as president, my role is to make sure the opinions, needs, and rights of the rank-and-file are recognized by the University — and I want to ensure the next contract reflects our priorities. the cost of living in boston is very, very expensive, and many people in graduate school here are taking care of more people than just themselves. I know a lot of parents here, I know a lot of people who are sending significant amounts of their paycheck to family members out of state or out of the country, to medical debt, to all sorts of expenses beyond rent and utilities.  the union is advocating for safe, livable conditions for people that Harvard’s investors profit from. I also want to make sure folks know that we as a union are pushing against the Harvard Corporation, and are not antagonistic to departments, to staff, to advisors and mentors… unless those folks are abusive, or acting as if graduate students workers are not worth the working conditions and benefits that allow them to do their work to the best of their abilities.