It would be tough to top an essay by Kim Pereira about "What I did on my summer vacation." In addition to getting married and moving into a doctoral program in Higher and Postsecondary Education, Pereira began her tenure as Student Senate President, and is already enjoying her role.

"I love it," she said. "It's a great way to energize a group of people who are passionate about Teachers College, and it's great to work with the senior staff and make sure student concerns are acted upon."

Pereira has a background in admissions, having worked as an assistant dean at Hamilton College and in Singapore, where she lived for two years before moving to New York City in 2003. She's also traveled extensively in Asia, Europe, South Africa, North America, Australia and New Zealand.

"The important thing about travel is that it opens your eyes into how diverse the world is," she said. This is helpful, she said, since "higher education is a very international world."

Pereira encourages all students to get involved in the Student Senate, by running for office, voting, or contacting Senate members with concerns. Senate members can be reached at Student-Senate@tc.edu or via the Web at www.tc.edu/senate/detail.asp .

Published Tuesday, Sep. 14, 2004