Junior Senators

Teddy Best '22

SGA Junior Senator

I campaigned this year because, at the most fundamental level, I want to serve my community by improving everyone's Middlebury experience. Middlebury is a wonderful place, but in any large community there are going to be issues that need to be resolved. When I tore my left-hip labrum and had to be on crutches for 6 weeks, I experienced firsthand Middlebury's lack of building accessibility. I have spoken with students who talk about the difficulties of being the only student-athlete of color on their team, or the difficulties that arise from having an overwhelmingly white faculty-body. I and fellow students have experienced the frustrations that come along with an academic atmosphere that seems more interested in pointing fingers and denouncing others rather than openly and respectfully thinking through difficult issues. I have had peers who have struggled with the fact that we do not have a counselor at Parton certified in treating eating disorders. I have heard of the struggles of LGBTQ athletes at Middlebury.

These are all issues I want to resolve, all problems that the SGA can address, and in addressing, can make Middlebury a better place. If I had to sum it up broadly, I believe in a Middlebury community where:

1. Everyone has an equal opportunity to prosper and feel at-home at Middlebury, regardless of their sexual orientation, physical ability, gender, race, or socio-economic status.
2. All Middlebury students are able to receive adequate mental health support if they so desire.
3. People are civil in their discourse, and approach disagreements in opinion through academic, reasoned discussion (although in extreme and rare cases further action may be required; certain speakers should not be invited to campus).
4. The SGA addresses things in pragmatic and practical fashion.

Hometown: Brooklyn, New York
Major: Political Science
Interests: Squash; Piano; Singing; Guitar; Violin; Wednesday Open Mic Night; Alexander Hamilton Forum; Political Philosophy; Religion; Literature; Poetry; Acting
Previous SGA Positions: Ross Commons Senator

Mariana Tahiri '22

SGA Junior Senator

I joined the SGA in order to help enhance the quality of life on campus for all students. I hope to be a resource for the Class of ’22; to listen to concerns and to act upon them. It is one of my goals for this academic year to increase mental health resources on campus. I believe that Middlebury is a special place and that it can be a safe space for all.

Hometown: New Haven, Connecticut; Panormos, Crete, Greece
Major: Computer Science
Interests: Oratory Now; Middlebury College Activities Board; Illsley Public Library; Yoga; Snowboarding; Languages; Geography

SGA Junior Committee

The Junior Committee promotes community in the junior class, provides a vehicle for addressing student concerns, assists in the promotion of campus resources, and works with event planning bodies to enhance inclusive social and cultural experiences on campus.