Their separate interests in becoming an ASMSU representative ranged from being persuaded by their college representatives and friends to join, wanting to make a change and wanting to get more involved with the community. 

"One of the main reasons I ran is because of everything that MSU has been through the last year, in terms of sexual assault and violence," James Madison College Representative Stacey LaRouche said. "If there's a time to make a change on campus, it's now. And I really want to be a part of it." 

Addressing campus climate and becoming more involved with the MSU administration were some of the goals mentioned by the newly elected representatives.

"There's a climate on campus that needs to be fixed," College of Natural Science Representative Kumaran Arivoli said. "I didn't even decide to run until mid-semester because of the (Larry) Nassar issue and some of the problems with athletics."

Another point of interest in becoming a part of the undergraduate student government was Elect Her, an event hosted by ASMSU that trains college-aged women to run for student government on their campuses. LaRouche and two other female representatives said this was one of the factors that pushed them to run.

"It was encouraging students and women to be involved in their governments, and I thought this (ASMSU) was a really good place to start," Lyman Briggs College Representative Olivia Nave said.

Some of the representatives who already served on the ASMSU general assembly in past years hope to continue being involved. College of Natural Science Representative Caroline Colpoys, who began her second session of ASMSU, said she enjoys being a part of the student government community.

"Before I actually joined ASMSU, I never really realized how involved people were on this campus, and the people that I've met here are more passionate about issues that actually face students more than anyone I've ever met before," Colpoys said.  

Some returning representatives said they hope to see more self-growth in the organization. College of Engineering Representative Ryan Aridi is entering his third year as part of ASMSU and aims to be more involved than he was in the past. 

"I'm hoping this will be the year where I really try to pick up the game ... try to get some outcomes this year and hopefully this year see results," Aridi said.