Rae Watkins is the ASB President, originally from Oregon and moved to Olympia with the intention of going to Evergreen State College, but when COVID hit they were already living so close to SPSCC that they stuck with it.

Rae started with the Music and Education Pathway as well as the study of music as a culture rather than a practice. As they got more and more into advocacy work, it was something they realized was an overwhelming passion of theirs and is considering public policy and education administration, to continue to support students. They are also graduating this year and will be transferring to a four year to pursue their Bachelors degree in cultural studies or in public policy with a focus on equity. 

Rae was recommended by a friend to apply for Student Senate and wasn’t going to, but they got bored one night and decided to apply. Something that they will never regret. 

“This role is a mouthpiece for the student’s voices, and I felt it was a concept I could do justice to,” they said. This position is to be a liaison between the students and administrators, to make sure students’ voices are heard and amplified. A few ways students can be heard is by completing  the Senate Surveys, and the Senate puts them into a clear and concise presentation to administration every quarter. Additionally, the Student Senate communicates with other school’s about  how they go about their job, as well as meeting with different departments and clubs at SPSCC. Their favorite part is continuously talking to students and staff asking questions about their thoughts and feelings, what they need to feel supported, and overall finding more ways for students to be able to advocate for themselves.

Through this experience Rae has learned that there is still a lot of hope in the world despite what the news tells us, and that advocacy is so meaningful and important. 

If I were to describe Rae in three words I’d say they are; dedicated, fair, and perspicacious. They are someone whose voice is precious and they choose their words with precision, not wasting a single breath, making every word count. You can tell they are passionate about their work and helping others just by sitting down and having a conversation. I am extremely glad I was able to get to know our ASB President even more through this interview. 

Student Senate positions are closed but will open again next year.