May S. Nasr, of South Brunswick
As a student in South Brunswick, I desire quite a few things from those who oversee my education, the Board of Education. I envision innovation and communication as the future of education and for that reason I expect all representatives of the board to covet novel ways of bringing South Brunswick students closer to the greater world. While being educated in a classroom is vital, I am sure students would benefit greatly from more hands-on and real world, intellectually stimulating experiences. Arif Patel promises to do just that for students like me.
In a world of increased globalization, Mr. Patel foresees success in giving the students of South Brunswick a taste of reality through trips to the surrounding facilities of company hot-shots like Dow Jones and Johnson & Johnson. Such experiences would allow students like me to catch a glimpse of the corporate world we may soon be a part of.
How do I, as an American student, compare with students in China and India? Mr. Patel proposes a way to find out: by taking sample tests provided by the education boards of other nations. In this manner, we can truly measure exactly where we stand in the global scheme of things. After all, education should not be a local affair but should be indicative of the way the entire world is and learns.
South Brunswick is an extremely diverse township. In my class there are students from eight different cultural backgrounds, and there are not many students in the class. So the question is: How do we address diversity in education? Mr. Patel’s plan is to create a “Cultural Advisory Board” in which people of all different cultures, ethnicities and religions will be represented. In a diverse community, it is imperative that residents be fully culturally and religiously aware, which is exactly what Mr. Patel is aiming for. I am sure that such awareness will instill a sense of empathy and friendship in myself and all my peers.
Mr. Patel has a myriad of ideas that he will bring to the table if elected to the Board of Education. His bottom line is partnership and communication. Mr. Patel will make the board tangible, accessible to students, parents, teachers, and the community at large. He promises to take education in South Brunswick to new heights of change and excellence. Respect and trust are esteemed by Mr. Patel. I trust him to serve South Brunswick and its children. I trust him to serve students just like me.

