Say hello to the new ASB president

Being the voice of the student body for the 22,000 students at Rio Hondo is not an easy task. However, someone has to take up the challenge of being the ASB President for Rio Hondo, and for the 2008/2009 school year it is Ernest Zumayo. "It's vital for me to have the senate give the student's voice," Stated Zumayo.

Zumayo has an average life, just the same as every student. He is currently working on a double major; Sociology and English. He hopes to one day transfer to his dream school since he was 8 years old, UCLA. Zumayo describes himself as being "very ambitious," and hopes to also be involved in the student government when he pursues his higher education. He graduated from Montebello High School in 2004 and since his graduation he is striving to the top.
Zumayo stated that the need of the student's voice was the main reason he ran for office. Holding the position of being a senator last year he saw that there weren't many students active in comities. He stated how that is a downfall that he wants to change.

"Change" at Rio can be very difficult, however, with the right strive one could achieve it; Zumayo has that willingness strive. He wants to encourage more students to run for commities. Zumayo wants to get the word out to the students to be more involved, after all this is our education and how we are going to accommodate in the future. There are many people that believe in Zumayo and wanted to see him in office. He was pushed by many of his close friends to run for office, because they know what he is capable of.

Being a member of student government never came easy, however, Zumayo has a well-rounded feel of college and could relate to many students. Zumayo has been involved in many clubs, day and night classes, and he is aware that there are many student workers and student parents. He has been around enough to understand the different lives of students, and feels that he is qualified enough to represent the student body as a whole.

As do many students, Zumayo has different views and opinions on the presidential election. "I think we're in a place in history where everyone could vote," stated Zumayo. He also stated that there is going to be a change, whether it's good or bad, change will definitely occur.

Being ASB President, Zumayo stated that many people expect him to be very political. However, Zumayo is not citizen of the United States, and therefore he cannot vote. Zumayo is an AB540 student, which gave him rights as a student; however, he does not receive any form of financial aid. Zumayo stated that not receiving any financial aid helped him be a more courageous student.

"I don't have any type of assistance; I have to pass [my classes], because I can't receive financial aid," said Zumayo. Zumayo also mentioned how not being a citizen of the United States has helped him be the person he is today. He has more appreciation for school and is tough on himself to pass all his classes.

There are many challenges and duties that Zumayo is facing as being ASB President. He has regular meetings with the president and vice president of Rio Hondo. He is the student representative on the Board of Trustees. Zumayo is also a delegate for Rio Hondo on region eight.

He is the representative of the school at the state level, lobbing for the resolution that will impact the education of Rio students. He is also the secretary of the honors program, as well an active member. Zumayo stated, "being in the [honors] program has set me focus into exactly what he wants to do." Overall, he has many obstacles to over pass and set standards for the student body.

He states that he has "awareness" to the many challenges that students face, he is very virtuous, and likes to be social and approachable.