Q&A with Maryana Khames

San Diego State University international security and conflict resolution major Maryana Khames was appointed to the California State University (CSU) Board of Trustees by Gov. Gavin Newsom in August.

In her role as a student trustee, Khames will represent more than 480,000 students from all campuses within the CSU system. The appointment is for a two-year term.
A first-generation college student who immigrated from Baghdad, Iraq, Khames has served as a student assistant at the Center for Student Success in Engineering, as well as the vice chair of the Commuter Board and as a justice on the Judicial Affairs Council for Associated Students (A.S.).

In addition, Khames has served as a marketing intern at Partners in College Success and previously served as a district representative for California State Sen. Joel Anderson from 2016 to 2017.

Khames is also a member of the Weber Honors College and Rotaract of San Diego State University.

The SDSU News Team asked Khames about what impact she hopes to make and what experience at SDSU has been the most influential.

Where does your passion for student leadership come from?
I applied for the FLEX (First-Year Leadership Experience) program with Associated Students. With that program, I was paired with an A.S. executive. Through that program, I found a community early. That’s where my passion for student leadership started. As a commuter student, it’s hard to find that sometimes. I look forward to coming to school every day. It has become my family and has made me a better student. 

What experience at SDSU has been the most influential for you?
FLEX is where everything started, and my mentors in that program pushed me to get out of my comfort zone and try things I never knew I could do. It’s about having that community for yourself. A.S., as a whole, made me feel like I was supported and could do it. A lot of relationships were made there. I know in my heart, those people will always support me. A.S. has been one of the most amazing things I’ve ever been a part of.

What was your initial reaction when you learned about the appointment?
When I heard, I was at the gym and I just remember calling my mentor, screaming, “We did it!” I had just finished my first year of college and a month later, I was representing more than 480,000 students. To this day, I’m humbled and honored. From the time I got it to now, I’ve fallen even more in love with the position and the impact that I can make.  

What impact do you hope to make as a member of the CSU Board of Trustees?
Every campus is different in the students that it serves. Universities were created to serve students. The way I see it is basic needs are very important – housing, food, and other resources for mental health services and recreational opportunities. I believe once those basic human needs are met, students are able to perform better in the classroom because they don’t have to worry about where their next meal is coming from or where they will be sleeping. SDSU offers many of those resources, but it’s also about creating the awareness throughout all the campuses.  It’s an amazing opportunity, having a seat at the table to sit down and advocate for students. 

Why did you choose international security and conflict resolution as your major?
The way I view international security and conflict resolution is political science, but on an international level. I’ve always loved international politics. Coming from a different country, I just love seeing how two different cultures interact. My perspective and my opinions are unique because I’ve been exposed to the logic and societies of two different cultures. 

Why is it important for students to become involved on campus?
It has to do with growth. Once I got involved, I realized it wasn’t about my GPA, it is about the relationships I build and the person I’m growing to be. Being involved meant I will be uncomfortable and have to meet new people. It makes you aware of yourself and people. But when you support someone, you’re impacted just as much. Being open to that, you’re growing with people and seeing the world from their perspective. For me, being involved really means personal growth.