If you haven’t submitted your photo and bio, then now’s the time. Simply submit the Presidential Portraits Form and you’re on your way to having your “Presidential Portrait” done. If you’re not the president, then do them a favor and fill it out for them.

 Portrait #22                                             
Name: Bijal Chhadva
Age: 21
School: University of South Florida
Major: Computer Engineering
Phone: (813) 974 2402
Email:  president@sg.usf.edu
Official Title: Student Body President and Trustee
Favorite book: How to Win Friends and Influence People By Dale Carnegie
Hobbies: Partying, skateboarding, and riding my motorcycle

Major Accomplishments:
1) Participated in undergraduate research as a part of degree requirements.
2) Helped to ensure that almost all students are registered to vote.
3) Helped to expand Greek parking lots to include spaces for non-resident students.

Previous roles in SGA:
     Former SG Senator for the College of Engineering (2003-2004).

Why did you become involved in SGA?
     To make a difference in student activities and services.

Who is your role model?
     "Mahatma Gandhi because he fought for people's rights, my dad because he lives a simple yet fulfilling life, and Hugh Heffner because he is not concerned with the media."

What is your administration's biggest challenge?
     Not being able to implement some of the things that we attempted, i.e. early voting sites and Flexbucks to be allowed at local restaurants.

What legacy will your administration leave?
     Starting a football stadium fund, the Don-a-Bull Program, a shuttle to Ybor City and back, and attempting to have an electronic board at the Fletcher entrance of USF.

How does student body view SGA?
     "The student body views SGA as an entity that provides services to all students and lobby on behalf of the students. We are the students' greatest advocates."

Describe your relationship with the administration.
     "We have a good working relationship with our USF administration. The students have always been their priority, and we ensure that it remains that way."

Describe your relationship with the media.
     "The Oracle, our newspaper, delivers stories regarding issues concerning students.  They have been cooperative by taking our input and providing us with media coverage to ensure that Student Government reaches their goals to benefit the entire student population."

What advice would you give to other SGAs?
     "If you have the students' best interest at heart, you should join Student Government.  Advice I would give to leaders is to follow your dreams and do not let anyone discourage you. If there is something that you want to do, go ahead and just do it."

What are your plans after graduation?
     "I want to take time off from school and work. Then, I would like to pursue an MBA at an Ivy League university."

Submit a clear, color, close-up headshot of yourself to accompany your bio. Photos can be sent by either regular mail to: Stephanie Reck, Presidential Portraits, P.O. Box 14081, Gainesville, FL 32604, or via e-mail to info@studentleader.com. Digital photos must be 300dpi JPG files to be used.

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