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Tara Reed
Tara Reed is excited to move from California to New York to pursue three of her interests and passions: Social Service, Dance, and Student Leadership. In high school, Tara organized a three year campaign to fight hunger in San Diego County. In total she has organized eight schools for the donation of 13,000 lbs of food for the San Diego Food Bank. Tara carried over her passion for social service to Columbia and volunteered with an environmental justice organization in Harlem the week before NSOP. Tara has been dancing since the age of three. In high school she choreographed three full musical theatre productions. Tara has carried over her passion for dance to Columbia and is a proud member of ONYX dance team.
But mostly, Tara is passionate about her role on campus as a student leader. Tara is proud of the Lion’s Initiative Party because the name describes what her party will do: take the initiative to link our class with the rest of the school and with administrators and decision-makers on campus. Some of the things her party plans are: 1) updated lists for first-years of the confusing acronyms, websites, and events at Columbia, 2) freshman advisory forums where first-years can come up with education and policy solutions, and 3) free food mixers to bond the class! Tara is also excited for The Lion’s Initiative first and second semester door-knocking campaign during which her party will ask first-years what they would like to see from their Student Council. The party will then take the initiative to execute those requests.
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Ryan Cho
Ryan hails from sunny Southern California (Los Angeles to be exact) and hopes to bring new and fresh ideas as the Vice-President of the Class of 2013. His leadership experience mainly comes from high school Student Council and his involvement with the California Association of Student Councils, but he is looking forward to executing the party’s mission of transitioning the freshman class to the Columbia campus. As a member of the Lion’s Initiative Party, he hopes to help bring to CCSC ideas for substantial policy change by actively seeking the opinions of the freshman student body and making real progress in the college. Ryan believes that it is not only important, but also essential to communicate to the freshman class and provide the resources and activities to make the Class of 2013 feel like real Lions. When not reading long passages of the Iliad for LitHum, he enjoys grubbing on NYC cuisine and hanging out with his floormates. On campus, he has already become involved by being a overnight host coordinator for prospective freshman and is thoroughly excited to explore the different clubs and organizations on campus. He is open to any suggestions, comments, or questions you may have.
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Michelle Diop
Michelle Diop, born and raised in Boston, graduated Boston Latin School in 2009. She devoted much time and effort to help improve her highwhich in addition to e school and get involved. Since ninth grade she has been a member of the Pre-Medical Society, xposing its members to the medical field, helped raise awareness for a multitude of health issues. She volunteered as an after school tutor during her years at Boston Latin. Michelle served as captain for the JV basketball team, but junior year she decided to become more involved with producing change in her school and exploring other activities. She became the co-captain of Mock Trial and was elected Vice President of Student Council. She also joined a state and regional student council. Michelle’s hobbies include tennis, basketball, kayaking, traveling, meeting new people, ping pong, making smoothies, and learning how to play the piano. She volunteered as a camp counselor at her pre-school, and she volunteered at Samaritans, an organization that supports those contemplating suicide and battling depression. The quotation by which she lives is: Nothing in life is to be feared. It is only to be understood.
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Kyle Schmidt
Kyle Schmidt graduated Pine View School and derives from beautiful Sarasota, Florida. Kyle's hobbies include singing, rowing, and philosophizing. When not in John Jay refueling from rowing practice, he can be found on the lawn reading or in Butler Library when the sun goes down. Kyle was the founder of a nonprofit organization called the Tammy Backaus Foundation in honor of his Aunt who passed away due to Leukemia. Since the organization's birth 3 years ago, we have been able to give away 6 scholarships and provide over $50,000 towards local schools and education. Kyle was also Treasurer of his high school class three consecutive years and helped lead his graduating class to be the richest in his school's 40 year history. With his expertise in fundraising, Kyle believes he can contribute much to the Lion's Initiative Party and more importantly the Class of 2013.
Kyle Schmidt graduated Pine View School and derives from beautiful Sarasota, Florida. Kyle's hobbies include singing, rowing, and philosophizing. When not in John Jay refueling from rowing practice, he can be found on the lawn reading or in Butler Library when the sun goes down. Kyle was the founder of a nonprofit organization called the Tammy Backaus Foundation in honor of his Aunt who passed away due to Leukemia. Since the organization's birth 3 years ago, we have been able to give away 6 scholarships and provide over $50,000 towards local schools and education. Kyle was also Treasurer of his high school class three consecutive years and helped lead his graduating class to be the richest in his school's 40 year history. With his expertise in fundraising, Kyle believes he can contribute much to the Lion's Initiative Party and more importantly the Class of 2013.
