Talani Bertram

Biography
My name is Talani J. Bertram. I am currently a fourth-semester sophomore here at University Park. I am kinesiology major with hopes of graduating and attending medical school in pursuit of a career in pediatrics. I was born in Brooklyn, NY, but currently reside in Valley Stream, NY (Long Island). As a former At-Large representative and member of the diversity committee, I played a role in the preparation of a recently passed campus climate resolution. Since becoming an RA, I have narrowed my focus down to addressing of on-campus issues.

Platform
In my recent experience as both an At-Large representative and diversity committee member of UPUA, I had the opportunity to witness firsthand the issues affecting on- and off-campus students, both obvious and underlying.

There are several issues that students face at Penn state, especially on-campus students. I myself am no stranger to these issues, as I deal with them on a day-to-day basis. Some of these include, but are not limited to: housing conflicts; food accommodations ( i.e. those who may be vegetarian, kosher or even allergic to certain foods); student parking; and campus diversity enhancement. As an on-campus representative I ultimately hope to establish a solid bridge between the student body and those in higher authority at Penn State University, in order to do so a relationship must first be built between student and their student representatives. I feel that representatives are the foundation of this bridge.

Students feel detached from the process for change because of the lack of awareness and comfort of knowing how to include themselves in the process. My aim is to empower the students to be proactive in their involvement for change.

• Housing: contract availability/eligibility, Utility (provision and control)
• Food Accomodations: Limited alternatives for students with specific needs.