I’m deeply hurt over accusations in a Daily Orange article made against me and at the Student Association leadership. Student Association’s Puerto Rico Disaster Relief provided stability during a directionless moment in life, as I switched my major left and right. I needed something to involve myself in because service was one of the main ways to give back, and I fell in love with the cause. Monday night’s meeting was the first time I heard this accusation about bias and favoritism regarding the trip.

I would be happy to show anyone who wants to see how I devised the application process. It happened that one of these applicants was my best friend and future running mate, Serena Fazal. I immediately notified the others of my relationship with her and abstained when choosing the role. I want to stress that everything in this selection process was randomized until it was necessary.

During the next round of interviews, there were three prospective applicants to fill two spots. Two of the students were my friends, one of whom was Serena. I remember highlighting that Serena, a Spanish major and Spanish speaker, would be an asset to the team. In no way did I mean my words to imply that I wanted to choose a friend over any others. There was no hidden agenda to conspire a run for SA President and Vice President. My only ulterior motive in this process was to learn, grow and develop personally and keep myself busy instead of in bed.

I apologize to the student body. If I had assumed this was pertinent information, or knew of it before this article was published, I would’ve made it known. I stood on that stage running for Parliamentarian, claiming how important transparency and accountability is to me, but that was never the case with this leadership in this circumstance. I love and appreciate this campus and the Student Association. I enter elections knowing that losses may happen. However, it’s not the loss that bothers me, but the way in which I lost. I know that Drew (Jacobson), the new parliamentarian, will do well in the role, as will Ghufran (Salih) and Kyle (Rosenblum). As for me, someone called me resilient tonight, and that’s the damn truth. This too shall pass.

Sincerely,

John Jankovic, Syracuse University Class of 2020