 "Photo: Courtesy of Jamie Sohn")
As the newly elected President of ASUH (Associated Students of the University of Hawai‘i), Jamie Sohn's goals range from bolstering relationships with different departments to redoing ASUH's web site.
"The main thing is to strengthen the relationship between ASUH and other departments on campus. I'm looking to pull us all together," Sohn said, explaining that he would like to see ASUH become a hub connecting the numerous departments and registered independent organizations (RIOs) at the college.
Sohn also wants to improve the visibility of ASUH itself, either through advertising, campus events or word of mouth, with the ultimate goal of getting student viewpoints heard more often at the Hawai‘i State Legislature.
By early fall, Sohn also hopes to revamp ASUH's outdated web site.
"Right now it is kind of hidden," he said.
As for other current projects, Sohn says ASUH is working with the Campus Center Board Activities Council and UH Chancellor Virginia Hinshaw's office to plan a concert that will take place the day before the Oct. 11 homecoming game. Sohn is working to extend the concert not only to students, but to alumni as well.
Sohn, who was elected in May 2008, became involved with ASUH in 2006, when he became a senator for the College of Arts and Sciences.
"I saw things I loved about the university, but there were things I saw that I wanted to improve," Sohn said of his motivation for joining ASUH.
According to Sohn, being elected president was not a long-standing goal. During his junior year, he debated whether he would focus all of his energy on student government or on swimming, his other passion.
"It was a hard juggle," he said, explaining that his decision was based on the realization that running for the top position at ASUH was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
"I'd been swimming for 15 years. I didn't need to swim during my fourth year of college. It could always be a part of my life," he said.
Just two and a half weeks after taking office, Sohn had to temporarily hand-off his presidential powers. Senator Megan Chock was chosen to serve as interim president, while Sohn studied abroad in Denmark for a month. However, Sohn was not disconnected from ASUH affairs and received regular updates from Chock via e-mail and phone.
"I got everything set for when I was gone," Sohn said.
According to Sohn, the worst part of being president is the stress. "There are so many places you have to be, so many people who want to setup meetings, whether it is the blood bank or the chancellor," he said.
"I check my e-mail in the morning and two hours later there are 15 more e-mails," he said, with a pained laugh.
Sohn isn't the type to be conquered by pressure, however, and, in fact, said he thrives on it.
"I'm stressed if I'm not stressed," he said, noting that there are upsides to even the most hectic times.
"Meeting with people is rewarding. (During elections) I felt I got to meet more people than I ordinarily would," he said.
Sohn, originally from Greenwood, Indiana, is an accounting major in his fourth year at Mānoa. After finishing his degree, he is planning to attend law school.
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