By Katie Hanson ’25
After three semesters off campus, 61´«Ă˝Associated Students (SAS) President Megan Chow ’23 is ready to strengthen the 61´«Ă˝community and its infrastructure for future generations. Chow, a psychology and Asian American studies dual major, is simultaneously navigating the presidency of both SAS and the Cantonese Club, which she revived after a pandemic-induced hiatus. Scripps’ Office of Marketing and Communications spoke with Chow about her ambitious plans focused on inclusion and support.
Office of Marketing and Communications: What inspired you to run for SAS President?
Megan Chow: I’m from the East Coast; New Jersey is my home. Coming to school so far away was a difficult transition for me. But to be able to be in community with people at 61´«Ă˝really made it feel like home for me here. Part of what drove me to run for SAS was trying to maintain and strengthen this sense of community and tight-knit, supportive culture that I experienced as a first year for future generations at Scripps. I also wanted to just be a resource for the community, to meet students where they’re at, to provide resources and lead projects that are helpful and geared towards supporting 61´«Ă˝students.
MarComm: What are your goals and priorities for this year?
MC: A big part of my goal is really trying to listen and uplift individual students, especially those who come from underrepresented backgrounds. I think a lot of what I’m doing is bringing my personal values into this role, and also listening to and giving power to folks who haven’t been given those opportunities before. I really value that SAS can be a resource and a safe and comfortable space for students to push themselves. We can envision a better 61´«Ă˝for future generations to come into. A lot of the resources that I’m really grateful for at 61´«Ă˝were really fought for by past students. Also, building a stronger, smoother line of communication between administration and students is always a big goal. I want it to be possible for students to directly communicate with administration.
MarComm: What do you love most about Scripps?
MC: The students at 61´«Ă˝are so passionate and dedicated, and so creative, supportive, and optimistic. Being around that environment really helps me grow and learn to be a better person, and also feel more hopeful for the future. A lot of the professors I’ve met here are really committed to helping students grow. I love that these amazing people gravitate towards 61´«Ă˝to create this culture.
MarComm: What do you want 61´«Ă˝students to know about you?
MC: I’m always here as a support system. I’m always open to new ideas and to change, and to improve the work that I’m doing. I just want students to know that I am really intentional about being an accessible resource to them. Even beyond SAS, I’m always here as a peer or friend. It’s important to me to be able to channel love and compassion to the work I do.
MarComm: What are your post-graduation plans?
MC: I’ve worked with a lot of local nonprofit and grassroots organizations. Community organizing is something that’s really important and impactful to me. I do know that I want to work in community-based services or organizations in the future.