Thandiwe Msiska

LEAD AMBASSADOR

Class of 2023

Majors: Mechanical Engineering (Aerospace Emphasis); Health, Society, & Policy

Hometown: South Jordan, UT (Indiana Hoosier at heart though!)

Fun Fact: I am allergic to avocados :(

What inspires you to #bethesolution?:  Michael, Eric, Philando, Tamir, Rekia, Alton, Patrick, Laquan, Walter, Sandra, Trayvon, Patrick, Eric Logan, Botham, Atatiana, Freddie, Pamela, Jamela, Julius, Lorenzo, Maurice, Johnathan, Danny, Stephon, Jordan, Alfred, Keith, Terence, Akiel, Gregory, Quintonio, DeJuan, Mario, Jamar, Christian, Samuel, Brendon, & Walter

Callie Avondet

Class of 2024

Majors: Sociology and History

Minors: Political Science

Hometown: Highland, UT

Fun Fact: I speak Haitian Creole fluently.

What inspires you to #bethesolution?: "Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world"-Nelson Mandela Historically and today, students have been a powerful force for societal change. From March for our Lives to the Greensboro Sit-Ins to the 1968 LA Walkouts, students show that they are powerful and active members of society as students. But most schools are not supporting students the way they should, especially students of color. These student activists and more, and gaping educational inequalities inspire me to #bethesolution.

Maya Awada

Class of 2023

Majors: Psychology

Minors: Arabic

Hometown: Logan, UT

Fun Fact:  I love doing puzzles!

What inspires you to #bethesolution?: What inspires me to #betthesolution is my dad. He has always encouraged me to pursue my dreams just as he did. He has taught me to always be selfless, strong and brave enough to know that living is determined not so much by what life brings to you as by the attitude you bring to life; not so much by what happens to you as by the way your mind looks at what happens. I love you baba!

MatThew Horn

Class of 2023

Majors: Health, Society & Policy and Family, Community & Human Development

Hometown: West Valley City, UT

Fun Fact: I love to bake!

What inspires you to #bethesolution?: What inspires you to #bethesolution? As a first-generation student to refugee parents, I realize the amazing privileges that I have been given. I have the opportunity to learn, have a voice, and make a change: things that a lot of people unfortunately do not have. I hope to further my parents' aspirations, make a mark in society, and to pave a better future.

Jimmy Gomez

Class of 2024

Majors:Political Science with an emphasis in International Politics 

Hometown: Sandy, UT

Fun Fact: I am a HUGE Formula 1 fan!

What inspires you to #bethesolution?: My inspiration comes from the perseverance and resilience that my parents have shown throughout my life. As a first-generation college student, I understand the difficulties of finding the path that is meant for you. I want to #bethesolution, by lending a helping hand to all who need it, just like others have done for me. As a CSBS ambassador I intend to try my hardest, to guarantee that everyone has a space and opportunity to be heard.

Tan Le

Class of 2023

Majors: Health, Society & Policy and International Studies with a focus in Global Health

Minors: Health Communication Certificate 

Hometown: West Valley City, UT

Fun Fact: The most spontaneous thing I've done was book a trip to Switzerland based on a dating app question

What inspires you to #bethesolution?: I am inspired to #bethesolution in healthcare from the experiences I’ve had in a low socioeconomic status. The inequities that exist within our healthcare system are exacerbated for people who don’t have the ability to access a renowned healthcare service. Therefore, my passions reflect a sense of hope to improve upon the inadequacies and weaknesses that leave our most vulnerable behind. Above all, this dream not only addresses the patient but recognizes the self-sacrificing healthcare workers that are quintessential to all services rendered. I hope to be able to mend the bonds between the system, patients, and healthcare workers that have been disrupted by dishonorable profiteering practices and inequitable standards. I strongly believe that the pursuit of better healthcare can be attained not through big leaps, but by the small steps of many.

Audrey Meyer

Class of 2023

Majors: Political Science 

Minors: Philosophy

Hometown: McCall, Idaho

Fun Fact: I'm a huge James Bond fan and (coincidentally) ran into Pierce Brosnan in Hawaii while looking at seals

What inspires you to #bethesolution?:I'm inspired to #bethesolution by the countless women, whistleblowers and activists who came before me that sacrificed their privilege and chose to do the right thing to better the world when it would've been easier to stay silent and maintain the status quo.

Carrie Thompson

Class of 2024

Majors: Psychology and Criminology

Hometown: Fullerton, California

Fun Fact: A fun fact about me is I have 26 tattoos currently and I plan to get many more!

What inspires you to #bethesolution?: Something that inspires me to #bethesolution is my younger brother. I want to help create a better world for him and the future generations to follow. I try to lead by example for him and the younger people I interact with by being a team player, pursuing degrees that can help me implement positive world change, and giving a helping hand anywhere I can.

Alex Turner

Class of 2024

Majors:Economics and Environmental & Sustainability Studies with an emphasis in Conservation & Land Management

Minors: Urban Ecology

Hometown: El Segundo, California

Fun Fact: I work with the Edible Campus Gardens where my favorite thing to grow (and eat) are tomatoes!

What inspires you to #bethesolution?:Resilient communities are made through collaboration and contributions from a diverse set of perspectives. I believe the formulation of comprehensive solutions requires input from as many backgrounds as possible, and am inspired by the potential of a new generation of leaders who prioritize inclusivity, diversity, and creativity that will support a more compassionate and comfortable world for all.