Editorial lacks important perspective

My name is Aaron Collins (Residence Halls Association VP internal and presidential candidate), and I feel that there are several facts that have were omitted in the March 12 editorial.

I understand that people may be concerned with my financial need and its ties to RHA, but I think that it is extremely important to understand that the explanation of my financial situation was forced and focused as a result of a malicious and unfounded personal attack: an allegation that I “threatened” the Hoosier Compass ticket.

This allegation was resolved several weeks ago, but was brought back up, probably, as an attempt to ruin my reputation. I never wanted or planned on this information to be public, or to, as some put it, “play the sympathy card.” Moreover, my financial need only depends on RHA because of the amount of dedication I’ve shown to this organization throughout my collegiate career.

As everyone knows, there are a ton of financial opportunities here on campus and I have focused a lot of my energy on RHA, but I also work as an actor, in the campus dining facilities and also at the Wright Quad center desk. I think this is the perspective that the Indiana Daily Student and several students are missing from my situation.

I chose this organization because I want to represent the common student. I face the normal issues that students do and provide representation for a demographic that is not always provided in these types of organizations (i.e., I’m not a business student and I don’t intend to venture into law). To reiterate, I chose RHA first, as a governor (an unpaid position), and stuck with it since, not because of the money, but because of its purpose.

I guess, in the end, I just find it incredibly disappointing that my name has been dragged through as much as it has without a thorough examination of my perspective.

I’m writing this for my own peace of mind because I am the kind of person to rectify any false perceptions people may have of me.

Aaron Collins
RHA Presidential Candidate