The election is over and even though some students
are disappointed that the country decided against
electing a woman president they can find comfort in
the fact that San Jose City College did.
“I voted for Luna because she understands what
is important,” said Andrew Phelps, president of the
Mental Health Client Association, a SJCC student
organization.
In May, City College students elected Iriana Luna, a
20-year-old pre-med Latina, ASG president.
“She is completely invested and she is willing to
sacrifice her time for students,” Director of Student
Activities David Sanchez said.
As president, Luna encourages student involvement.
“If students don’t see a club that they like they can
create one and we’re always open to new clubs,” Luna
said. “The clubs that are functioning are doing great
things; SACNAS just won two national awards.”
As the eldest of her three siblings Luna is no stranger
to leadership. She starts her day at 3 a.m. on days she
works and sleeps in until 5 a.m. on her days off.
“Seeing how much my parents had to work, how
much they had to struggle, I can’t complain,” Luna
said.
Luna said her parents inspire her to work hard to
pursue her childhood dream, a career in medicine.
“Ever since I was little, I wanted to be a doctor,”
Luna said. “You don’t really see a lot of Latino faces
when you go to the doctor.”
Apart from being president this semester Luna is
taking physics, calculus and women’s literature and
after graduation Luna said she hopes to transfer into a
four year institution.
“I really want to study at UC Santa Cruz because
they’re one of the few campuses with community
studies, which is what I want to study,” Luna said.
“I hope to begin working and volunteering more at
hospitals and community-based organizations.”
When she’s not at school or work, Luna said
spending time with her family is important.
“I think it’s crucial to do (spend time with family)
because they give me a lot of support,” said Luna.
“Plus it’s great to hear what my siblings are doing, and
it’s a refreshing time to relax.”
Luna also likes to spend her free time outdoors,
reading and appreciating art.
“It helps keep me connected to beauty in the world
around us that we often times pass on,” Luna said. “I
enjoy reading memoirs because they help me grow in
how I view the world. Paintings and drawings let me
immerse myself into the vision of the artist.”
For young women aspiring to become leaders,
Luna has some words of wisdom.
“I always remember what my parents told me
growing up. ‘If something was easy then everyone
would do it,’” Luna said. “As a leader sometimes
you have to make difficult calls or have to be in
uncomfortable situations; however, there are very
few people who put themselves in leadership roles so
don’t give up!”
Luna encourages ladies to not be afraid to speak out
when decisions are being made.
“To be a leader, you must have the courage to do
what you believe is right,” Luna said. “Decision
making is something that as women we may feel
uncomfortable doing because of the societal norms;
however, we must break from this model and voice
our opinions. It is essential to do this with tact and
diplomacy!”
Finally, the most important piece of advice Luna
said she can give is to learn from others.
“Observe and analyze the way other leaders,
both men and women, handle situations and how
they lead,” Luna said. “Don’t ever think you know
it all; from every situation and every person there
is something to be learned.”