University School Class of 2017 Aamir Shaikh is currently serving as ETSU’s 2019-2020 Student Government Association (SGA) president. He was recently featured on the ETSU Campus Website with the information below. So proud of our serving Bucs Alumni!
Meet Aamir Shaikh
As he heads into his final year as an ETSU undergraduate, Aamir Shaikh of Knoxville is making the most of opportunities to give back to the student organizations that have shaped his college experience. Aamir, who is in the ETSU Honors College and is an Honors-in-Discipline Scholar, will graduate from ETSU’s College of Public Health in May 2020 with a bachelor’s degree in health sciences. When he is not studying in his favorite spot in Yoakley Hall or playing tennis, Aamir also is a visible presence on campus as the 2019-2020 Student Government Association (SGA) president.
What is one thing you wish every new ETSU student knew about the university?
We have several clubs, organizations and initiatives to help you develop your passion – join one of them. Out of all the opportunities, I would like to personally vouch for the Alternative Breaks program. As an Alternative Breaks participant, you have the chance to explore a field (civil rights, health care, environmental conservation, etc.) and contribute to that field in a city where that conversation is especially prevalent. My freshman year trip to Washington, D.C., focusing on religious and cultural pluralism was one of the most meaningful experiences I’ve had as a college student.
In what ways do you serve at ETSU? Why is it important to get involved?
I have served as president of the Multicultural Association of Pre-Health Students, vice-president of the Honors College Student Council, as a Diversity Educator, and as a site leader for an Alternative Breaks Trip to Washington, D.C. This year, my sole focus is to represent the student body to the best of my ability as president of the SGA.
To a large extent, you shape who you’re going to be for the rest of your life during these college years. Down the road, you should never have to regretfully think, “I wonder how I would’ve liked…” Where there is a wonder, there is likely a way to satisfy that wonder here at ETSU – seek it.
Why were you interested in serving on SGA?
My introduction to Student Government was thanks to the previous president, Megha Gupta, who appointed me to her executive cabinet. But the interest really piqued when I decided that I wanted to work with health care policy, especially in regard to marginalized, isolated and impoverished communities. SGA serves as a subtle, but valuable, introduction to that world.
What are your goals as SGA president?
I want to prioritize student health on campus, especially as it relates to mental and sexual health. I will be pushing for transparency both across administration/students and SGA/students. And I will continue to push for policy that better accommodates our diverse student body.
There are conversations outside of those mentioned above that we have also already started: getting students connected to internships/job opportunities, growing our Open Educational Resources program so students don’t have to pay absurd textbook prices, and so much more. There’s so much to be accomplished. I can’t wait to get things started.
What impact have your professors had on you?
Coming into ETSU, I knew I was going to be pre-med. I had several role models show me that, due to its content and excellent professorship, health sciences was an ideal major to get prepared for medical school. As a health science major, you can’t help but be grateful for the faculty we have in our department. Beyond just being excellent professors, they are great people. And because I’m able to have a meaningful conversation with them outside of class content, they’ve all had an impact on my college experience.