The tapping of computer keys and a warm “hello” greets a visitor to Atty Garfinkel’s office.

“I just have to finish this letter to President Serban,” she says.

Garfinkel, the new Associated Student Senate President, is making it her ultimate goal this year to decrease student apathy by getting students involved with their campus. She has been working continually the past three years to make a difference through her involvement in the student senate.

Garfinkel is a woman who is not afraid to speak her mind. She acknowledges that there are two paths for women: one is to get married right away, have children, then go to school; the other one is to go straight to school and then have children.

“I was stupid and took the first one,” she said.

But now she has returned to school, with more passion and drive then most students on campus. Since her return she has been studying Natural History/Biology and Ethnic Studies as well as Native American Studies. Along with her own academic ambitions, Garfinkel has sat on numerous committees throughout her three years.

“I’m a political junkie,” she says, at the same time admitting that she hasn’t always loved or been involved with politics. Her extensive knowledge of politics aided her as she spent this past summer in Sacramento representing Region VI of California Community Colleges. She is the voice speaking out for the student population. Not only did she represent her region, but also the 2.8 million students who attend a community college.

“I love doing this,” she says enthusiastically, and she encourages the City College community to participate in the student senate meetings. Each meeting there is an initial portion open for public commentary.

“Come tell us what makes you upset, or else we have no idea and your voice won’t be heard,” she said. “If students would just realize the power that they have.”

This past year, The Board of Trustees cut student jobs and nobody was there to speak out against it. And yet people don’t speak up, and then they wonder why certain classes, and jobs are being cut.

“If student’s don’t say something, things are going to be taken away.”

Intelligent and straightforward, Garfinkle’s voice speaks with clarity and power.

“Growing up, I’ve always had a strong sense of playing fair,” Garfinkel said. “I’m the kid who would go up to the bully and punch him in the face.”

Garfinkel says that only about 1% of the people on campus chose to get involved. And those who do speak on behalf of the students are not usually an accurate representation of the population as a whole.

This year, Garfinkel wants to reach out to students who may only be taking night courses, as well as to those attending Cosmetology school in Goleta. She wants to try and make available the resources that are apparent to every other daytime student on campus to all.

“Most student services are closed by the time many students get here,” she says.

Part of Garfinkel’s goal is to better disseminate information, and get people to engage in their school. Including a lot of student outreach, there will be outreach to charities as well. This year the senate will be working on behalf of two charities: one to donate time to, and the other to fund raise for. In November there will be a food drive, as well as toy drives in late November and early December.

Other upcoming events will include Coffee with the Senators, 9-11 a.m. Sept. 15 in Campus Center 223. On Sept. 10 there will be a flag lowering in Luria Plaza. There will also be an event where Garfinkel will be sitting in the library 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Sept. 13 and 29 for open questioning. All events will be posted outside of the student senate room 223 in the Campus Center.

Overall, Garfinkel wants to know what students are thinking, plain and simple.

“Student apathy sucks,” she says.

But if anyone is going to change that, it will be Atty Garfinkel.