As a third-year Nursing major, Victoria Zembik already has a busy schedule. But now, after winning the CSGA presidential election this month, Zembik will have even more responsibilities this upcoming school year.
“It’s a 50-50 feeling of happiness and being nervous,” Zembik said. “When you get put into a different position than what you’ve been doing, it’s a weird feeling at first, but I am really excited.”
For the past three years, the 20-year-old Zembik has been an active participant in CSGA. In her freshman and sophomore year, Zembik was a member of the Allocations Board. She was part of the committee that oversaw the budgets for the clubs and decided if the clubs would be able to receive its requested funds or not. This year, she became the financial vice president and oversaw her own board.
Admittedly, Zembik explained that she did not participate in student government back at her high school, Sacred Hearts Academy. Instead of government, Zembik was an active member of the school’s “Life Team.” When asked why she wanted to start her journey into student government here at Chaminade, Zembik said she is always open to new experiences.
“You don’t want to always be comfortable,” the newly elected president said. “You want to put yourself in new situations so that you can learn from it and gain new experiences.”
This semester she is taking four classes, totaling 13 credits. Next semester, she will be taking three classes for a total of 14 credits.
Aside from Nursing and CSGA, Zembik also works at Sullivan Library at the circulation desk. But when she’s not busy with school-related activities, Zembik can be found hanging out with her family and friends. She spends time with her three brothers at the beach and is an avid traveler with her mom. With her friends, she enjoys shopping and the occasional boba run.
Besides Zembik being excited about the start of her new position, there are other people who are also excited to see what she will be able to do. One of those people being Andrew Ancheta, the student engagement coordinator for CSGA. Ancheta has seen what Zembik is capable of achieving through her years in CSGA and is looking forward to her presidency.
“I have so much hope and excitement for the organization next year,” Ancheta said. “I believe Victoria has the necessary experience and passion to lead the group into a year of productivity, advocacy, and a refreshed spirit.”
Although her presidency does not start until next semester, Zembik is already looking towards the future. One of her goals is to better the experience of her fellow peers here at Chaminade. She also wants to continue what the current president, Pamela Oda, started in keeping the CSGA organization a family environment and not just business.
A specific item that Zembik looks to address first as president is the involvement of the student body with school activities. She noted that as an organization, CSGA noticed that at events usually the same people would be showing up. Zembik wants to encourage other students to participate more and hopefully see numbers rise at future events.
“Hopefully next semester, more people will come out to the events because it really is a good experience where you can meet new people and hang out with your friends,” she said.
Zembik will take the oath at the ending of the academic year and her term will begin next semester in August.
Here are the rest of the election results:
- CSGA Executive Vice-President-Elect: Keila Anderson
- CSGA Administrative Vice-President-Elect: Killen Kawelo
- CSGA Communications Vice-President-Elect: VACANT
- CSGA Financial Vice-President-Elect: Jasmine Mondelo
- CSGA Student Life Vice-President-Elect: Demetrius “DJ” Trigger