorial Hospital, I am a brand ambassador for Nordic Beach Apparel and part of the Sigma Sigma Sigma Sorority.

Why do you want to be in the Student Government Association?

I want to be part of the Student Government Association at NIU because as a Latina woman, I feel like there have been many times where I felt like my voice wasn’t heard. In a time like now, I think it more important than ever to stand up and make my voice heard. I want to represent people whose voices are often unheard and be the change they need.

What do you hope to accomplish during your term?

If elected, I intend to create more student involvement. I am looking forward to working with my community to help resolve any issues or concerns that have not yet been addressed. I am also looking forward to creating a space where my community can easily come to me with their concerns, I want to create open communication. As a Health and Human Science major, I know how stressful our courses can be so I want to help my community gain access to emotional support and even create virtual study sessions.

Why should students vote for you?

I am not a shy person, when I feel something is unjust, I will speak up and use all my effort to solve it. I live to solve problems and make things better. As an older sibling and caretaker, I am hardworking and I love to stand up for people, especially people who may not have a voice. Coming from such a diverse family and community, I believe I can relate to so many people and am able to see things from all perspectives. I will not judge you or see your issues as irrelevant, I will investigate all matters seriously. If you want someone who is a great listener, hard-working, respectful, and strong to have your back, you should vote for me.

What do you think is NIU’s biggest area of improvement? 

One of my main concerns is campus involvement. With the current global pandemic, many students at NIU aren’t able to get involved. With students staying home this year and the current COVID guidelines, there aren’t many ways for students to have access to different events. Although there is hope fall semester might look a little “normal”, I believe we need to prepare for the instance that we need may need to continue online courses and social distancing. With that being said, I want to create more social events via Microsoft Teams or other platforms for students to interact with one another. Whether this is your first year or your last, I believe it is important for students to network and have people to go to when school and life gets a little stressful.

Why is student government important to you? Why should the student body care about it? 

The student government is important to me because it gives the students a chance to make decisions for themselves. The SGA allows students to voice their concerns and make a change. The student body should care about the SGA because what we do and say affects everyone, it will affect how the campus aides the student population.

The Northern Star is publishing the candidates’ responses to our questions as they are given to us. The Northern Star is not endorsing SGA candidates.