By JIZELLE SAUCEDO
Freelance Writer
On Thursday, Nov. 7, Cal Poly Pomona students engaged in a one-on-one conversation during a golf cart ride as they enjoyed pastries with Associated Students Inc. (ASI) President Pasindu Senaratne at the pathway leading from the library to the Student Services Building.
Senaratne wanted to give an opportunity for students to voice their opinions regarding their experiences on campus by inviting them to have a chat with him.
“We were trying to figure out an event where students can have more face time with me. And ‘Pizza with the Presidents’ is always focused around President (Soraya M.) Coley, so it does not give me a chance to answer (questions),” Senaratne said. “A lot of questions are based on administration, parking and all things like that.”
(Courtesy of Jizelle Saucedo)
“Passengers Eating Pastries with Pasindu” allowed Senaratne to interact with CPP students during an event that was different from the traditional “Pizza with the Presidents.” It created a chance for ASI to better understand the CPP community and receive feedback on how it can improve future events.
Third-year business administration student Fabio Taylor explained how he was unaware of the resources that ASI has to offer and how he can be more involved.
“(ASI) should be more direct with explaining how people can be involved with ASI, specifically working on campus,” Taylor said. “It was cool to get to know (Pasindu) during that golf cart ride and he answered my questions perfectly.”
Senaratne informed Taylor that he can apply to work for ASI with the position available, attend student government elections meetings, volunteer for the Bronco Events & Activities Team (BEAT) and check out the activities hosted by ASI, BEAT and campus recreation.
Janidu Goonatilaka, a first-year electronics systems engineering technology student, has attended previous ASI events before “Passengers Eating Pastries with Pasindu,” and mentioned how much they helped him feel connected with the CPP campus.
“I learned a lot about what ASI does for the school and how to be more informed about what is happening on campus as a freshman,” Goonatilaka said.
As a freshman, Goonatilaka described his experience with Senaratne as informative because he was able to ask for advice for his classes and learn more about the campus.
Senaratne also wanted to make it clear that he is also a student and recognizes that it is important for students to help one another.
Being a member of ASI since his sophomore year, Senaratne wants students to feel comfortable to speak out and ensure that the CPP community works together to create a unified campus.
“After having the opportunity to speak with students on a personal level, this event helped me realize why I joined ASI three years ago, which was to make more friends,” Sernaratne said.
Senaratne intends to organize similar events in the future for ASI to allow students to feel that they belong at CPP.
The footage of Senaratne speaking with the students who participated will be available soon through the ASI Instagram TV (IGTV), which will allow the campus community to have a glimpse of the interactions between Senarante and CPP students.