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

Well, picture this: I'm like the guardian angel of student well-being in our residence. From late-night chats to making sure everyone's feeling their best, I'm there, like a superhero in pajamas. And as for throwing events, well, let's just say I've mastered the art of turning a gathering into a full-blown fiesta. Being the big cheese at bollywoodFunk society has taught me a thing or two about event planning – and trust me, it's been a wild ride!

But beyond the laughs and the party hats, what really gets me going is seeing students light up with joy. Whether it's a cozy movie night or a workshop on beating stress, knowing I've made a difference in someone's day? That's what it's all about. So, when it comes to supporting mental well-being and bringing folks together, you can bet your bottom dollar I've got the enthusiasm and the know-how to make magic happen.

Oh, and did I mention I've also worn the hat of treasurer at the paintball society? Yup, I've dabbled in the world of finances, making sure every penny was well accounted for. So, not only can I throw a killer event, but I can also balance the books like a pro. Talk about a double threat, right?

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

I've been around the block as an international student myself, so I totally get the struggle of shelling out big bucks for tuition and feeling like you're not getting your money's worth in return. It's like ordering a deluxe pizza and getting plain cheese, right? Not cool.

But here's where I come in. As someone who's been there, done that, I'm all about shaking things up and making sure every student – whether they're from down the street or halfway around the world – feels like they're getting the VIP treatment. Because let's face it, we all deserve to have a good time and feel at home, no matter where we come from.

So, as your potential Vice President of Student Life, I'm on a mission to ramp up the fun factor and beef up the support services. Think killer events that make you forget about those hefty tuition bills for a while and resources for mental health support that are as easy to find as your favorite playlist on Spotify.

And hey, I've got the experience to back it up. From my gig as treasurer at the paintball society to my time organizing events that are the talk of the town, I know how to make every dollar count and every event unforgettable.

Bottom line: I'm here to make sure your university experience is worth every penny – and then some. So, let's make it happen together!"

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

1. Throwing Epic Events: I want to turn those run-of-the-mill campus events into something you'd actually look forward to. Think game nights that rival your favorite hangouts and cultural celebrations that make you feel like you're traveling the world without leaving campus. I'm all about making memories that'll last a lifetime.

2. Taking Mental Health Seriously: Mental health matters, plain and simple. I want to make sure every student knows that it's okay not to be okay and that help is always within reach. Whether it's organizing workshops to tackle stress or setting up support groups where you can lean on each other, I'm here to break the stigma and make sure you know you're not alone.

3. Being a Voice for International Students: As someone who's walked in those shoes, I get it – being an international student comes with its own set of challenges. That's why I'm all about making sure you feel seen, heard, and supported every step of the way. From organizing cultural exchanges to fighting for better resources, I've got your back. After all, we're all in this together, no matter where we're from.

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

One student issue that particularly resonates with me is the lack of adequate mental health support and resources on campus. Mental health is a fundamental aspect of student well-being, yet many students struggle to access the help they need due to various barriers, including stigma, limited resources, and long wait times for counseling services.

This issue hits close to home for me because I've seen firsthand the impact that mental health challenges can have on students' academic performance, personal relationships, and overall quality of life. As someone who has experienced periods of anxiety and stress during my time as a student, I understand the importance of having accessible and effective support systems in place.

There's often a misconception that seeking help for mental health concerns is a sign of weakness or failure, which can prevent students from reaching out for support. Additionally, the demand for mental health services often exceeds the available resources, leading to lengthy wait times for counseling appointments and limited access to other forms of support.

To address this issue, I believe it's crucial to prioritize mental health awareness and education on campus, destigmatize discussions surrounding mental health, and expand access to a variety of support services. This includes investing in additional counseling staff, implementing peer support programs, and providing resources for self-care and stress management.

Furthermore, creating a campus culture that prioritizes mental well-being requires a collaborative effort involving students, faculty, staff, and administration. By fostering an environment where students feel comfortable seeking help and supporting each other, we can create a campus community that promotes resilience, empathy, and overall student success.

▼ WHAT ARE YOU PASSIONATE ABOUT, AND WHY?

My passion for mental health stems from a deeply personal place – I've seen firsthand how it can affect individuals, including myself, and the ripple effects it has on our lives. It's about creating a world where mental health isn't something we whisper about but something we talk about openly, without judgment or stigma.

I'm driven by the belief that everyone deserves access to the support and resources they need to navigate their mental health journey. Whether it's through raising awareness, advocating for better services, or simply being there for someone in need, I'm committed to making a difference.

Ultimately, it's about creating a community where no one feels alone in their struggles, where we can lean on each other and lift each other up. Because when we come together to support one another, that's when real change happens.

▼ LIST A FUN FACT ABOUT YOURSELF.

I'm a huge fan of Stranger things, and I can talk about it for hours! Whether it's debating fan theories, dissecting plot twists, or simply geeking out over favorite characters, I'm always up for a lively discussion. So, if you ever need a binge-watching buddy or someone to nerd out with, I'm your person!

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

Previously, I have worked as the DSU’s Event Commissioner, as well as a VP Student Life. In these positions, I coordinated O-Week, Exam Wellness Week, Pride Week and many other initiatives and events. Having worked within this department already gives me a strong understanding of how to do this job effectively, and the ability to give the student continuity in their programming.

I’ve also planned two TEDx events, as a Co-Organizer and Operations Manager of TEDxDalhousieU. We facilitated and empowered students to have their voices heard, through TED Talks, and had one of the most successful online events during COVID.

Having broad community knowledge is also an asset, and in my work as the President of STEM Fellowship, I organized a broad spectrum of programming, from mentorship programs to research competitions!

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

My knowledge and participation with this department’s work is extensive, and I know what it takes to pull off an amazing O-Week, or DALfest. A VPSL should be able to work on ideas, but also have a thorough understanding of logistics, and what goes into planning events which serve upwards of 1500 people.

I know what students want, and how to get their insight on programming! Through the Student Life Committee, as well as being around for students, I know how to best collect and implement student needs and struggles into work at the DSU.

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

1. Uniting Across Campuses - I want to continue to work on the relationships we have across Studley, Carleton and Sexton. We’ve come so far, but there’s more to be done. Ensuring programming for ALL students, regardless of location is vital for vibrancy and unity.

2. Bigger Programming - Serving more students in our events is a big goal of mine. Having a huge DALfest, and more of our O-Week programming open to more students would allow us to really brighten students welcome back to campus.

3. Relationship Building - Creating stronger, and more connections for the DSU will enable students to take advantage of those relationships! I will continue to work with many DAL departments and other organizations to ensure that students are getting the most out of every relationship we have!

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

Mental health, and the balancing act of life and University. Many of us have multiple jobs on top of full course loads, and sometimes professors and other faculty members forget that. We face the same mental health challenges that they do, and fighting for more institutional supports is something I’m really passionate about.

As the VPSL, I would continue to fight for initiatives that are working for students, and find other services that students need, when navigating mental health struggles.

▼ WHAT ARE YOU PASSIONATE ABOUT, AND WHY?

I’m passionate about getting students involved and having a vibrant and lively campus! I want to see everyone be able to flourish, and see events, initiatives and programming that reflect their values.

Creating programming that makes campus more exciting and accessible by everyone will make all of our experiences at DAL even more memorable. I want everyone to be able to look back on this time with a smile!

▼ LIST A FUN FACT ABOUT YOURSELF.

I love all music and I’m ALWAYS down for a jam!