Meg Morrow has always known her daughter was natural leader. From providing guidance for her two younger siblings to becoming involved in every activity possible, Katie Morrow’s leadership skills have been present from a young age, Meg Morrow said.
Morrow, a social sciences junior, has been involved with Associated Students, Inc. (ASI) for two years. She ran for the ASI Board of Directors at the end of her freshmen year, and despite her mother’s belief in her natural leadership skills, she said she became too scared to campaign and didn’t receive enough votes to be elected.
She later decided to apply and interview to become a part of the executive cabinet and was chosen to be secretary of legislative affairs. Morrow went on to be chosen as ASI Chief of Staff, and is now running unopposed for ASI President.
“There is no other student who understands the role better,” sociology junior and member of the ASI University Union Advisory Board (UUAB) Haley Houle said.
Houle is Morrow’s campaign manager and close friend, who she met freshmen year in the dorms. Morrow eventually got Houle involved with ASI.
“You can see her potential,” Houle said. “She has so much experience, and that’s what sets her aside. Every candidate can say ‘I’m organized’ and ‘I can communicate,’ but Katie is so invested in ASI.”
Morrow casually discussed her qualifications one morning while eating potatoes and drinking a coffee from The Avenue. She had no problem keeping the conversation going and became noticeably more excited when asked about her campaign goals.
“I’m excited to make things make sense,” Morrow said. “I want to pull things together that should have been there already and make them last.”
The premise of Morrow’s campaign is “Taking the Next Step.” She plans to build off of current ASI President Kiyana Tabrizi’s goal of communication and move forward.
After a year of increasing communication between the students and ASI, it’s time to put it use, Morrow said.
“We’ve been improving that a lot, but I think it’s time to take the next step with that and move into advocacy and make sure that we’re really speaking on behalf of all the students,” she said.
Morrow said she loves being able to interact with all different types of students who are motivated by different goals, activities and involvements across campus. Being involved with ASI is an amazing opportunity, Morrow said.
“I want to take advantage of it, and I think I can do the job really well, so I feel inclined to do it,” she said. “I really think I have a shot at representing all 18,000 (Cal Poly students).”
Though representing 18,000 students may seem like a full-time job, Morrow has more than just chief of staff, and potentially ASI president, on her plate.
After graduating in June 2013, she plans to obtain a law degree and a master’s degree in social work.
Meg Morrow has mixed feelings about her daughter becoming president and juggling school, she said.
“I want her to study hard and stay focused on her studies,” she said. “But I know she will enjoy it so much. She’s crazy about the school and feels that she can really give back.”
Despite her mom’s concerns, ASI has helped prepare Morrow for her post-graduation plans in many ways, she said. Through her various positions, she has learned to utilize her work ethic; to hold a conversation with people of all different ages, backgrounds and opinions; and to use her social skills to network and follow through with jobs.
“The thing about ASI is that it can help you in anything you want to do,” Morrow said.
Active campaigning began on Sunday. This means that candidates (both for ASI president and Board of Directors) are able to put up signs, hand out flyers and attend group meetings.
Students can vote for ASI president and Board of Directors from April 25 at 7 a.m. until April 26 at 7 a.m. via their My Cal Poly Portal. Winners will be announced on April 26.