A Conversation with Student Senate President Prattay Alam Odin

We sat down with a familiar face on our campus: sophomore Prattay Alam Odin, the Student Senate President for the 2025-2026 academic year.

Odin, a Cyber Operations major with a minor in Network and Security Administration, has a role on campus that extends far beyond the classroom. He’s now at the helm of student governance, representing the voice of the entire DSU student body. We spoke with him to understand his vision, his challenges, and what drives him to lead.

Our conversation began with a simple question: What made him run for president? His answer was refreshingly honest.

“To be blatantly honest here, I pursued a position in the senate solely as an excellent addition to my resume,” Odin admitted. However, his perspective shifted dramatically after serving as the Freshmen Representative last spring. “I discovered that I have the skills and determination needed to make a meaningful impact. That realization inspired me to seek the role of President because I felt equipped with both the vision and the drive to create lasting, positive change for our organization.” He also credited his friend and predecessor, Olamide Olosunde, for helping him step into the role.

With a clear drive to serve, Odin has outlined key goals for his term. His top priority is to bridge the gap between the Student Senate and the students it represents. “One key goal would definitely be to make the senate more visible and approachable,” he explained. “We haven’t been able to uphold the utmost level of transparency to the students. However, we are actively working to fix that.”

The Senate is already tackling significant projects under his leadership. Odin highlighted a major initiative he’s particularly proud of: a complete overhaul of the Student Senate constitution. “We have taken the arduous task of rewriting the student senate constitution,” he said.

When asked about common student concerns, one issue stood out: library hours. “One of our most common remarks I’ve heard since I’ve been a member of the senate is the extension of library hours,” he confirmed. He assured students that the Senate is actively “working closely with Mary Francis, Director of the Library, to come to a reasonable adjustment.”

Looking toward the future, Odin hopes to leave a legacy of thoughtful innovation. Rather than being remembered for following a rigid playbook, he wants to be known for his willingness to adapt and experiment. “Tradition is important, but I think we can honor it while still being welcoming to change,” he stated. “My approach is to give every promising idea a try. If it works, I’ll be remembered with the new traditions; if it doesn’t, forgotten in the ledger, but at least my successor won’t have to go through the same trial and error.”

Beyond his official duties, Odin shared some advice for his fellow Trojans.

With regards to overcoming challenges, Odin said the best advice he’s received is not to overestimate a problem. “Just because it stumps you at first doesn’t mean it’s beyond your abilities. A shift in perspective can solve what years of effort can’t.”

For new students, Odin said, “Don’t be afraid to dip your pinky into the pond. Sometimes a fairy reaches out instead of a monster. You’ll never know what you’re capable of until you give everything a try.”

Hearing his advice, it becomes clear that his story is the very lesson he’s sharing. In getting to know Prattay Alam Odin, we’re not just meeting the Student Senate President; we’re meeting a fellow Trojan who proves that the path to leadership, and to truly knowing yourself, often begins with a single, honest step.

“Know Your Trojans” is a new series dedicated to highlighting the remarkable students who shape our campus community.