Jesse Melgar, the current external vice president of the Undergraduate Students Association Council, was elected as the chairman of the University of California Students Association at their meeting, held in Berkeley from July 10 to 13. Melgar has served extensively in student government as the external vice president for USAC last year and again for this year. Last fall, he was the director of the Election INVASION Committee, a coalition of various political groups on campus that worked to get students to register to vote before the registration deadline. He is also the current president of Bruin Democrats and has previously served as USAC’s Legislative Liaison for the UCSA board. The Daily Bruin was able to speak with Melgar about his involvement in student government and his plans for the future.
Daily Bruin: How did you get involved in student government? Were you involved with it in high school?
Jesse Melgar: In high school, I was student body president and that was how I got involved.
DB: did you get your UCSA chair position?
JM: I was elected. Every year UCSA holds a congress, and this year I was elected chairman by the UCSA undergraduate and graduate students and staff.
DB: What does your position entail?
JM: Facilitating board meetings, which focus on affordability and accessibility. I work directly with students from other UCs and the UCSA staff.
DB: What are some of the things you would like to accomplish in the UCSA?
JM: Ensuring student representation, because as students we should be a part of the process that affects our education and how our money is spent.
DB: Is there anything you plan to do at UCSA specifically for UCLA?
JM: My first priority is UCLA. Coordinating the vote coalition is very important. The goal is to have 8,000 students vote in the next election. We are also holding voter education so they can make informed decisions about the candidates. The travel grant is also important because we are able to make sure funds are more available.
DB: Why is UCSA significant to students?
JM: There are many organizations that say that they are specifically for the students, but the UCSA is officially recognized as the voice of the students. We have a lot more history than most organizations. When we meet with legislators, it was recognized as both student-run and for the students. They have been able to get a few rollbacks from legislators in some years. The UCSA allows students to cross the “white line” (three students) and talk.
DB: How can students be more involved in UCSA and USAC?
JM: Many people are not aware how influential USAC is. It has about a $3-million budget. It is the most unused resource on campus. There is literally something for everyone because there are so many different offices to get involved in. UCSA facilitates dialogue among different campuses. It brings students together for them to brainstorm and provides a statewide framework.
DB: When you were a freshman, did you ever picture yourself in the position you are now?
JM: When I found out I was accepted to UCLA, I went on a campus tour with my family which starts at Kerckhoff. I saw the third- and fourth-floor (USAC) offices and I was very interested, but I would never have thought that I would be in the position I am now. It is really about how passionate you are, but it was never planned.
DB: What are your plans for the future?
JM: I am still debating between law school and public policy. If I choose law school, it will be immigration law because my father is an immigrant from El Salvador. I am a first-generation college student, so I understand the importance of the affordability and accessibility of education.