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WA SEN Virtual Constitutional Day Event: Shaping the Future Through Civic Engagement

91.3 KBCS WA SEN Virtual Constitutional Day Event Recap

On September 17, 2024, the WA Student Engagement Network (WA-SEN) hosted its annual Virtual Constitutional Day Event. This event brought together students across Washington to highlight the importance of civic participation and share their experiences. Hosted by Kayla Hoy, a 2023 PSU graduate, and co-hosted by Monica Yu, WA-SEN King Region Coordinator, the event inspired attendees to become more engaged in their communities.

Meet Monica Yu: Student Leader & Cultural Advocate

Monyu Yu, shown in the attached image, is a Bellevue College student and regional coordinator for WA-SEN (Washington Student Engagement Network). With a background in International Business Management, she brings a blend of cultural awareness and a passion for creative expression. The image captures her standing outside in a formal environment, wearing a plaid top underneath a blazer. Her hair is long, and her facial expression is serene and confident, reflecting her academic achievements and active involvement in various student organizations at Bellevue College, including the Associated Student Government and Makerspace Club.

Monica Yu is a second-year transfer student at Bellevue College, where she is pursuing a business transfer degree. She completed her first degree in International Business Management from FIT NYC’s South Korea campus. During the event, Monica encouraged students to recognize their own “civic superpowers,” emphasizing that everyone can make a difference. She also reminded participants to ensure their voter registration is up to date.

Active on her campus, Monica is involved with the Associated Student Government, the Japanese Exchange Club, and Makerspace. Her passion for fostering international connections and advocating for cultural awareness made her a standout speaker at the event. Monyu’s commitment to creative expression and community involvement is an example of how students can use their skills to contribute meaningfully to society.

 

Richie Martinez: Building Strong Communities

In the image, Richie Martinez is outdoors with a lighthouse in the background on a clear, partly cloudy day. He is smiling, wearing black-rimmed glasses and a white shirt with a blue-collared zipper jacket layered over it. His head is shaved, and he has a well-kept goatee. The lighthouse, standing tall to his right, suggests a coastal location with the sea visible behind him. The atmosphere is calm and scenic, with a sense of nature and open space.

Richie Martinez, WA-SEN Columbia Region Coordinator, shared his insights on building strong communities through civic engagement. As a senior studying Cyber Security at Columbia Basin College, Richie highlighted the significance of post-secondary credentials to meet the growing demand for 740,000 jobs. He stressed the importance of sharing personal stories with legislators, particularly those from students of color, to advocate for policies that impact them directly.

Richie’s involvement with WA-SEN began in 2022 as a student liaison. Now, as a regional coordinator, he continues to inspire students to participate in civic activities. He encouraged attendees to apply for WA-SEN internships, which provide stipends without affecting financial aid, making it easier for students to gain experience and influence public policy.

Deputy Secretary of State Randy Bolerjack: Your Story Matters

Randy Bolerjack, Washington’s Deputy Secretary of State, closed the event by urging students to stay involved in policy discussions. He reinforced the idea that voting is just one aspect of the democratic process. Randy emphasized that sharing personal stories with policymakers can have a lasting impact on legislation. His message was clear: “Learn, listen, and let your voice shape the future.”

Randy also highlighted the value of public administration as a career path for those interested in policy-making. He encouraged students to explore opportunities to engage with local and state government to drive change.

Support Your Community Radio

The WA-SEN event showed that student voices matter. Opportunities to participate are still available through internships and grants. Civic engagement builds stronger communities, and your story has the power to make a difference. Also, 91.3 KBCS and WA SEN have one major goal in common, informing the community of its civic powers!

At KBCS, we believe that student voices are essential for shaping the future of civic engagement and public policy. WA-SEN’s Virtual Constitutional Day was a powerful reminder that every story can create change. To continue supporting important programs like this, we need your help. By donating to 91.3 KBCS, you enable us to keep producing meaningful content that empowers the next generation of leaders. Your contribution matters.

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