Senator of Activities governs in ASG

Imagine being a part of the student council. The responsibility can be overwhelming, but imagine doing it with an obstacle many people do not expect.

San Jose City College’s Associated Student Government stands out with Tahmores Jon Gholamipour, known as TJ, 20, business major, a highly functioning autistic student with a mild case of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. He is the senator of activities for the ASG, holding the title next to the president.

“(I wanted) to reach my goals of the big time (in) politics,” Gholamipour said. “This is my first semester and I want to make a difference, reach my goals. Be somebody.”

Gholamipour received a lot of educational and social support from Nemecio Hernandez. Hernandez, 50, is a Supports Specialist for the nonprofit organization Employment & Community Options, would attend classes with students with intellectual disabilities as a part of his job and that was how he met and started working with Gholamipour his first semester.

Gholamipour is no longer a member of the E&CO this semester, but Hernandez said he volunteers his time to assist Gholamipour because he wants to show that E&CO program is working and autistic people are positively benefiting the community.

“We’re proud to have him here as a part of San Jose City College. It’s been about 25 years since the last autistic person took office (in the ASG),” Hernandez said about Gholamipour’s position.

Hernandez said he believes Gholamipour is able to overcome his obstacles through his education at SJCC. aHernandez also acts as a second senator of activities in the ASG, supporting Gholamipour by helping him with senator duties such as organization and event planning.

“What we (E&CO) do here at school, what we’re teaching and the education that we provide with people with intellectual disabilities, it’s worth it, it’s working,” Hernandez said. “He’s a prime example that people with intellectual disabilities are growing here at school.”

Elizabeth Eckford, the program coordinator of Student Development and Activities and co-adviser to the ASG said it was Hernandez who approached her about Gholamipour’s interest in the student council.

“TJ was very serious about participating and being a part of student engagement. (He’s) a bold, young man,” Eckford said.

Eckford also said the ASG was incredibly inclusive and welcoming. The main obstacle for Gholamipour had to overcome was seeking clarification in meetings and procedures, however he has been improving.

Gholamipour said his ultimate goal at SJCC is to be the next ASG president.

“TJ is a wonderful example of being determined to achieve whatever goal is in front of him,” Eckford said. “He is a DSP&S pioneer.”