Meet the Government Major Who is Vice President of the Student Body: Veronica Mata

Andrew J Schappert — Wed, 01 Sep 2021 19:01:21 +0000

Meet the Government Major Who is Vice President of the Student Body: Veronica Mata Andrew J Schappert Wed, 09/01/2021 - 15:01

Veronica Mata: ‘I have always taken my leadership opportunities as a way to advocate for others, and being vice president is the perfect way to do that for me.’ Photo by Shelby Burgess/Creative Services

In a short period of time, Veronica Mata has accomplished much as a ��AV student. This semester she begins one of her crowning achievements, serving as vice president the student government.

Mata, a senior who is double-majoring in Government and International Politics at the Schar School and Integrative Studies at the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, came to Mason specifically to study in the Washington, D.C. area. Immersing herself in the school enhanced her experience and inspired her to become more involved.

“Throughout my time here I really fell in love with the campus and the organizations I was a part of,” she said. “Because of that excitement I had for the campus, I decided to join student government.”

She teamed up with fellow Schar School student Natalia Kanos in her successful campaign to be student body president.

“I have always taken my leadership opportunities as a way to advocate for others, and being vice president is the perfect way to do that for me,” said Mata.

Mata’s record of student involvement demonstrates her passion for leadership and academic service. At Mason, she has served as secretary, panhellenic delegate, and new member educator of the international women’s fraternity, Alpha Omicron Pi. She also served as for two years as clerk and government and community relations chair and co-chair of the ad-hoc Committee on Recruitment, Reorganization, and Representation.

Mata has worked as a research assistant at Mason and has conducted research for projects including Black Lives Next Door, which investigates the racial inequities that shaped community life on the outskirts of the Fairfax campus during the formative years of Mason.

When asked what her biggest takeaways from her experiences at Mason will be, Mata, who hopes to pursue law school after graduation, said, “Apart from the knowledge I have gained from my government classes, I think the greater lessons they have given me, combined with the leadership qualities I have been able to develop through student government, will give me the confidence I need to be successful in the future.”

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Vernonia Mata

student government

Leadership

Schar School News September 2021

Meet the Government Major Who Is Student Body President: Natalia Kanos

Andrew J Schappert — Mon, 23 Aug 2021 17:25:32 +0000

Meet the Government Major Who Is Student Body President: Natalia Kanos Andrew J Schappert Mon, 08/23/2021 - 13:25

Student body president Natalia Kanos: ‘A university exists because of students, and I want to make sure that students are heard and represented.’ Photo by Shelby Burgess/Creative Services

Natalia Kanos, the president of the ��AV student body, is motivated by more than good grades, good degrees, and a good job. The Schar School Government and International Politics major—with a second major in conflict analysis and resolution—draws inspiration from vivid personal experience.

“Growing up in Nigeria and experiencing ineffective government and violence pushed me towards [majors in] GVIP and conflict analysis as these degrees are exactly what I need to succeed in my path,” said Kanos, a senior.

Her journey from Nigeria to Mason was not easy, Kanos said, but one motivated by determination and drive to create positive change in the world.

“Being interested in politics, I knew being as close to [Washington, D.C.] would give me the knowledge and experience I need. My goal is to help developing countries in Africa. I want to help advise leaders to create policy that will positively help its citizens.”

Now, Kanos has risen to the highest position in Mason’s student government and says she is proud of representing the student body and is passionate about enacting change on campus—and beyond—throughout her term as President.

“I want to make sure that every individual has the tool, environment, and support they need to succeed and develop as an individual,” she said. “A university exists because of students, and I want to make sure that students are heard and represented.”

Kanos’ proudest accomplishments to date are successfully running a rigorous election campaign and the student-oriented programs she has enacted since being elected, including a menstrual pilot program that will provide free menstrual products on campus beginning this fall.

Kanos has also worked as a research assistant at the Mary Hoch Center for Reconciliation in the Carter School for Peace and Conflict Reconciliation and has served on the Anti-Racism and Inclusive Excellence Task Force as part of the Training and Development Committee.

After graduation, Kanos plans to continue her education to pursue graduate school while using the tools she has been taught in her undergraduate classes.

“These experiences have given me the knowledge, confidence and skill needed to walk in the right path,” she said. “It's given me what I need to be a well-rounded individual and to become a major force within the realm of government and international politics.”

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Natalia Kanos

Schar School News August 2021

Mariam Rahmani

Meet the Government Major Who is Vice President of the Student Body: Veronica Mata

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Meet the Government Major Who Is Student Body President: Natalia Kanos

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