Sebastian Bustamante

(he/him/his)

Candidate for President

APPLICATION RESPONSES

Why do you want to be on the Executive Board for UVSA Gulf Coast?

Words cannot explain what VSA has done and given me since I first came into college. I want to be on the executive board because I want to make an impact on the future generation of VSA and also to nurture their leadership and growth. I feel like there is more for me to give in this community and that my journey does not end here. I would be honored to have an opportunity to be part of something bigger than I could ever imagine. I have worked with and under great leaders of the current board such as Hayley and Madonna. I believe I still have a fire and passion for this club.

What makes you a qualified candidate for this position? 

Throughout all my years of experience in VSA and the growth I have made accumulating everything that has been taught to me, I feel confident in my abilities and in my leadership to run a regional organization such as UVSAGC. Although I may not be perfect, and I may have some flaws, it doesn't change the fact that I will put in the work and the effort to do the best I can. If there is anything that I have been taught taking these leadership roles, it is that it is okay to fall and to not be amazing. Everything is a process, and I feel as if me stepping up into this President position is a process I am willing to be part of. With everything I can and have to offer, I would love to be able to share my passion and continue fighting for this club until I can no longer.

What do you believe to be your greatest strengths and weaknesses as a leader? Please explain:

Strengths: One of my greatest strengths is being charismatic in the way that I know how to talk to people and how to make people feel heard. I am a leader that draws people together and cares about each and every person's feelings regarding any matter. I am assertive and love to communicate, but at the same time, there is nothing more important to me than the well-being and feelings of others. I make sure everyone is heard, no matter how big or small their position is on a technical level. I work very well with all types of people, and I believe I can work easily in a professional and non-professional space such as VSA. Weaknesses: I am a little stubborn and hard-headed at times. This could be good or bad depending on the situation. Sometimes I feel really strongly about something and will fight for it if possible. There are times where I can be a little quiet and lacking confidence. But even in situations like that, I still have a strong mind and determined spirit to pick myself back up and get things going.

What is your vision for this position, as well as for UVSA Gulf Coast?

My vision for this position is to raise and nurture a new generation of VSA and to ensure there is a future for not only the GC region but for each school as well. I want the region to be comfortable and passionate for not only their own VSA but for the region as a whole. These past 2 years have been great, and I have enjoyed participating with everything GC has had to offer, but I believe there is always more to be done and people to connect to. I want our region to be a strong, passionate, connected region that can rely on one another and support altogether.

VSA & GENERAL RESUME

University of South Alabama Vietnamese Student Association (USAVSA)

President, 2023-Current

Vice President, 2022-2023

Intern, 2021-2022

Union of Vietnamese Student Associations of the Gulf Coast (UVSAGC)

Alumni Relations Cabinet Member, 2022-2023

Camp Delta

Counselor Director, 2023-Current (CD16)

Counselor, 2022-2023 (CD15)