▼ WHAT RELEVANT EXPERIENCE/QUALIFICATIONS DO YOU HAVE FOR THIS POSITION?

As a candidate for the position of Faculty of Agriculture Representative in the 2024 Dal Student Union election, I bring a wealth of relevant experience and qualifications to the table.

1. Academic Background: I have a strong academic foundation in agriculture, with a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities within the field.

2. Leadership Experience: Throughout my academic journey, I have actively engaged in leadership roles both within and outside of the university.

3. Communication Skills: I possess excellent communication skills, which include the ability to listen attentively, articulate ideas clearly, and engage with diverse stakeholders.

4. Advocacy and Representation: I am passionate about advocating for the interests of agricultural students. I understand the importance of representation and will work tirelessly to ensure that the concerns and priorities of our community are addressed at all levels of decision-making within the university.

Overall, my combination of academic knowledge, leadership experience, communication skills, advocacy, and collaborative approach make me well-suited for the role of Faculty of Agriculture Representative.

▼ WHY DO YOU BELIEVE YOU ARE A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR YOUR DESIRED POSITION?

I believe I am a strong candidate for the position of Faculty of Agriculture Representative due to my genuine passion for advocating on behalf of agricultural students and fostering a vibrant campus community. With a solid academic background in agriculture and demonstrated leadership experience, I possess the necessary skills to effectively represent the diverse needs of our student body.

My commitment to open communication, collaborative problem-solving, and inclusive decision-making ensures that I will actively engage with students, faculty, and administration to address concerns and implement positive changes. I am dedicated to serving as a voice for agricultural students and am eager to contribute to the continued growth and success of our campus community.

▼ LIST THE TOP 3 THINGS YOU WOULD LIKE TO ACCOMPLISH IN OFFICE?

Here are the top three things I really want to focus on during my time in office:

1. Making Everyone Feel Welcome: I want to ensure that everyone, no matter who they are, feels like they belong here. By organizing events that celebrate our diversity and by listening to everyone's ideas, we can create a campus where everyone feels valued.

2. Assisting Students in Need: I'm dedicated to providing support for students facing challenges, whether it's academic struggles, personal difficulties, or anything else. By offering resources and a supportive network, we can ensure that every student receives the help they need to thrive and succeed.

3. Protecting the Environment: Taking care of our planet is crucial. I want to focus on finding ways to make our campus more eco-friendly and encourage students to come up with innovative ideas for sustainability. Together, we can make a positive impact on our environment and create a greener future for all of us.

▼ DESCRIBE AND DISCUSS ONE STUDENT ISSUE THAT MATTERS TO YOU.

One student issue that deeply resonates with me is mental health and well-being on campus. Mental health challenges affect a significant portion of the student population, yet there can still be stigma surrounding seeking help or discussing these issues openly. This is a critical issue because mental health impacts academic performance, overall well-being, and quality of life.

▼WHAT ARE YOU PASSIONATE ABOUT, AND WHY?

I believe in creating environments where everyone feels welcome and valued, no matter who they are.

By embracing diversity and making sure everyone feels like they belong, we can help each person succeed and make a real difference. That's why I'm passionate about speaking up for others, leading by example, and bringing people together to build strong communities where everyone has a chance to thrive.

▼ LIST A FUN FACT ABOUT YOURSELF.

A fun fact about me is that I once built a small robot from scratch and programmed it to navigate a maze autonomously!

▼ WHAT RELEVANT EXPERIENCE/QUALIFICATIONS DO YOU HAVE FOR THIS POSITION?

I have previously been on the student council in high school and middle school. This has provided me with leadership and relevant experience. I was also the co-lead of my high school’s gay-straight alliance. I advocated for the needs of both groups within these roles.

I am currently a member of Dalhousie’s Student Leadership Academy, and I will complete this course by the end of the semester.

▼ WHY DO YOU BELIEVE YOU ARE A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR YOUR DESIRED POSITION?

I am passionate about elevating the Arts and ensuring it is seen as just as valid as the other disciplines that Dalhousie is known for.

I am pursuing a degree involving both the humanities and the social sciences, so I am involved in both aspects of the Arts and Social Sciences discipline.

▼ LIST THE TOP 3 THINGS YOU WOULD LIKE TO ACCOMPLISH IN OFFICE?

1. Explore opportunities to create more practical experiences for Arts students
   - Co-op, internships, etc

2. Better understand and improve the student experience with academic advisors

3. Create a system of communication, so that I can better represent the Arts and Social Sciences student body

▼ DESCRIBE AND DISCUSS ONE STUDENT ISSUE THAT MATTERS TO YOU.

The student experience. I felt very supported before I first came to Dalhousie, but I do not feel that same support now. Even though I am more familiar with Dalhousie now, I feel more confused and less supported. I want to ensure that other Arts and Social Sciences students are able to feel supported throughout their degree.

▼WHAT ARE YOU PASSIONATE ABOUT, AND WHY?

I am passionate about human rights and equity. It is very important to ensure that everyone’s voice is represented and people have equitable opportunities. I want to pursue a minor in gender and women’s studies as human rights have been my passion for a long time. There are still many injustices in our society that need to be rectified in order to achieve equality.

▼ LIST A FUN FACT ABOUT YOURSELF.

▼ WHAT RELEVANT EXPERIENCE/QUALIFICATIONS DO YOU HAVE FOR THIS POSITION?

As a current Master of Business Administration student, I possess a robust background in leadership, communication, and collaboration, honed through academic pursuits and previous organizational involvement.

Additionally, my commitment to ethical representation and advocacy equips me to effectively serve as the Faculty of Graduate Studies Representative.

▼ WHY DO YOU BELIEVE YOU ARE A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR YOUR DESIRED POSITION?

I believe I am a strong candidate for the Faculty of Graduate Studies Representative position due to my combination of academic qualifications, leadership skills, and a genuine passion for fostering inclusivity and collaboration within the student community.

My dedication to representing the diverse needs of graduate students, coupled with my effective communication abilities, positions me well to advocate for meaningful change and enhance the overall student experience.

▼ LIST THE TOP 3 THINGS YOU WOULD LIKE TO ACCOMPLISH IN OFFICE?

Establishing robust channels of communication: Implementing regular feedback mechanisms and open forums to ensure transparent communication between graduate students and the faculty, fostering a responsive and inclusive environment.

Enhancing support for professional development: Expanding resources and opportunities for career advancement, including networking events, workshops, and mentorship programs, to empower graduate students in their academic and professional journeys.

Promoting diversity and inclusivity initiatives: Implementing policies and initiatives to celebrate diversity, foster inclusivity, and ensure equitable representation within the graduate student community, creating a supportive and welcoming environment for all.

▼ DESCRIBE AND DISCUSS ONE STUDENT ISSUE THAT MATTERS TO YOU.

One student issue that deeply resonates with me is mental health and well-being. The pressures of academic life, coupled with personal and professional responsibilities, can often take a toll on students' mental health. As the Faculty of Graduate Studies Representative, it is crucial to address this issue comprehensively.

Firstly, raising awareness and reducing stigma surrounding mental health is paramount. Many students may hesitate to seek support due to fear of judgment or discrimination. Implementing educational campaigns and workshops to destigmatize mental health issues can encourage students to prioritize their well-being and seek help when needed.

Secondly, providing accessible mental health resources and support services is essential. This includes ensuring that counseling services are readily available and adequately funded, as well as promoting initiatives such as peer support groups and wellness activities on campus. Additionally, advocating for policies that prioritize mental health accommodations and flexible deadlines can alleviate stress and promote a healthier work-life balance for graduate students.

Lastly, fostering a supportive and empathetic community is vital for promoting mental well-being. Encouraging faculty, staff, and fellow students to be mindful of the challenges faced by their peers and offering support and encouragement can create a more nurturing environment for everyone.

By addressing mental health as a priority issue, we can work towards creating a graduate student community that prioritizes well-being, resilience, and inclusivity.

▼WHAT ARE YOU PASSIONATE ABOUT, AND WHY?

I am passionate about fostering inclusivity and diversity within academic and professional settings. This passion stems from my belief that every individual deserves to feel valued, respected, and empowered to reach their full potential, regardless of their background or identity.

Inclusivity not only enriches the learning and working environment by bringing together diverse perspectives and experiences but also promotes equity and social justice. By creating spaces where all voices are heard and valued, we can drive innovation, collaboration, and positive change.

Moreover, promoting diversity and inclusivity is not just a moral imperative but also a strategic advantage. Research consistently demonstrates that diverse teams and organizations outperform homogenous ones in terms of creativity, problem-solving, and decision-making.

Ultimately, I am passionate about fostering inclusivity because I believe it is fundamental to building a more equitable and prosperous society. Through my advocacy and actions, I aim to contribute to creating inclusive spaces where everyone has the opportunity to thrive and succeed.

▼ LIST A FUN FACT ABOUT YOURSELF.

A fun fact about me is that I absolutely love a good workout. Whether it's playing soccer, going for a trek, or just hitting the gym, staying active and pushing my limits is something I truly enjoy. Additionally, I'm a Formula 1 enthusiast and a big foodie, always eager to explore new cuisines.