Meet the student body president of ASU’s Polytechnic campus
Daniel Pasco is a senior studying professional flight at ASU’s Polytechnic campus. Pasco says he got involved in ASU student government to enact change.
“I ran for student government because I saw the great potential the organization has in effecting change for the ASU student body,” said Pasco, who is serving his second term as the Undergraduate Student Government president of the Polytechnic campus.
In the future, Pasco aspires to be a chief pilot for American Airlines based out of Chicago-O'Hare. But plans to leave an imprint on the ASU community before he takes flight.
“My long-term goal for student government is for every student to correlate positive impacts on their student life with USG. I want them to think of us as their go-to when they need help, have ideas, etc,” he said.
Pasco talked with ASU Student Life about his position in student government, his goals, his inspirations and what advice he has for those who are thinking of running for a position in USG.
What does your position entail?
The student body presidents of each campus and the president of Graduate and Professional Student Association meet weekly to discuss advocacy initiatives and issues affecting all ASU students, not just those on our campus.
Additionally, I oversee all things student government specific to Poly, ensuring our Poly senators and staff have all the resources and context they need in order to be successful advocates for our students.
What are your goals for this year and what do you plan to get done?
My main goal is to continue our strong outreach efforts and increase them to the maximum in order to have strong, authentic relationships with our student body. It is imperative that they understand how we can support them and they know how to get in contact with us.
What are your inspirations?
My high school motto was “men and women for others.” I try to model that as much as possible in my daily life.
What issue or problem are you most passionate about positively impacting?
Transportation access is close to me. I know how frustrating it is for students who do not own cars to get around. You feel trapped. Our Lyft partnership at ASU, our intercampus shuttle system and others are critical to our students’ success. No student should have to worry and think, “I want to go there, but I don’t know how I am going to get there.”
What would you say to someone who wanted to run for a position in student government?
Do not hesitate and don’t be shy! Student government has truly been the most rewarding experience of my life, and I am so glad I regained interest when I came to school here at ASU. It's never too late to join.
Why did you choose to come to ASU?
Most of the schools I checked out were in the Midwest. When I visited in November 2015, our plane in Chicago was being de-iced prior to departure, and when we landed in Phoenix, it was 80 degrees. The decision was easy from there.
What’s your favorite memory at ASU so far?
It’s really difficult to pinpoint a specific event. Winning my first presidential election was a humbling experience. Every day, spending time talking with students is really enjoyable for me.
What are your top five favorite places to hang out on your campus?
1. Student Union/USG Office (of course)
3. Dean of Students office! They are great in there.
4. Century Hall. I enjoy spending time getting to know our freshmen.
5. As soon as The Lot, the new community garden at Poly, opens I am looking forward to spending time there.