2025-2026 VOting is now open!
Below are all the 2025-2026 candidates' videos and bios!
Please use these videos as an insight on who you believe will be the best person for the position!
Please be respectful and mindful to everyone running.
GOOD LUCK and HAPPY VOTING!
To be a Qualified Voter:
Must be an active SNA member with a non-expired membership
(if you would like to renew your membership or become a member,
please contact our membership and mentorship directors)
ELECTIONS WILL END MARCH 23, 2025 @11:59 PM.
ANY VOTES AFTER THAT WILL BE VOID.
Please use these videos as an insight on who you believe will be the best person for the position!
Please be respectful and mindful to everyone running.
GOOD LUCK and HAPPY VOTING!
To be a Qualified Voter:
Must be an active SNA member with a non-expired membership
(if you would like to renew your membership or become a member,
please contact our membership and mentorship directors)
ELECTIONS WILL END MARCH 23, 2025 @11:59 PM.
ANY VOTES AFTER THAT WILL BE VOID.
Presidential candidate(s)
Gillian Lunod
Hello everyone – my name is Gillian “Gill” Lunod and I am so excited to be running for your 2025-2026 SNA President! ⋆౨ৎ˚⟡˖ ࣪
SNA has always been a second home for me and I intend to foster this same sense of community I have felt in the year to come. My time as the Image of Nursing Director for the past two years has helped me not only connect with my peers within SNA but also understand how I can best support them. Backed by a passion for education and leadership, I look forward to introducing new avenues for ALL members of SNA to flourish. I am so grateful to have learned and thrived through my time in SNA, and I would be honored to grow alongside you as your President next year! ᡣ𐭩
Hello everyone – my name is Gillian “Gill” Lunod and I am so excited to be running for your 2025-2026 SNA President! ⋆౨ৎ˚⟡˖ ࣪
SNA has always been a second home for me and I intend to foster this same sense of community I have felt in the year to come. My time as the Image of Nursing Director for the past two years has helped me not only connect with my peers within SNA but also understand how I can best support them. Backed by a passion for education and leadership, I look forward to introducing new avenues for ALL members of SNA to flourish. I am so grateful to have learned and thrived through my time in SNA, and I would be honored to grow alongside you as your President next year! ᡣ𐭩
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VICE PRESIDENT CANDIDATE(s)
Samantha Sim
Hello everyone! My name is Samantha Sim, or some of you may know me as Sam Sim, and I’m a Track 1 Junior who is so excited to be running for SDSU SNA’s Vice President position! From joining SNA in my first year to serving as a Fundraising Director and a mentor in my second year, and now as one of the Mentorship and Membership Directors in my third year, I’ve truly enjoyed every friendship, experience, and opportunity SNA has given me (and yes, in case you couldn’t tell, I absolutely love SNA!). If I have the honor of serving as Vice President, I will use my years of experience on the SNA board, along with the communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills I’ve developed, to be a strong advocate for your needs and ensure that we have a community where every student feels heard, valued, and supported. I promise that if elected, I will bring my enthusiasm, new ideas, dedication, and unwavering commitment to ensuring that everyone has a positive and unforgettable SNA experience in the coming year. So please vote for Samantha Sim as your next SNA Vice President!
Hello everyone! My name is Samantha Sim, or some of you may know me as Sam Sim, and I’m a Track 1 Junior who is so excited to be running for SDSU SNA’s Vice President position! From joining SNA in my first year to serving as a Fundraising Director and a mentor in my second year, and now as one of the Mentorship and Membership Directors in my third year, I’ve truly enjoyed every friendship, experience, and opportunity SNA has given me (and yes, in case you couldn’t tell, I absolutely love SNA!). If I have the honor of serving as Vice President, I will use my years of experience on the SNA board, along with the communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills I’ve developed, to be a strong advocate for your needs and ensure that we have a community where every student feels heard, valued, and supported. I promise that if elected, I will bring my enthusiasm, new ideas, dedication, and unwavering commitment to ensuring that everyone has a positive and unforgettable SNA experience in the coming year. So please vote for Samantha Sim as your next SNA Vice President!
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SECRETARY CANDIDATE(S)
Lindsey Tran
Hi everyone, my name is Lindsey, I am a Track 1 Junior and I'm running for your 25-26 SNA Secretary! I currently serve as your Membership and Mentorship Director, and I've worked alongside our current secretary when it comes to managing memberships, getting room reservations, and tracking cord points, so I am prepared to transition seamlessly into the role. As a member with 100+ cord points, I know how important it is to keep the cord point sheet updated, so your cord points will be in good hands! I'm committed to ensuring smooth communication within the organization, maintaining accurate records, and making sure everyone has the support they need to succeed within the SNA BOD and the general body. I would love the opportunity to serve as your SNA Secretary and help our chapter continue to thrive!
Hi everyone, my name is Lindsey, I am a Track 1 Junior and I'm running for your 25-26 SNA Secretary! I currently serve as your Membership and Mentorship Director, and I've worked alongside our current secretary when it comes to managing memberships, getting room reservations, and tracking cord points, so I am prepared to transition seamlessly into the role. As a member with 100+ cord points, I know how important it is to keep the cord point sheet updated, so your cord points will be in good hands! I'm committed to ensuring smooth communication within the organization, maintaining accurate records, and making sure everyone has the support they need to succeed within the SNA BOD and the general body. I would love the opportunity to serve as your SNA Secretary and help our chapter continue to thrive!
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treasurer candidate(s)
Damien Martinez
Hello everyone! My name is Damien, and I am a third-year Track 1 Nursing major. Currently, I serve as one of the Global Initiatives Directors for SNA, and I am excited to be running for the position of Treasurer. My goal as Treasurer is to increase transparency with not only the BOD but with general body members regarding SNA funding; whether that is professional development events sponsored by SNA or advertising travel opportunities such as attending CSNA or NSNA. I have previous experience serving as the current President for the College of Health and Services Council which has given me insight on budgeting and how finances work within AS. I would like to use this experience plus my experience on SNA board as Global Initiatives Director plus Fundraising Director to continue the efforts to spread the awareness of DEI initiatives plus further professional development opportunities. Hope to have the opportunity to serve as the next Treasurer for the 2025-2026 academic school year!
Hello everyone! My name is Damien, and I am a third-year Track 1 Nursing major. Currently, I serve as one of the Global Initiatives Directors for SNA, and I am excited to be running for the position of Treasurer. My goal as Treasurer is to increase transparency with not only the BOD but with general body members regarding SNA funding; whether that is professional development events sponsored by SNA or advertising travel opportunities such as attending CSNA or NSNA. I have previous experience serving as the current President for the College of Health and Services Council which has given me insight on budgeting and how finances work within AS. I would like to use this experience plus my experience on SNA board as Global Initiatives Director plus Fundraising Director to continue the efforts to spread the awareness of DEI initiatives plus further professional development opportunities. Hope to have the opportunity to serve as the next Treasurer for the 2025-2026 academic school year!
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LEGISLATIVE DIRECTORS CANDIDATE(S)
Angeline Chan Jaimes & Kaitlyn Sugita
Angeline Chan Jaimes
Hello! My name is Angeline, I am a Track 2 Junior, and I am running for the Legislative Co-Director position for the 2025-2026 SNA Board. I am interested in health policy and advocacy, and this position is a great opportunity to further develop this interest to support the nursing community. I currently serve as a mentor for three sophomore nursing students through SNA and I am part of the Friends of MSF Service Learning Trip Committee organizing medical outreach volunteer trips, experiences that have allowed me to develop my leadership and interpersonal skills. My goals are to provide students with leadership experiences through the Cohort Representative positions, organize monthly meetings to create a support network between tracks and cohorts, and also create a workshop to motivate students to participate in the 2026 SDSU Research Symposium. Thank you for considering me to be one of the next Legislative Co-Directors!
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Kaitlyn Sugita
Hi, my name is Kaitlyn Sugita and I'm a Track 1 Sophomore. It would be a pleasure to serve as one of your Legislative Co-Directors! Some of my goals include: ensuring fair and organized elections, increasing general body participation in resolutions, and holding more professionalism workshops. With past teamwork and leadership experiences, I will work hard to serve on the SNA Board. Looking forward to a fun and successful year!
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Arushi Kalam & Summer Sanchez
Arushi Kalam
Hiiii my name is Arushi Kalam and I'm currently running to be one of your 2025-2026 Legislative Co-Directors!! You may know me as I've been one of your Community Health Co-Directors for the past two years. Currently I am the SSF Proposal Coordinator helping 34 people attend the 2025 NSNA Convention in Seattle. I'm passionate about advocating for nursing students and addressing the challenges we face through our time in nursing school. I would love to address your concerns and amplify your voices in a meaningful way :)).
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Summer Sanchez
Hi, my name is Summer Sanchez and I’m hoping to be your next Legislative Co-Director! Throughout my time in nursing school, I have played an active role in SNA by being a cohort representative my sophomore year, a delegate at CNSA and NSNA 2024 Conventions, and most recently elected as a 2024-25 CNSA Board Director! I also co-authored the SNA 2024 Resolution, working closely with Rachel Best and Rachel Lee, gaining firsthand experience in legislative roles and responsibilities and what it takes to be successful. I’m eager to continue making a meaningful impact on the nursing community by addressing the critical issues we face as students and future nurses and would be honored if you chose me to represent you!
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Astha Israni & Emilee Punsalan
Astha Israni
Hey guys!!! My name is Astha, and I'm a Track 2 Sophomore from LA. I'm so excited to be running for your next Legislative Director alongside Emilee, and I'd love the opportunity to get involved in the nursing community so I can give back to an organization that has provided me with a sense of home. My experiences as a 206 Lab ISA and a STAR Center Assistant have left me well-equipped to voice students' concerns and ensure they feel comfortable discussing their problems. I also worked at a lab here on campus for three semesters where I grew microalgal cultures with the goal of improving the nutritional content of astronaut food (yummm, freeze dried Neapolitan anyone??), which taught me a lot about collaboration, teamwork, and time management. One of my main goals as a legislative co-director is to foster a safe, and inclusive space where you feel at ease and well-informed about the change that is happening around you, so make sure to vote for me and Emilee to be your next Legislative Co-Directors!
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Emilee Punsalan
Hi everyone, my name is Emilee Punsalan and I am a Track 2 Sophomore! I have been involved in SNA since the first semester of my freshman year, where I served as my track’s first cohort representative. I’ve also had a variety of other experiences related to leadership and community collaboration, including being an SDSU Ambassador, 202 Lab TA, and Special Education Peer Tutor. I would be thrilled to be one of your Legislative Co-Directors, and am excited for the opportunity to positively represent SDSU Nursing at local, state, and national levels. I want to ensure all voices are heard and advocated for through impactful change, both as nursing students and individuals.
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COMMUNITY HEALTH DIRECTORS CANDIDATE(S)
Emily Ho & Kaitlyn Shitamoto
Emily Ho
Hi! My name is Emily Ho and I am a Track 1 Junior running for one of your Co-Directors for Community Health alongside Kaitlyn Shitamoto. I am currently one of your Global Initiatives Directors and have loved every second of it. I am beyond passionate about giving back to the world and would be so honored to be able to spread awareness about illnesses affecting our communities. We plan on hosting many events throughout the school year to give you the opportunity to also give back to the community through blood drives, menstrual product donations, food drives, and more! We have so many new ideas to bring to SNA that can only happen if you vote for us!
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Kaitlyn Shitamoto
Hello, my name is Kaitlyn Shitamoto and I’m a Track 1 Junior running for one of your 2025-2026 Community Health Co-Directors alongside Emily Ho! As a current Fundraising Co-Director of SNA and active member since my freshman year, I have planned, participated, and been involved in many of the events that are put on by this student-led organization. Being a part of SNA has given me so much–stronger relationships with my peers and so many opportunities to learn and grow –which is why I want to continue to be on board so I can give back to the organization and community that has provided me a space to thrive. I am very passionate about community health issues such as mental health, the opioid crisis, food insecurity, and volunteering to help support the community. Emily and I want to be able to do our part in promoting awareness and giving back to those in need through continuing the current programs, as well as adding more!
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BREAKTHROUGH TO NURSING DIRECTORS CANDIDATE(S)
Jonathan Eppert &Nathan Nguyen
Jonathan Eppert
Hi everybody! My name is Jonathan and I am once again running to be your Co-Director of Breakthrough to Nursing with Nathan. I am very passionate about serving future generations and plan to be a pediatric oncology nurse post-graduation! I hope to incorporate those same passions and skills into the Breakthrough to Nursing Co-Director position by implementing additional presentations alongside Nathan and spreading the word about SDSU's SON program and nursing as a whole. Some of my past and current involvements include being the BTN Co-Director for the 2024-2025 year, the VP of Philanthropy for Alpha Kappa Psi (F23), on leadership for Some of My Best Friends Are Bald (pediatric oncology support group at Rady Children's), and a camp counselor for Oncology and Kids (summer camp and year round weekend camp for pediatric oncology patients).
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Nathan Nguyen
Hi everyone! I'm Nathan Nguyen, a Junior in Track 1, and I'm running to be your Breakthrough to Nursing Director again for the 2025-2026 school year. My journey with BTN has been incredibly fulfilling, and I'm eager to give back by leading this committee. While I may be new to leadership within SNA, I bring valuable experience as a Resident Advisor of Huaxyacac Hall and as a Project Manager for SDSU Press’ literary journal, the Pacific Review. With dedication and enthusiasm, I am committed to providing you all with an array of meaningful opportunities and events. Your support for Nathan is an investment in a dedicated leader who will make the most of every opportunity.
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FUNDRAISING DIRECTORS CANDIDATE(S)
Michael Gastelum & Victoria Naval
Michael Gastelum
Hello, I'm Michael Gastelum and running to be your Fundraising Co-Director! I have past experience designing and distributing merch as well as handling money as ASB treasurer. I am running for board because of my previous experience and wanting to become more involved in the nursing community! I'm approachable and easy-going and would be willing to help you in any way I can. One of my goals is to design more merch and make the distributing process far smoother, I hope I can serve as your SNA Fundraising Co-Director!
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Victoria Naval
Hi guys, I'm Victoria Naval and I would love to be your future Fundraising Co-Director! My past positions including Class Secretary, Key Club president, UNICEF Secretary and current Manna BBQ cashier/host have given me a strong foundation to become a Fundraising Co-Director. I am a very outgoing and friendly person, so you would always be able to reach out to me for anything! My main goal is to make SNA a fun and welcoming environment, I hope you guys vote for me!!
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Michael John Penaflor & Russell Castillo
Michael John Penaflor
Hello! My name is Michael John “Mjae” Penaflor and I’m a Track 1 Sophomore excited to run for your Co-Director of Fundraising. I have years of fundraising experience from serving in my high school ASB. I want to bring new, creative fundraising events beyond just food fundraisers. My music tutor, teacher, and conductor background has strengthened my leadership, communication, and collaboration skills. As a current mentor in SNA, I am passionate about supporting fellow nursing students and supporting the SDSU SNA.
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Russell Castillo
Hello everyone! My name is Russell Castillo, and I'm a Track 1 Sophomore from Moreno Valley, California. I've loved being part of SNA since my freshman year, actively attending meetings and events ever since. As Fundraising Director, my goal is to foster a supportive and friendly environment by organizing new monthly fundraisers, promoting fresh merch designs, and rewarding our members through various giveaways. In addition to being an SNA mentor to three mentees, I’m always happy to support and guide others — so feel free to reach out to me for anything, SNA-related or not!
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MEMBERSHIP & MENTORSHIP DIRECTOR CANDIDATE(S)
Brian Jackson
My name is Brian Jackson, and I’m a Track 2 sophomore going into my third year at SDSU. In my free time I love cooking, going on runs, gardening, and hanging out around Convoy with my friends. Over the last two years, I’ve loved getting to work with nursing students through my roles as a mentor to five freshmen, a Nursing STAR Center tutor, my track’s Cohort Representative, and as a TA for the N202 assessment lab. As a Director of M&M, I’ll strive to improve SNA’s membership and mentorship outcomes by reinforcing our incentives for leadership, getting more of our graduate students involved, and enhancing social opportunities throughout the year to promote engagement. If you’re interested in seeing the changes I want to bring to SNA, please vote for me as your next Director of Membership and Mentorship.
My name is Brian Jackson, and I’m a Track 2 sophomore going into my third year at SDSU. In my free time I love cooking, going on runs, gardening, and hanging out around Convoy with my friends. Over the last two years, I’ve loved getting to work with nursing students through my roles as a mentor to five freshmen, a Nursing STAR Center tutor, my track’s Cohort Representative, and as a TA for the N202 assessment lab. As a Director of M&M, I’ll strive to improve SNA’s membership and mentorship outcomes by reinforcing our incentives for leadership, getting more of our graduate students involved, and enhancing social opportunities throughout the year to promote engagement. If you’re interested in seeing the changes I want to bring to SNA, please vote for me as your next Director of Membership and Mentorship.
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GLOBAL INITIATIVES DIRECTOR CANDIDATE(S)
Kelly Diep & Melanie Frances Nery
Kelly Diep
Let’s take SDSU SNA on an international adventure! My name is Kelly Diep, and as your next Global Initiatives Director, I am eager to provide significant international opportunities and foster greater cultural awareness in our community–all with the overall goal of dismantling the cultural disparities that surround us. Through my previous leadership roles across a variety of school clubs and my position as a research mentor/intern supporting underrepresented students in San Diego, I have expanded my abilities to communicate, collaborate, and think creatively. These experiences have greatly deepened my awareness on how these widespread disparities impact individuals, which consequently reinforces my motivation to broaden the scope of other students' perspectives, as well as push the limits of what we can do to facilitate meaningful change. Partnering with my dear friend Melanie Nery, we are determined to enrich students with a diverse array of healthcare experiences, empowering YOU–the future of nursing–to embrace new perspectives in patient care that stretch far beyond our own borders!
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Melanie Frances Nery
(G)oal: As your next Global Initiatives Director, my friend, Kelly Diep, and I, Melanie Nery, want to be the glue that closes the gap and strengthens cultural connections in the healthcare community, whether that be about communication, traditions, orientation, beliefs, or practices.
(U)nderstand: By understanding the importance of cultural awareness, as people and as future nurses, we students can overcome barriers and disparities with knowledge about healthcare on a global scale. (I)nclusive: As a past leader in a cultural club, I aim to continue creating an inclusive environment for students of all backgrounds and empower them as future healthcare providers. (D)eliver: My position delivers diverse opportunities for students to get out of their comfort zone and expand their horizons and ultimately make an impact on the community. (E)xperience: I have developed a strong expertise in leadership and spreading cultural awareness through hands-on experience in spreading my own culture, such as sharing cultural traditions, beliefs, practices, food, language, and dances. |
Cassandra Patterson & Melenie Gubat
Cassandra Patterson
Hi my name is Cassandra (Cassie) Patterson! I am currently a Track 1 sophomore. I have always been really active in SNA by attending meetings, events, and mentoring 2 freshmen students. I chose global initiatives specifically because I am really passionate about highlighting how important culture is in healthcare! I want to give back to the community and SNA through this position.
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Melenie Gubat
Hi, My name is Melenie and I am a Track 1 Sophomore! I am so excited to be running for your next year Global Initiative Director with Cassie! As future nurses, understanding different cultures is essential to providing the best patient care. I want to be able to provide you guys the opportunity to learn and explore how cultural backgrounds can shape experiences in health care. I would do this through implementing a variety of workshops and exposing you to traditions from all over the world! I want you guys to be able to experience how different it is by incorporating mini aspects such as discussions and bringing food! I hope to continue spreading cultural competence in health care through SNA and make every meeting a global experience!!! :D
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COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR CANDIDATE(S)
Ella Irving
Hi, my name is Ella Irving, and I am excited to run for Communications Co-Director! I’ve truly enjoyed my time in SNA so far, and I’m excited to expand my experience by running for a position on the Board of Directors. My leadership experience as Director of Academics in Pi Beta Phi has strengthened my organizational, communication, and design skills — qualities that I believe will serve me well in this position. I am eager to bring fresh ideas to Vital Signs, revamp our social media presence, and explore opportunities for sponsorships and collaborations. I would love the opportunity to contribute to SNA’s success and enhance communication for all members!
Hi, my name is Ella Irving, and I am excited to run for Communications Co-Director! I’ve truly enjoyed my time in SNA so far, and I’m excited to expand my experience by running for a position on the Board of Directors. My leadership experience as Director of Academics in Pi Beta Phi has strengthened my organizational, communication, and design skills — qualities that I believe will serve me well in this position. I am eager to bring fresh ideas to Vital Signs, revamp our social media presence, and explore opportunities for sponsorships and collaborations. I would love the opportunity to contribute to SNA’s success and enhance communication for all members!
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IMAGE OF NURSING DIRECTOR CANDIDATE(S)
Mark Ganitano
Hi, my name is Mark Ganitano, and I’m a Track 1 Junior at SDSU. I am passionate about creating content that authentically represents the experiences of nursing students, which is why I am running for the Image of Nursing position. With extensive experience in video editing/production using softwares like Premiere Pro and DaVinci Resolve, I aim to craft engaging and educational content that highlights the realities of nursing school. I believe strong communication and involvement with general body members is essential to fostering a supportive community. If elected, I look forward to bringing creative ideas to life and showcasing the resilience and dedication of nurses as a whole.
Hi, my name is Mark Ganitano, and I’m a Track 1 Junior at SDSU. I am passionate about creating content that authentically represents the experiences of nursing students, which is why I am running for the Image of Nursing position. With extensive experience in video editing/production using softwares like Premiere Pro and DaVinci Resolve, I aim to craft engaging and educational content that highlights the realities of nursing school. I believe strong communication and involvement with general body members is essential to fostering a supportive community. If elected, I look forward to bringing creative ideas to life and showcasing the resilience and dedication of nurses as a whole.
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Renata Bystrowski
Hi, my name is Renata Bystrowski and I am currently running to be the Image of Nursing Director. A bit about me, I am from New Jersey and enjoy photography as a hobby of mine. Having this role would be less of a job for me and is more of being able to express my creative abilities into something I love! I am truly passionate about how hard working SDSU's student nurses are and would love to represent us in the most honorable way possible.
Hi, my name is Renata Bystrowski and I am currently running to be the Image of Nursing Director. A bit about me, I am from New Jersey and enjoy photography as a hobby of mine. Having this role would be less of a job for me and is more of being able to express my creative abilities into something I love! I am truly passionate about how hard working SDSU's student nurses are and would love to represent us in the most honorable way possible.
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