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

“Over the past few years, I’ve been part of different spaces on campus—from being Creative Director of the BSA and planning events to collaborating with the DSU and other student groups. I’ve had the chance to listen, organize, and create things that bring people together. I’ve seen how much student leadership can do when it’s thoughtful, creative, and grounded in the real student experience—and that’s what I’d bring to this role.”

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

“I’m someone who knows how to lead without being loud about it. I care about the little things—how people feel in a space, what’s missing, what could be better—and I’m not afraid to step up and make things happen. I don’t just want a title; I want to make this role meaningful, creative, and genuinely reflective of the students it’s meant to serve. I think I bring a mix of vision, calm, and authenticity that this position could really use.”

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

• 1. Make student spaces feel alive again

  Bring back energy to campus life through events, art, culture, and collaboration that actually reflect the students here—not just what looks good on paper.

• 2. Build bridges between communities

  Foster stronger connections between cultural societies, academic groups, and the DSU—so no one feels like they’re working in silos or speaking into a void.

• 3. Shift the vibe of student leadership

  Make the DSU more approachable, less intimidating. More presence, more transparency, and more of a feeling that this space is yours, not theirs.

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

One issue that matters to me is how disconnected many students feel from campus spaces and decision-making. A lot of people walk through university like ghosts—attending classes, grabbing coffee, going home—without ever feeling like they belong here. That isolation gets worse for international students, racialized students, and those juggling work or personal challenges. I think we need to rethink how we build community—not just through big events, but in everyday moments. Making spaces that feel warm, inclusive, and easy to access can do more for student well-being than another email full of buzzwords.

▼ WHAT ARE YOU PASSIONATE ABOUT, AND WHY?

I’m passionate about building systems and spaces that actually work for students—not just on paper, but in real life. I care about how decisions are made, who gets left out, and how we can do better. Whether it’s organizing events, leading teams, or representing students, I want to make sure people feel heard, supported, and empowered to speak up. That passion for fairness, creativity, and follow-through is what drives me—and it’s exactly what I’d bring to this role

▼ LIST A FUN FACT ABOUT YOURSELF.

I drink coffee like it’s a personality trait. And honestly? It is.

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

I’ve been a student leader for nearly a decade, starting in high school where I served two years as Student Council President, led our Graduate Council in my final year, and headed the Technology Club from grades 10 to 12.

At Dalhousie, I am currently serving as the President of the Gaming & eSports Society (DeSS)—one of the largest student-led societies on campus. Since stepping into the role in February 2024, I’ve led a team of five executive members, 20 admins / coaches, and three social media managers. Together, we support 40 official Dal Tigers varsity-level players and over 50 recreational players, all while managing our 1,600-member Discord server.

During my term, I’ve negotiated funding from the Faculty of Computer Science for a new eSports Lab (with an expansion phase underway), partnered with Dal Athletics to bring DeSS under the Dalhousie Tigers brand, and helped establish Dal as the leading eSports school in Atlantic Canada. I also organize large-scale community events with partners like Frag for Charity, ACL, RedBull, and LeHub—drawing crowds of over 600 attendees.

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

When I served in my first student leadership position in Grade 10 as President of the Technology Club, I was attending a small school in southwestern New Brunswick with just 170 students. After three months of networking and negotiating, I secured $5,000 from the school board to purchase equipment for my club.

When I took the reins as President of DeSS, I was told repeatedly that a deal with Athletics was all but impossible. Since the society’s founding 15 years ago, the only funding it had ever received was the general DSU society grant. In one year, I brought in $20,000 in funding from the Faculty of Computer Science for our new PC room, secured ~$3,500 from Athletics and FCS for jerseys, and oversaw nearly 25% growth in both membership and player count.

I’ve proven that I can wring water from a rock—and perform where others haven’t. If I’m selected to be your next DSU President, I’ll do it again.

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

1. Cut the executive salary

   I am of the belief that the $217,000* budget spent on the "executive offices" far exceeds what is needed to fund the union executives. If I am elected as your President, I will motion for this budget to be cut by $100,000 and have that money moved elsewhere.

2. Increase the DSU Health Plan's coverage

   I would like to increase the amount that the DSU health plan covers for both prescription drugs (from $1000 -> $1500) and mental health services (from $1000 -> $2000). The cost of living for students has hit a critical point where we are required to choose between our physical / mental health and being able to purchase necessities, which is unacceptable. This increase would be funded partially by the $100,000 taken from the executive salary, and partially through a small fee increase for students which I currently estimate at $35 per student. This change would also go to a student vote before implementation, so the control over any final changes would remain with the student body.

3. Introduce a "Transparency Portal"

   DSU meeting notes are often inconsistent, buried, and written in inaccessible language. I've spoken with members of the Faculty of Computer Science and will lead the creation of a student-built "Transparency Portal". This platform would clearly summarize council activity, display how representatives vote, allow them to comment the rationale behind their votes, and translate bureaucratic language into plain English - making it easy for students to see what the DSU is doing and why.

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

Housing.

It's been brought up every year and nothing has changed. In the last 5 years, rent for a 2 bedroom apartment has gone up 30%, and rent for a 1 bedroom has gone up BY 73%. Costs of essentials have been increasing and don't show any sign of slowing, and finding work attempting to clear these hurdles has become unreasonably difficult.

I've watched this crisis get worse during my time at Dal, and waiting for it to blow over hasn't worked. That's why I'm stepping up - to put myself in a spot where I can make an impact.

▼ WHAT ARE YOU PASSIONATE ABOUT, AND WHY?

Community.

I spent my first year at Dal locked in my dorm room. I came out of that year failing, unwell, and I'd only met a handful of people in the entire year. I knew I needed to change things up for my second year, so I volunteered for DeSS as a coach and manager for one of their teams. I spent that year getting to know people who shared my hobbies, experiencing things I never could in my first year, and finding a place among them. I came out of that year with people I call family, and an understanding for the impact that a community can have on helping someone find their place.

I became the president of DeSS to ensure that anybody in the same situation that I was can find a place where they belong, and if I am chosen as your next DSU president I will work with as many societies and groups as it takes to make sure that everyone knows where they can look to find their community.

▼ LIST A FUN FACT ABOUT YOURSELF.

My favourite pokémon is Alolan Ninetales, and I have an Eevee tattoo :)

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

In my 3 years at Dalhousie, I've been a leading part of a number of societies and clubs, most recently serving as the Vice-President of the Dal Model UN Society. In my capacity as Vice-President, I organized and led our delegation of 16 students to a conference in Montreal, an effort that required strong communication skills and time management. This experience is emblematic of what I bring to the table as President.

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

I think I'm a good candidate for my desired position because I'm a good listener and because I know how to get results. My excellent social and political skills would be valuable in this role as I interact with the administration to fight for the whole of the student body as we look to drive meaningful change.

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

1. Commit to Creating More Communal Campus Experiences (Olympics Watch Parties in Auditoriums, More Guest Speakers, Renew and Expand Sno-Fest)

2. Modified Library Hours During Exam Periods (earlier starts, later closings)

3. Double the Pot for Society Funding and Streamline the Grant Process

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

One student issue that matters to me is mental health support. Too many students do not know where to look or who to ask in order to get the help they need. This will change when I am elected.

▼ WHAT ARE YOU PASSIONATE ABOUT, AND WHY?

I'm passionate about creating a better sense of community at Dalhousie. I think we could do a much better job of spotlighting upcoming events. Whether it's sports games, musical performances, or guest speakers, I've spoken with so many students who are unaware of these opportunities for enrichment. If elected, I promise to change this.

▼ LIST A FUN FACT ABOUT YOURSELF.

I'm trilingual (English, French and Spanish).

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

Since moving to Kjipuktuk in 2019, I have gained valuable experience that makes me well-qualified for the role of Dalhousie Student Union President. I engage in deep campus involvement, serving on the Executive Board of the DalKings Swing Dance Society and the Gear Team for the Dalhousie Outdoors. I’m an organizer for the Campus Community Fridge, an advisor to the Loaded Ladle and engage in a wide range of other student efforts and events.

As a student who has taken a non-traditional route to becoming a student, I have gained valuable professional experience relevant to the position. Through working for Environmental Leadership Canada as their Events & Communications Coordinator, a field organizer for youth non-profit New Majority, a communications worker with the Maritimes-Guatemala Breaking the Silence Network, and an urban researcher for the Pivot Hub, I have gained substantial leadership experience that has prepared me to be able to handle complex situations that may arise as the DSU president. These experiences have honed my skills in transparency and effective communication—key assets for bridging the gap between the DSU and the student body. This is further complemented by my academic work, which has strengthened my analytical abilities, particularly in writing policy briefs, delivering reports and applying a systems-thinking approach to policy assessment.

Lastly, I bring significant organizing and activism experience to the student union. Since first arriving in Kjipuktuk, I have participated in activist struggles, starting with organizing student climate strikes with Climate Strike Halifax and Climate Strike Canada, and now organizing towards various solidarity and mutual aid efforts. This has equipped me with skills in policy analysis and advocacy and firsthand experience with challenging systems that limit student participation. This experience would be a powerful asset to the student union, offering a student-forward approach and fierce advocacy for student issues.

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

My diverse skill set and experiences make me a strong candidate for Dalhousie Student Union President. My expertise in communications, coupled with my activism and leadership roles on campus, allows me to advocate effectively for students and enhance transparency from the union.

My involvement in activism demonstrates my willingness to challenge policies and advocate for marginalized groups, while my leadership roles reflect my dedication to community engagement and representing student interests. My analytical skills, particularly in policy analysis, ensure I will approach union decisions with a critical and thoughtful perspective.

Ultimately, I am ready to bring transparency, accountability, and strong advocacy to the DSU, consistently prioritizing student needs and exercising the decision-making power of student voices in the Dalhousie community.

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

Increase student affordability measures:

• Reject tuition increases: advocate against tuition increases, fee hikes and greater protections for international students against high tuition cost increases. Every student deserves access to affordable education.

• Increased access to emergency funding: Expand the funds available for the International Student Emergency Fund Bursary and the Domestic Student Housing Bursary.

• Advocate for food security measures: Support existing campus food-security initiatives (eg: the Sexton Breakfast Club, the Loaded Ladle, the Beet Street Market, the Campus Community Fridge, the Truro Community Garden, etc). Work to expand the accessibility of the Dalhousie Food Bank and other key food initiatives.

Promote transparency:

The DSU President is the chief spokesperson for the student union, sits on the Board of Governors and the Senate, chairs various committees, and represents Dal students on a municipal, provincial and federal level. 

• Share decisions clearly: provide regular, accessible updates to students about the council, Board of Governors, Senate, and other decisions, explaining what they mean and how they were reached.

• Engage with students: Host a monthly town hall with students alongside forums, surveys and meetings to gather direct input on students' issues from students.

• Advocate for open governance: Push for meetings on student issues, whether in the council, board or Senate, to be more open and accessible to student public engagement. No decisions should be made about students without students.

Advocate for ethical investment practices:

Use the critical position of a key spokesperson, board member and council member to push for robust ethical investment practices from the student union and the university. No portion of university funds should be invested in fossil fuel and extractive industries, or support human rights violations, apartheid or genocide—from Mi’kma’ki to Palestine to Sudan to the Congo and beyond. Our university’s investments must reflect our values of justice, equity, and sustainability. Dalhousie’s investments should serve students first.

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

Like many other students facing the financial burden of university education, I care deeply about the issue of tuition costs. In the 2024-25 academic year, Nova Scotia had the highest average tuition fees for full-time Canadian undergraduate students in the entire country. At the same time, according to Food Banks Canada, Nova Scotia also ranks highest in poverty indicators. This stark contrast highlights how excessively high tuition fees in the province directly impact students’ quality of life, forcing many to choose between education and basic needs.

Additionally, while domestic students have caps on annual tuition increases, international students do not have the same protections. Instead, they face exorbitantly large tuition fees with very few supports in place. This disparity leaves international students vulnerable to unpredictable and often unaffordable cost hikes, exacerbating financial and social challenges.

Affordability measures and access to food security are arguably the most pressing and widespread student issues. If elected, I would make this a priority from the DSU, advocating for stronger financial protections for all students.

▼ WHAT ARE YOU PASSIONATE ABOUT, AND WHY?
I care deeply about making our university a more democratic place with greater student participation in decision-making. I firmly believe that the university should belong to the students and that our voices should be meaningfully centred in decision-making at every level. The fact that most students are unaware of how policies and decisions are made at the university highlights the urgent need for a more transparent and democratic process.

A more democratic and equitable path forward for university governance must ensure that decisions on tuition, student union funds, hiring freezes, and the overall direction of our education genuinely reflect the student voice. As students, we have power—and we can exercise it. A student union plays a pivotal role in creating a strong campus life but beyond that, they are powerful advocates for student voices. It can hold university administrations accountable and champion student-centric, democratic policies that prioritize our needs and perspectives.

▼ LIST A FUN FACT ABOUT YOURSELF.

I once unintentionally slept on a live black bear while camping! Ask me for the full story if you see me around campus!

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

For my time at Dal:

• I am the current head of the Dalhousie Anime Club, for which I organize the long term plans such as revising the constitution, large events, collaborations, and organizing our club for the society expo. I also deal with the short term plans of what we do for the weekly meetings, ensure we are kept on track, and ensure each meeting runs smoothly.

• I spend a notable amount of time each week dedicated to club and society activities outside of the Anime Club, where I can be free and enjoy the different activities offered by Dalhousie and meet the diverse kinds of people who go here.

• I was also a candidate for the VPI role this year, and while I fell short of being elected I still hold those values close to me and intend to try implementing some of my proposed changes.

For my time outside of Dal:

• I've spent my past 3 years of my summer job working as a warehouse assistant in the freezer of a meat processing plant, for which I assisted in organizing workers, keeping track of incoming and outgoing orders, and ensuring the shipping logs are kept accurate and up to date.

• In high school, I was an active member of the Student Council, assisted in the activities of many other student run clubs, and was the president of the GSA (Gender Sexuality Alliance). I also took multiple courses teaching leadership skills, in which I learned effective organizational skills, the ability to critically analyze situations, and how to take initiative.

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

I believe that I am the best candidate for DSU President primarily because I have the drive to improve the DSU. I not only have many ideas of what I can do to improve the lives of students, but I also aim to integrate advice and ideas given to me by others to account for their needs.

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

There's a lot more I'd like to do or work on in office, but for the three primary things I wish to accomplish:

• Increasing the transparency between all members of the DSU with members of the union, including promoting the activities and plans of the DSU to the student body more effectively and efficiently. This past year has taught me that to students who don't check their emails regularly or go into the SUB often, there is almost no way to know of the events being planned by the DSU.

• Continue pushing for the divestment of companies complicit with the occupation of Palestine and ongoing genocide of Gaza. It is unacceptable that we stand by and do nothing while we enjoy the luxuries of a free country.

• Reintegrate of a role in the DSU akin to the removed Vice President of Student Life position. Within the year, the council went from having 5 members to 3, with the Student Life removed during the AGM and the VPFO was taken over by Dal. I would like to see the Union have more students representing it, and as someone who attended the DSU AGM in the fall semester I know there is a good portion of the student body who would like the role to come back.

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

One student issue I find is the miscommunication and outdated information presented to the student body. On multiple occasion, there has been incorrect information on the Dal website, contradictions in emails, missing links, and information on activities that did not occur. One specific case occurred during the past election, where in-person voting dates were not changed on the Dalhousie website. This is incredibly frustrating to both myself and to other students, as it leaves many guessing as to what is actually going on, when and where.

▼ WHAT ARE YOU PASSIONATE ABOUT, AND WHY?

Two of the many things I am passionate about is transparency and collaboration. I believe that the most effective to incorporate more people into student life activities at Dal is be organizing a more efficient method of communication and promoting the events more. One way I think this can be improved on is by more routinely updating information in emails and on the Dalhousie or DSU Website, and by promoting these events in buildings outside of the SUB. Based on conversations and polls I have done with first year students, many people are not aware of upcoming activities and events if they do not frequent the SUB. I also want to promote collaboration between various societies and faculties at Dalhousie university, which would help create a more diverse, thriving community. Personally, I have met many of my close friends through collaborations in groups and places I would have never joined had it not been for collaborations, so I think we should offer more collaborative opportunities to students.

▼ LIST A FUN FACT ABOUT YOURSELF.

Half my life is dedicated to being a nerd, such as: my love for cosplay, a mural of G5 Luffy from One Piece, and I can do a very good Stitch impression (from Lilo and Stitch).

▼ WHAT RELEVANT EXPERIENCE/QUALIFICATIONS DO YOU HAVE FOR THIS POSITION?
My leadership journey at Dalhousie began with a clipboard, a measuring tape, and a mission: to make campus spaces more accessible. As an Accessibility and Space Planning Assistant, I saw how something as simple as the absence of a ramp or the placement of a sign could make someone feel invisible. I spent hours auditing buildings and consulting with Facilities Management, not just to fix what was broken—but to advocate for changes that let every student move through campus with dignity. That experience didn’t just sharpen my problem-solving skills—it transformed how I view equity. It taught me that meaningful change is in the details, in listening closely, and in fighting for inclusion even when no one’s watching.

 When crises hit, I don’t stand back I step forward. As a Voluntary Medical Responder with the Dalhousie Medical Campus Response Team (DMCRT), I’ve been called to support students in some of their most vulnerable moments. I’ve administered physical first aid, but often what mattered more was offering a steady voice, a calming presence, or simply someone who cared enough to stay. I’ve learned that the true test of leadership isn’t in titles it’s in how you show up when things go wrong. These moments reinforced the importance of peer-led care and community-based support systems especially in a world where students are too often left to navigate pain alone.

 That same drive to show up for others is what led me to become a Resident Assistant (Team Lead), where I supported students living in residence sometimes dealing with conflict, sometimes navigating loneliness, and sometimes just trying to make it through the semester. I created programming that brought people together, mediated disputes with empathy, and stayed up into the early hours talking students through panic attacks or personal crises. Being entrusted with their trust was one of the most humbling parts of my time at Dal. I learned how to lead with presence, how to advocate behind closed doors, and how to hold space for others while still holding myself accountable to our shared wellbeing.

 Through these roles, I’ve gained more than just technical skills I’ve gained a deep, lived understanding of the people who make up our university. I know how to navigate policy, how to budget and organize, how to push for institutional change but more than anything, I know how to listen. To students in pain. To students who feel unheard. And to students who just want to know that someone at the table sees them and is fighting for them. That’s the kind of President I intend to be one grounded in experience, driven by empathy, and focused on building a Dalhousie that works for all of us.

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

I didn’t step into student leadership with a title in mind—I stepped in because I know what it feels like to fall through the cracks. I came to Dalhousie as an international student, juggling coursework, rent, and the overwhelming feeling of starting from scratch in a new country. I’ve felt that sting of isolation, of wondering how you’ll make it through the month and I’ve carried those experiences with me into every leadership role I’ve taken on.

That lived experience grounds me. Whether I was leading in residence, advocating for more inclusive campus design, or rushing to help a peer in crisis as a medical responder, I learned how to show up. Not just when it’s convenient but when someone’s depending on you to make the right call under pressure.

I want to bring that same unwavering drive to the role of DSU President. A president doesn’t just manage; they fight for students. They break down bureaucratic walls, speak truth to power, and put students at the center of every conversation with administration, with government, with community partners. I’m ready to be that voice.

This isn’t about ambition it’s about action. It’s about making sure no student has to choose between food and books, or suffer silently on a waitlist for help that never comes. I believe in building a DSU that’s proactive, not reactive a DSU that uplifts the unheard and backs its words with action. I’ve lived the challenges many of us face, and I’m ready to lead the fight for real, lasting change.

I believe I’m a strong candidate for DSU President because I’m not afraid to bring tougher conversations to the table, even when it’s uncomfortable or politically inconvenient. Whether I’m collaborating with student activists to push for real divestment or working behind the scenes to revamp how the DSU handles job, housing, and scholarship portals so students  have resources available to them, I’m driven by the same principle: listening to student concerns and turning our collective voice into action.

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

1. Transparency, Affordability & Local Sourcing
The publicly posted DSU budget was 2022–23. You deserve clear, accessible information about how your money is spent. If elected, I’ll  publish a student-friendly DSU financial breakdown every semester and work on a biweekly DSU segment of this week in the DSU explaining the decisions being made for students by their elected representatives. These updates would be a quick, easy way to keep you in the loop about affordability issues, upcoming projects, and general DSU happenings. I’d also hold regular townhalls (beyond office hours) so we can talk face-to-face, gather your input, and act on what matters most to you.

When it comes to affordability, the DSU can do more than just handle expenses, it can generate income for students’ benefit. There’s already good work happening in our conference and event spaces, but by expanding that effort hosting local businesses, community events, and private functions in the SUB we can bring in additional revenue and reinvest it in student bursaries, food initiatives like Beet Street Student Market and the Loaded Ladle, and other vital services. This approach helps keep costs down for everyone while enhancing what we can offer.

Finally, supporting local sourcing isn’t just a buzzword it’s a strategy to fight US-based tariffs, bolster our regional economy, and secure fair deals for the DSU. Whether it’s pizza for an event or the paper we print on, partnering with Canadian-based vendors keeps our spending in the community and lets us negotiate bulk discounts that lower prices for students. My goal is to transform the DSU into a hub that actively works with local businesses to secure the best deals making campus life more affordable and supportive of the people around us. By uniting transparency, a focus on income generation, and local sourcing strategies, we build a DSU that truly works for you accountable, cost-effective, and engaged with our wider community.

2. Demand Real Divestment & End Complicity in Genocide

Dalhousie has made some progress by adding a “geopolitical questionnaire” to its investment protocol, but let’s be clear: this tool only helps prevent new entanglements, not the ones we already have. We need to act now to align our investments with the values we uphold on campus especially regarding companies complicit in genocide. By urgently scrutinizing and expanding the questionnaire’s criteria, we can expose existing problematic holdings and insist on a phased withdrawal from them. This might involve setting firm deadlines for selling off unethical shares or creating a dedicated oversight group that holds the university accountable. It’s about more than simply looking good on paper; it’s about preventing our institution’s funds from quietly fueling suffering and ensuring that Dalhousie truly lives by the humanitarian principles we teach.

3. Revitalizing DSU Spaces & Campus Life
The Student Union Building (SUB) has so much untapped potential to become a lively hub of campus life—somewhere you want to be, not just somewhere you pass by on your way to class. I’d like to build on already successful events, like Tuesday night salsa, by introducing more low-commitment, high-fun activities that encourage students to drop in and stay a while. Think pop-up game nights, cultural showcases, or quick afternoon dance sessions—simple events that bring people together and give them a reason to engage with the DSU. I also want to follow this up by coming up with a proposed plan to restructure DSU spaces to be more student frindly and inviting by partnering up with the DSU architecture students.

When it comes to affordability, the DSU can do more than just handle expenses—it can generate income for students’ benefit. There’s already good work happening in our conference and event spaces, but by expanding that effort—hosting local businesses, community events, and private functions in the SUB—we can bring in additional revenue and reinvest it in student bursaries, food initiatives like Beet Street Student Market and the Loaded Ladle, and other vital services. This approach helps keep costs down for everyone while enhancing what we can offer.

Finally, working with local suppliers isn’t just about a catchy slogan—it’s about genuinely investing in our neighbors and lowering costs for students in the process. By fighting U.S.-imposed tariffs and prioritizing Canadian-based businesses for everyday needs like food and printing, we keep our spending close to home and tap into discounts that lighten the financial load on campus. I’d love for the DSU to become a real “connector” here, collaborating with local companies to score deals that make events more affordable and keep our community strong.

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

Accessibility isn’t just about adding a ramp or widening a doorway it’s about making sure every student, regardless of ability or circumstance, can fully participate in university life. In my role as an Accessibility and Space Planning Assistant, I saw countless examples of how seemingly small barriers a poorly labeled elevator, a narrow hallway, a lack of adaptive technology can shut students out and make them feel invisible. These issues aren’t niche; they affect everyone from wheelchair users who can’t access certain classrooms to students with sensory challenges who struggle in chaotic environments.

To me, accessibility must extend beyond physical spaces. It should include how we design academic accommodations, exam protocols, and online platforms so that all students can focus on their studies without battling bureaucracy or unclear processes. By collaborating closely with the Accessibility Centre, Facilities Management, and our own student community, I believe we can simplify and streamline the entire accommodations system from the registration process to the day-to-day support students receive. That might mean clearer documentation, more consistent exam spaces, or even user-friendly software for lecture recordings and note-sharing.

Accessibility also means recognizing that financial hurdles can be just as limiting as physical ones. Not all of us have the same economic starting point some students juggle multiple jobs to afford tuition or basic living expenses, which can take a serious toll on mental health and academic performance. If we want a truly inclusive campus, we need equitable policies like flexible payment plans, expanded bursaries, and emergency funds for unexpected costs. We also need to create more straightforward paths for students to request extensions or leaves of absence without penalty, so financial burdens don’t become insurmountable barriers to completing their education. By acknowledging and addressing these financial challenges as part of our commitment to accessibility, we ensure that everyone has a fair chance to learn and thrive at Dalhousie.

Accessibility also means recognizing that financial hurdles can be just as limiting as physical ones. Not all of us have the same economic starting point—some students juggle multiple jobs to afford tuition or basic living expenses, which can take a serious toll on mental health and academic performance. If we want a truly inclusive campus, we need equitable policies like flexible payment plans, expanded bursaries, and emergency funds for unexpected costs. We also need to create more straightforward paths for students to request extensions or leaves of absence without penalty, so financial burdens don’t become insurmountable barriers to completing their education. By acknowledging and addressing these financial challenges as part of our commitment to accessibility, we ensure that everyone has a fair chance to learn and thrive at Dalhousie.

This matters because the university experience shapes not just our education but our sense of belonging and self-worth. When we fix accessibility gaps, we empower students to learn without unnecessary hurdles, foster a culture of inclusivity, and quite literally open doors for people who have been locked out. In short, when we fight for accessibility, we fight for dignity, equity, and the right of every student to thrive.

▼ WHAT ARE YOU PASSIONATE ABOUT, AND WHY?

▼ LIST A FUN FACT ABOUT YOURSELF.

I’m absolutely in love with cars and Formula 1 there’s nothing like watching the precision, drama, and sheer adrenaline of an F1 race. If you ever want to geek out over constructors or debate the latest race strategies, I’m your guy!