25 questions with ASG President Melissa Joy Tumlos

Get to know USD’s future student leader on campus

JESSICA MILLS / ASST. FEATURE EDITOR / THE USD VISTA

Melissa Joy Tumlos (she/they) is a Chicago resident, one of seven siblings, and loves to sing in the shower. When she’s not studying in Aromas, Tumlos is fighting for inclusion and diversity on USD’s campus. 

On April 19, 2022 Tumlos was elected as Associated Student Government President for the 2022-2023 school year. They sat down with The USD Vista and answered 25 questions to kick off their leadership journey. 

Why did you run for ASG President?

I actually wasn’t planning to run for executive board. The current President, Justice Zoto, reached out to me and asked to talk about running for exec. It really took the motivation of a lot of people, them seeing my dedication and work ethic to plant that seed in my mind. I began to see my qualities as a leader, especially around issues like inclusion, equity, and diversity. 

Who was the first person you called when you found out you won?

The first person I called was my mom. But, I actually found out with my partner. He was actually in the shower and I screamed ‘the results are here.’ We jumped around in a circle together celebrating.

What’s one word you would use to describe yourself?

Energetic. Intentional too.

How does your experience at USD influence your leadership?

In addition to being a transfer student I’m also from out of state, gender nonconforming, on scholarship, and second generation. There’s a lot of identities that I hold and I feel like these identities really influence how I experience USD. It’s about using my identity to inform what other people may be experiencing. Speaking to your story and others’ stories is really important.

I’m sure you have many, but what are your major goals as President?

Oh gosh, I don’t even know where to start. My biggest goals fall within the framework of idea resources. My goal is to open that pathway to promote inclusion and diversity on campus. My goal is to not serve as some “elite member” of the student body but to be a representative that brings these issues to the attention of the faculty and administrators that are making these decisions. We want to live up to that changemaker name that USD holds. For me that means making space for people that haven’t had the space to be in higher education.

Are you a part of any other organizations on campus?

I’m a part of FUSO and I have been  a choral scholar since I came to USD.

What is your major?

My major is sociology and I’m minoring in Spanish. Initially I was in music education and I knew I wanted to work in an intimate setting with people. I decided teaching wasn’t for me and a lot of my skills align within sociology, like my education on social justice, my need for intimate connections with people, and seeing how people interact with each other is something I’m really interested in. I love Spanish and I really want to be fluent.

Advice for lowerclassmen?

Say yes to opportunities. All those emails that are sent to join clubs and stuff, actually look in them and invest yourself somewhere on campus.

What do you want to be when you grow up?

Right now I envision myself working as a social worker for the rest of my life. I can envision myself being a counselor, an advocate for social justice issues, and helping families. The truth is, I want to do it all.

What would you like to be known for as ASG President?

For being disarming and easy to talk to. I don’t want to be this elite president. I want to connect with people and not intimidate them. I want to be known for being trustworthy.

What are you most nervous about as ASG President?

I’m nervous about being seen all the time. Putting myself out there, having my name on places, even just interviewing for this is something I’m really nervous about. I’m nervous about being criticized for sure. Knowing my decisions and actions influence other people, I’m nervous about messing up. But, I’m ready to take on that challenge.

Do you have any pets?

I do. I have a dog named Comet, and he’s evil, but I love him.

What’s your favorite food?

It’s a Filipino dish called ‘Kare-Kare’, it’s stewed oxtail in a peanut sauce with a bunch of vegetables. That would be my last meal if I had to choose one.

What do you think has had the biggest impact on you?

I think my mental health journey has paved the way for myself and this will be a lifelong journey. When I made the decision to start saying yes to my life, life improved so much for me. I have so much more energy to invest in relationships and opportunities.

Advice you’d give to a friend if they were feeling down?

I’m a person that thinks listening is more important than giving someone advice. A lot of the time we don’t have the answers. But, as far as advice: time and patience. I try not to jump straight to advice. We need to start asking if it’s okay to give advice first.

What’s something you’re working on for yourself?

I’m learning what it’s like to be in a state of joy and happiness. I used to think you have to be happy all the time to consider yourself a happy person. But happiness is a process. To have hope for myself is something I’m learning to sit with.

What’s something you’re really passionate about?

I love to write. I write a lot of opinion stuff, focusing on law enforcement and police practices. I definitely think that is something I would want to write a book about one day.

When you’re having a bad day what do you do to make yourself feel better?

Cook. Eat good food. A long shower and listening to music feels so good too. Doing things that are physically stimulating like holding ice packs or heating packs always centers me.

What’s your favorite song?

I’ve been listening to a lot of Olivia Rodrigo lately, she just gives me energy. I love the song ‘Brutal,’ it’s a good pump up song.

What are you most excited about for this position? 

I’m really excited to keep working with people on ASG. The next two weeks we’re conducting interviews to appoint our executive team and that is so exciting to me.

What’s your go-to karaoke song?

Right now: Ain’t no Mountain High Enough.

Would you consider yourself an introvert or extrovert?

I’m definitely an extrovert, but I like my space and peace.

Favorite tv show?

Of all time: Ted Lasso. 

Who is someone that is no longer alive that you wish you could meet?

Fred Hampton. He is one of the greatest activists of all time. He was the leader of the Chicago Black Panther Party and I’m actually getting a quote of his tattooed on me.

Is there anything you want the USD community to know about you?

I’m really grateful and humbled to be in this position. I’ve been able to reflect a lot on what it means to be a leader and I’m so grateful for the people and the education that have really been able to write this story for me.

Melissa Joy Tumlos explained their overall excitement to bridge necessary conversations between USD students and faculty. Tumlos remains driven to live up to the USD changemaker title.