Meet the candidate: Marcus Rocha is running to “meet students where they’re at”

Olivia Barone

Editor in Chief

At The Anchor, we are continuing our goal of connecting RIC’s community to its potential future student leaders. This week, I sat down with current freshman class president Marcus Rocha, who plans to run for both Student Community Government (SCG) president and secretary this April amid his mission to “meet students where they’re at.” 

In addition to being president of the Freshman class, Rocha is the former vice president of his high school’s National Honor Society (NHS) branch and a licensed Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). Rocha described to me in length about how he feels these experiences have prepared him for a spot on SCG’s Executive Board. 

Photo credits: Marcus Rocha

“I was the vice president of NHS and I was always giving tours, talking right to students or family members, anything like that… Also being a healthcare worker, it's very big that you know how to effectively communicate with families and patients themselves or residents and be willing to hear concerns and address those concerns.” 

Rocha expressed that his roles working with students and patients have instilled in him the importance of advocating for groups who might not usually see ample support. He spoke extensively about his hope to aid active military and veteran students, non-traditional students, students with disabilities and his desire to be their voice. 

“I want to give that voice to the people that are scared to put themselves out there. I'll do it for them. I will go to them so I can hear what they say and I'll bring it to the people that need to make that change.”

Photo credits: Marcus Rocha

Upon being asked about his goals for his potential presidency, Rocha highlighted his hopes to help military personnel succeed at RIC. “They make up 3% of our population, whether they're veterans or active military. And while that number seems small in regard to 100%, it's actually over 150, almost 200 people… my grandfather was in the Navy and I made a promise to him. I was like, I'm going to make you proud.” 

In particular, Rocha mentioned the recent snow storm and its effects on student parking as an example of an issue that he might work to solve during his term. He explained that many students currently or formerly in the military are handicapped and that the excess of snow on campus is hindering campus accessibility. Further, Rocha explained that advocating for improvement on student parking would not only help military personnel, but all handicapped students. 

Rocha expressed that such students need someone who is not afraid to be present on campus. “I'm not afraid to put myself out there. I'm not afraid to say to somebody, I don't have to answer at the moment. Let me research and get back to you. And it might take a hot minute because sometimes research does, but I will get back to you because I want to find the best answer for you.” 

In terms of SCG policy, Rocha hopes to bring back constituency titles. Until last academic year, members of SCG parliament were required to represent a department, club or demographic of students. Now, all members are simply At-Large. Rocha would like to reestablish constituency titles, not to limit who can be a part of SCG, but to ensure that all groups on campus are being represented. 

If elected, Rocha ensures that he will be personally involved in RIC’s student body and in return, hopes that students will be willing to collaborate. 

“I don't want it to seem like this is my goal and it's for me. No. This goal is to help you.”

Voting for SCG executive board elections will be open online April 8-15. Students interested in choosing who should represent them in the coming academic year should keep an eye on SCG’s Instagram and website for updates.