An interview with Mardiya Siba Yahaya on her presidential aspirations.
Mardiya Siba Yahaya is one of the 5 nominees vying for the position of president of the Student Representative Council at ALU Rwanda. We caught up with her with an aim of getting to know more about her campaign. Here is our interview:
Who would you say Mardiya is?
Mardiya is a vibrant young woman passionate about many things. Reading,be it fiction or nonfiction, the one thing I genuinely cherish because I learn from everything I read. My growth mindset and the way I view the world has been as a result of the variety of books, articles, letters, papers and fliers I have taken time to read. I also like to record my thoughts in the form of writing; it is the powerful tool I use to send a message across and it is the tool I also harness in problem solving. I design solutions from endless writing and deliberations; I like to create things but through designing content.
So, why are you vying for president?
The little things. I cannot overlook them. We all joined ALU because we believe in a collective vision, but as time goes on, while we are engulfed in our school work and the tiny things are being overlooked. These little things collectively become I also believe that a better experience begin with everyone, and everyone can be anyone; hence me.
You could have run for any other post,why president?
Yes you are right, I could have. But it was a matter of interest, values and skills. Yes, trying to check all social boxes can prove toxic, but not trying at all is also worse than the former. Why go small, when you would invest the same energy and time as you would for a bigger thing. I chose this position because I believe, just like I said, I do not want the little things to implode on us. There is only so much a treasurer can do; even if it is in the communities best interest; but in terms of checking if not all the essential parts of boxes; I needed to be something broader.
What does your ideal ALU look like?
An ideal ALU is one where we coexist, respect and understand each other. And I am not talking about only students, but the staff and administration as well. This is a community where people do not feel inferior to each other; where religion and sexuality do not define who you are. A community that considers the voice of its people; one where we are each others’ keeper.
What do you plan to do, if you won the elections?
I want to help build a foundation and system where student effectively take ownership of their experience and engage in processes and without the fear of being bullied or made to feel incompetent. The SRC is a team; together, I know we can build a robust foundation that would take into consideration the lack of transparency and the social issues affecting us. What I cannot do,however, is to promise reduction in ISA percentages or a 50% salary raise for study interns. It is not impossible, but quite beyond me.
Do you have any previous experience in a leadership position?
I have. In high school, I was vice president for the American Field Service. From experience, I know leadership can be very difficult. Being the point person between students and administration is certainly not easy but it is also not impossible.
Last words?
This is a chance for us to map out our journey, and build a foundation for generations to come. By working together as founders, we can establish a system for an advanced ALU; one that works for the collective good in terms of academics and social engagement.
Remember, it’s the little things that matter.
