Through high school and university, I have dedicated my efforts to representing the student voice. As the Senator for the Windsor-Essex Catholic District School Board, I consulted with the Director of Education about student concerns regarding online schooling due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. I was also the student representative of the Students Helping Students Board Initiative, where I worked with board members to facilitate funding to students facing financial struggles. I continued this advocacy into university, where I presented student testimonies regarding the lack of in-person learning options in the 2021-2022 school year to the Dean of Science, Science Executive Council, and the University of Windsor Senate. Additionally, I am currently the Vice President of Student Advocacy for Science Society, as I assist students in navigating their concerns, and promote mental health awareness through Wellness Wednesday events and posts. Furthermore, I also collaborate with the Volunteer Coordinator to manage the SciSquad volunteers and create volunteer initiatives for a chance for students to get involved in their local community. Promoting mental health awareness and support for students is one of my biggest missions on campus. As a volunteer on the Canadian Mental Health Support Line, I understand the importance of mental health and creating a safe and comfortable environment on campus.
With this role, I would ensure that students are being represented at every stage of a decision-making process. Before meetings, I would ensure to gather student input and advocate for the student voice when discussing social events, academic policies, or other concerns with the University of Windsor Student Alliance council. Additionally, I would like to take on the role of increasing mental health awareness. By contacting counseling services at the university, I would like to partner to ensure that students are aware of the resources we have on campus, and in the community.
I plan to facilitate positive working relationships within the UWSA Board, members at large and the UWindsor administration through the communication skills that I have developed. Through my role as a volunteer on the Canadian Mental Health Support Line, I have conducted difficult conversations by remaining honest and genuine. I would continue this style of communication throughout my interactions on UWSA. Additionally, I would reach out to the faculty representatives to ensure that I am aware of events, concerns, and academic policies in each faculty at the University of Windsor. I would also continue to build my relationships with administration. From working with the Dean of Science for the past two years, this relationship has outlined the benefits of connecting with Faculty to voice concerns and create solutions to problems.
The University of Windsor Student Alliance is one of the greatest aspects of student experience. Oftentimes, when facing challenges, students feel lost as many policies are at the hands of the university administration. However, with the UWSA, students are able to find an outlet to share their concerns, and potentially make a difference in the University of Windsor at large. Additionally, the UWSA represents the student voice, which allows students to be accounted for when making important decisions that affect them. This is a crucial aspect to a university that has their students’ best interests in mind.
