Ajay Singh Bainiwal

Hello, my name is Ajay Singh Bainiwal. I am a third year Political Science major with a Pre-Pharmacy track, and am currently running for a Senator-at-large position for ASUCM. Before I go into why I am running for this position, I would like to share a little bit about myself.

I was born in San Jose, California, but moved to Stockton, CA, where I graduated from Weston Ranch High School in 2012 before attending UC Merced. I am a first generation college student, and the first from my siblings go strait to a 4-year university. Upon entering the UC I have always found ways to get actively involved with organizations that engage with students in various forms. I became and am currently a Programming Assistant for Housing and Residence Life here on campus. I also serve as Treasurer for National Residence Hall Honorary (NRHH); Director of Public Relations for South Asian Student Association (SASA); Co-Founder and Vice President of Sikh Student Association (SSA); and am a member of the Pre-Pharmacy Club. I always strive to make a positive impact that benefits the organizations I partake in, its members, and the UC. I would like to broaden my range of influence by becoming a Senator, where I will be able to personally interact with students, and clubs, in order to carry out actions that will directly or indirectly affect the students, and the UC.

I would now like to share my political background. I am not affiliated with any political party simply because my opinions/stance differs between policies. I do not have any prior experience with Student Body Governments, but I do have experience with municipal, as well as national government. Back home in Stockton, I attend City Council meeting whenever I can. In 2012, I helped our current Mayor Anthony Silva campaign, and had the opportunity to play basketball with him on multiple occasions. I also helped my sisters successively campaign in order to become democratic delegates. They got to represent my district in the 2012 Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina, where they nominated Barack Obama and Joe Biden for the 2012 presidential elections.

UC Merced is such a diverse campus and I believe our student body government should represent that diversity as well. As Senator-at-large, I would like to reach out to smaller/ 1st year clubs who aren’t fully aware of or haven’t utilized the resources ASUCM can provide, and make them aware about the services/resources ASUCM and other campus organizations have to offer. I would also like to help decide on resolutions that impact the University and its students by using my network to reach out to students to get their opinions that way the decisions can truly reflect student interest. I have been wanting to run for this position for two semesters now, but have waited until now so I could make sure that I have the time and knowledge to fully commit to the position and all the requirements it entails.