[...] University Student Senate (USS) has been a broiling mess of activity this past semester.  Under the leadership of Peter Cummings, we pushed forward initiates around sustainability practices and minority services in the midst of politicking by the university and students alike.  Activities across the university to confront the negative ramifications of Bob Kerrey’s presidency provided vital openings for these initiatives to become school policy.  Despite advice from my advisers that I shouldn’t be involved in student government and focus on thesis work instead, I chose to continue on as a USS representative this year.  Sustained involvement has broadened my perspective on implementing the initiatives and refreshed my organizing skills first developed in grassroots media projects before college. [...]