Junior Caucus: Daniel Jung and Andrey Sokolov

RECORD: Together, the Jung-Sokolov ticket has concrete experience in student government. The pair ran for Freshman Caucus back in 2019, and while their ticket did not win, Jung became president of Sophomore Caucus the next year after running. Jung and next year’s SU Vice President Ryan Lee appointed Sokolov as their Chief of Staff in the process. Their long-term experience as a duo should facilitate their plans in Junior Caucus as they have worked with each other for the past year and learned the ropes of student government.

CAMPAIGN: Jung and Sokolov have set up an Instagram account that has gathered plenty of followers, with engagement on each post. On it, there is a platform document and a “JUNIES Suggestion Form” through which juniors can make comments and suggestions for the two to implement next year. The pair has solid chemistry as Jung and Sokolov clearly work well together. They are both in agreement in regard to their plans and ideas and are working to achieve the same end of reducing stress for the junior student body next year.

PLATFORM: The Jung-Sokolov platform revolves around keeping juniors updated and alleviating the stress of junior year. Their plan includes increased social media presence to better connect with students, as well as holding online events to address junior year struggles. However, many of their ideas have been either done or attempted before, such as the umbrella borrowing program, but they do show an ability to get their proposals done.

Running uncontested for Junior Caucus co-presidents this year, Daniel Jung and Andrey Sokolov have promised to improve school life for “junies” (a play on the term “freshies”) as they return to school in the fall. The platform emphasizes the importance of alleviating the stress of junior year, as well as that of a return to in-person learning.

One of Jung and Sokolov’s main policy ideas centers around increased college readiness events, including ACT and SAT practice sessions, as well as their favorite idea, “So You Want To Major In,” a continuation of the “So You Want To Be A…” series implemented this year. While similar ideas have been proposed and executed before, these ideas are substantial and achievable and will be beneficial to the student body. Jung and Sokolov also expressed an interest in developing closer ties to the college office, which, while potentially difficult, could help alleviate some of the stress that they have alluded to in junior year—a notable achievement if successfully implemented.

As for returning to school in the fall, Jung and Sokolov lack specific ideas on creating a smooth transition back into the school building. However, they intend on using social media, such as Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok, to spread various important messages, which may help juniors. Jung and Sokolov also mention ideas for events upon a return to school but haven’t yet developed sufficient originality to make their event proposals substantial.

Overall, the Jung-Sokolov ticket is fairly strong and a more-than-viable pair to become Junior Caucus co-presidents. Jung’s experience as Sophomore Caucus president has taught him the lay of the land, making him well-prepared to hold the Junior Caucus position, and Sokolov’s experience as Chief of Staff has exposed him to the inner workings of a caucus. Clear from their strong dynamic, their experience working as a duo will also surely benefit them, a good sign of things to come for Jung and Sokolov this year.