Africa’s answer to a European problem
April 21, 2012
Photo credit: Savanna Wilson
By Savanna Wilson
Out of darkest Africa Michelle Weaver emerges a possible candidate for Webster’s Student Council President. Change is in the air. Taryn Putinta has stepped down from her position, leaving very big shoes to fill. Michelle Weaver has stepped up to take on the challenge. What were the odds that the only other Zimbabwean at Webster ends up reporting on this.
When one conjures up an image of student council president you can’t help but imagine a thoroughly organized, diligent, principled student with a perfect GPA. Michelle embodies this definition. However, that is just the tip of iceberg; there is immensely more to this woman if you care to look deeper.
Insider’s scoop
Don’t be fooled by the blonde hair and blue eyes; she’s not afraid to get her hands dirty. Having lived in Zimbabwe and attended an all-boys school means she can hold her own. Even though she is fearless in some areas, she is petrified in others. S,he admitted she has an immense fear of the dark, dogs and water. Although those reservations don’t hold her back, she has dealt with her fear every day as she is an avid swimmer and water polo player. When she was little, she aspired to be “everything” as she said, but thankfully she has narrowed it down and now she just hopes to be your Student Council President.
Peer Review
Having grown up in wildest Africa she has become extremely resourceful. As Meylin Hulleman, her roommate, puts it, “She is very good at making a solution for every problem she’s faced with.” She has a compassionate, driven heart. While in Africa she participated in numerous community outreaches. Students have noticed her gentle nature. Marissa Musselman described her as very “caring.” Tanvir Hamid and Sebastian Fliege both feel she’s very mature. Sebastian expressed how “she is responsible, disciplined, and very goal-oriented for her age.” Fred Krogt and Meylin Hulleman both agree she is a “dedicated student that will get the job done.”
Ideas bigger than Elephants
She hopes to make improvements. First and foremost her goal is to “create unity.” She stated that “fostering a harmonious environment among clubs” will be the first item on the agenda. There has been friction between them over the past year and if she comes into office she would like to remove this tension. She wants the students to feel heard. If they have any issues, she wants students to feel like they can come to her. She also wants to plan more community outreach events that all students can participate in. This is because she feels “it will help integrate Webster into the Leiden community while advertizing it at the same time.” She urges Webster students to turn from “spectators into participants” and work together to bring about change.
