Choose your next DSU Student Representative Committee

Electoral Committee calls annual Douglas election

By Mercedes Deutscher, News Editor

 

Get to know your candidates:

Branden Sanghara

Hi, Douglas! I am running for College Relations Coordinator for your DSU. I was born and raised in Surrey, B.C. Since the age of five, I have played ice hockey competitively and recreationally. Currently, I am exploring my education options in Business, specifically Management and Marketing. Known as an outgoing and outspoken person, I also consider myself to be an effective leader. Looking forward to meeting all of you!

 

As a strong advocate for an education that is affordable, engaging and rewarding, I have also come to the realization that a successful post-secondary experience is not just about the academics – there is an important social factor involved too. Growing up in a tight-knit community, I have learnt to value the relationships formed with friends, colleagues and teachers. This idea of community is something I plan to incorporate within Douglas with the help of my team, NeXgen. Our school community has gone above and beyond to create opportunities for social activities, whether that is through pub nights or club days, and I would like to see us do more. The possibilities are endless, and this is where I would turn to you, the students, for your input on what collaborative opportunities you would like to see within our school community as a means of coming together. As your aspiring College Relations representative, I hope all of us from the NeXgen team, have your support in helping make your Douglas College experience something exciting and memorable for you to look back on.

 

Monique Paulino

I am running for the College Relations Coordinator. I have been at Douglas College for many years and have grown to love it. I want to create better relations between DSU and the College by getting more involved with, and supporting different departments, communities and clubs in the school.

I am currently a student representative in the College Board as well as the liaison for Education Council. These roles have given me a better understanding of the functions of the college through a different perspective making me a good fit for the position. I have also made great connections with many faculty members, staff and different departments in the college and I believe that is one of the major keys for the position of College Relations Coordinator.

I have been at Douglas College for many years and have grown to love it. I have worked with Student Engagement in the past implementing events and I am currently working in the Office for New Students creating a great atmosphere for new students during orientations, campus tours, and information sessions.

I am part of the executive team in the DSU Hip Hop Club and I believe that giving more attention to DSU clubs is important to build a better and stronger community in our college.

If elected, I will communicate with The Other Press to provide new and important updates from the college. From working with the College Board and Educational Council, there are many details that I believe is beneficial for students to be fully aware of and I intend to be that bridge between the college and the student.

As college students, we have many expenses and one of the ways we are looking into lowering costs is pushing for Open Text Books. This development is a way to significantly reduce student textbook costs while giving instructors the flexibility to reformat and customize their course material. They are an affordable, flexible alternative to traditional textbooks.

 

Chad Conley

Hey, Douglas! I am running as the David Lam Coordinator for the DSU. I am just completing my Criminology Diploma, and am getting in the Psychiatric Nursing Program. Most people will tell you that I am one of the funniest most giving people they know. I am hoping to engage the students this year for a memorable college experience!

For the past year, I have been attending courses primarily at the David Lam Campus. When I first returned to school after a number of years, I was welcomed with open arms to Douglas College as an adult student, and it was one of the best decisions I ever made. For the last two years, I have been engaged with Douglas College Pride Group, and tabled at the concourse for a few of our student group events.

Although I have established myself in a work place environment and I am currently working for a well known public traded company, I still find time to enjoy classes, and to volunteer with several downtown based non-profit organizations. I strongly believe that you must give so freely for which you have gotten and the education as well as the student life that I have been so fortunate to receive, is a big motivation for me to give back to others. These are a few of the key reasons I have chosen to run as “David Lam Coordinator” in this years’ Student Union Election.

I, along with 11 other student body members, are representing the “NeXgen” slate. Our team came together, because we come from all different avenues in life, but have one primary purpose, and that is to represent our student body, and make decisions that reflect cour student bodies’ directive to us.

My plans should I get elected: Work to increase seats in BSC Nursing BSC Psych nursing, fight Tuition increases, more grants and less loans, reduce “waitlists”, start the planning process for a DSU building on David Lam Campus, and to engage students and foster relations amongst David Lam Students.

For positive change, Vote “NeXgen”

 

Meredith Graham

I am currently studying in the third year of my Child and Youth Care Counselling degree. I am running for the position of the David Lam Coordinator with the Douglas Student Union because I believe that students in Coquitlam deserve the same events, services, supports, and opportunities for campus engagement as students in New Westminster. We have the opportunity, as a college community, to make our post-secondary experience the best it can be.

 

Chris “Bud” Budzynski

Hey, Douglas! I am running for re-election as External Relations Coordinator. I have completed a diploma in Criminology. Currently I am pursuing my life goal of completing my Business Degree. My friends will tell you that I am friendly, outgoing, and possess the skills to represent the DSU and all its delegates. So vote my “NeXgen” in this upcoming election if you want to see positive change on campus!

Over the last year, I have allocated most of the time by serving the student body, and have spent countless hours tabling with the DSU and various student groups. I initiated a refresh of the DSU building so that we the DSU could engage the student body and foster a sense of community. I, over the last few years have planned various successful events, which have provided lasting memories for college students.

With the upcoming election, I have chosen, with eleven other students, who are actively engaged within campus life, and have contributed to campus life, be it through teamwork in their athletics, volunteering on the down eastside, and proactively engage with students in need to provide a safe haven for all students. “NeXgen”, has established that their core value is to represent the students, and put their needs first while making important decisions that impact the students.

Over the last year, I have represented the DSU and Douglas College, by giving them a 1^st class representation, of having a student body that is as diverse in culture as it is in academics.

My goals this year, should I be re-elected are: More exciting venues for pub nights, because school isn’t always just about studying. I plan to fight against tuition increases, and encourage more grants and scholarships for students who are in need, or actively engaged in our Douglas Community. To represent DSU, and Douglas College at CFS Conferences, and to promote equality and safety amongst the student body.

 

Surya Viswanathan

What’s up, Douglas! I want to be your External Relations Coordinator because I want to take “Action” and ensure your voice is heard at Douglas College. I am an Ambassador for the ONS, given speeches to hundreds of students and many campus tours. A few things I want to do for you are to advocate for teachers to allow free textbooks for introductory courses and to bring back Pub Nights to Douglas

I know I only have your attention for about 20 more seconds so I will keep this quick, I want to be your External representative because I want to take “Action” and ensure your voice is heard at Douglas College.

What will I do? Funding for athletes, more scholarships/bursaries for student athletes (through fundraisers etc).

Open Textbooks: Advocate for teachers to allow free intro textbooks

Royals Spirit: Create Royals fan gear to wear at Varsity games to support athletes.

Who Am I: Studying International Relations with Aspirations of becoming a Diplomat and an outfielder for the Douglas College Baseball team. I have leadership experience as a Student Assistant & Ambassador for the Office for New Students, such as the opportunity to give speeches to hundreds of students, campus tours, and various other events on campus, as a Game show host & MC for the athletic banquet.

Why Do I want to represent you? I want to give you what you actually want, no lies, no promising things I can’t produce. I want to hear your ideas and put them into action. I have a passion for helping others and fighting for the rights of students is an area where I believe my talents will be put to good use.

Fun fact: “Surya” means the Sun.

A Vote for Surya is a Vote for ”Action.”

Because Actions speak louder than words.

 

Jerzy Mazurek

Hi there! I am running for Internal Relations Coordinator. I have grown to love providing services for students. With the experience I have accumulated I am confident that I can continue to contribute to Douglas College’s students. Main thing I want to focus on are great events and pushing for free textbooks. I would also love to see more DSU presence at Coquitlam campus whenever it would be providing services or amazing events.

This is going to be my last year at Douglas College. I have always felt a strong need to help other people thus I strive to become a fire fighter. It is my pleasure to bring the same burning desire to help the students of Douglas College.

I have been a representative for two years now and been volunteering for the DSU for two years before that. Throughout the time I have spent with the DSU, I have facilitated and helped to coordinate many different events. Some of them included: pub nights, movie afternoons, mental wellness days, club days, puppy rooms, Annual General Meetings, free food events and many more. If elected I want to see a huge increase in the presence of the DSU at the Coquitlam Campus and I am eager to get that started.

With my accumulated experience I am confident that I can continue to contribute to Douglas College’s students, improve their wellbeing outside of classrooms, and provide great services to make their memories at Douglas College great.

Derek Goundar

Hi, Douglas! I am running to be re-elected as Internal Relations Coordinator for the DSU. I am currently a third year, accounting student. I love to travel and have an interest in music. My goal here at Douglas is to get my studies done while having a memorable positive experience with friends! Can’t wait to share the experience with you, cheers!

Being a student at Douglas I have always wanted to engage with students in a positive environment. This has led me to be involved with the DSU the last couple years. First being a volunteer to a representative I have always made students my first priority. As your internal relations coordinator I will continue to provide students with social activities, club days, and student services. I strongly think tuition costs are too high and will continue to fight to lower tuition fees. Also being a business student I have noticed some essential business software are not present on the college computers and I will push for the college to upgrade their computers. If re-elected, I will continue to revamp the DSU lounge. Our team Nexgen will make sure your experience here at Douglas is a fun and positive experience.

Thank you for your time, and remember vote Nexgen!

 

Pardeep Jaswal

Hey, Douglas, I am running as the Treasurer for the DSU. I am an aspiring doctor in the associates of sciences program. Many would say I am a sporty person, and is agree! Physical activities and friend competition is what I love! A memorable post-secondary experience with many new friends is my vision! Hope you can see it with me, cheers!

Going to Douglas as an Associates of Science student and aspiring to be a physician, I am used to a lot of studying, but interaction with others and a growth of networking is something that is really important to me. A post-secondary education should involve having more memories than just going to school and studying! Memorable free food events, pub nights, and BBQ events will be held in order to bring students together and socialize. As your Treasurer, I will fight to lower tuition fees for both domestic and international students which have been increasing by two per cent each year for the past ten years. NeXgen, if elected, will provide students with scholarships and bursaries for attending students who have displayed excellence not only academically, but in the community.

If elected, some of the things to keep your eyes open for: a book exchange program, free social events such as free food, and campaigns on lower tuition.

A new generation of ideas, energy, and opportunity is promised if elected. Everything that “NeXgen” will provide will be for you, the valued DSU members and ensure that your time no matter how short or how long is remembered as some of the greatest. Thank you for taking the time to read this, and remember when elected, the NEXGEN will always put its students first!

 

Aran Armutlu

I’m a third year Psychology student, and I’m running to be your new Treasurer. I currently work as a Student Assistant in the DSU and I’m confident all my experience will be able to translate into being the one of the best Treasures the DSU has ever seen. Myself, joined by my Action teammates, are confident in our ability to create a culture in the DSU that fosters growth and excellence.

I have been heavily involved at Douglas College ever since I first started attending and I love this school for its community and its lovable characteristics; it feels like home.

I plan on working in Student Services when I graduate and hope to continue to give back to the community of students. At Douglas I have volunteering at nearly every department, helping out at Orientation, to assisting at International Day events. I have worked in the Student Life department, and won an award in 2014 for my efforts in the Student Ambassador Program. In 2015 I received the Douglas College Student Engagement award for my work in helping create events like Frosh (EDGE), and aiding in the creating of a campus community we can all be proud to be a part of.

I currently work as a Student Assistant in the DSU and have been for a year. I am confident all my experience will be able to translate into being the one of the best Treasures the DSU has ever seen. Myself, joined by my Action teammates, are confident in our ability to create a culture in the DSU that fosters growth and excellence.

I will use my experience in budgeting large scale events to ensure that every single penny of student’s money is going to be used in the most appropriate, transparent, and logical way possible.

Do you want more events like pub nights on campus, trivia nights, open mic events? Vote for Action. Do you want to know about all the amazing services available to you through the DSU? Vote for Action. Do you want to see something new, different, better? Vote for Action.

 

Manuel Peña

I am from El Salvador, Central America. I am a second year business student. On my daily life, I love practicing extreme sports such as downhill mountain biking, snowboarding, surf, and longboarding. I am currently running for this election with a great team of experienced leaders called ACTION for the position of Member-At-Large. If we get elected, we will seek to do major changes and improvements on campus.

I have spent a big part of my life traveling and living in many countries. Therefore, I am very into experiencing new stuff and learning from others.

I have been involved on campus with the Student Ambassador Program since I started studying at Douglas College. I love meeting new people and volunteering for all types of events. I am currently running for this election with a great team of experienced leaders called ACTION, for the position of Member-At-Large. The members of this group are involved in all types of leadership programs such as Student Life, Student Ambassadors, Learning Centre, Aboriginal Centre, DSU Crew, among others. We believe that this slate is a very diverse group because we have members from Canada and all over the world. I believe that students must have the motivation and incentive to engage more on campus in order to improve their interpersonal skills and Douglas College itself. For this reason, if we get elected I will seek to increase the number of events on campus, reduce academic costs and increase jobs on campus.

 

Mustafa Haq

I am a third year business student at Douglas College and I represent the Royals as a volleyball player. I would like to continue my involvement in our school community and that is why I am inspired to run as a representative for our Douglas Student Union Election as a Member-At-Large for the 2016 year.

Last year, I got to enjoy volunteering some of my time as a general member of the DCBA club where we organized several information sessions, speaker series, and reached out to the community by contributing food through the Salvation Army for those in need over the holidays.

Several new members of our NeXgen team represent student athletes across many teams and international students. With the support and collaboration of our experienced team members currently already apart of the elected committee, we will provide our students with advocacy and services that would not be otherwise available. Vote NeXgen!

 

Prabh Kaur Hunda

I’m running for the Member-At-Large position for the DSU. I’m from India and I currently work for the Life at DC team. I decided to run for a Member-at-large position because I wanted to help build community on campus and make the transition process to college and Canada easier for international students, and being able to represent the DSU is the best way to serve students as a student.

One of my most important values is to keep growing and learning, which is why I love to get involved. After coming to Canada, I got involved on campus and started working for Student Life. Currently, I’m on the Life at DC team and my work includes writing for Life at DC blog and posting content to the Student Life Social Media channels. I love my job and I feel my passion and talent for writing has been fostered well at Douglas because of all the opportunities that have come my way in such a short time.

I decided to run for Member-at-large because I wanted to help build community on campus, and DSU is the best way to serve students as a student. If elected, my first step would be to improve communications at the DSU to ensure that students are aware of all the services offered by the DSU and encourage them to take full advantage. As an international student, I also feel that it’s important to use my voice to advocate for international students and fight to reduce the escalating tuition fees. Additionally, advocating for better scholarships for international students will also be on my priority list. Another big step would be to encourage instructors to use open textbooks for their courses, which would reduce the burden of expensive textbooks. I know that I’m a good fit for this position and that I will be responsible in my role to help students. So, vote for me and ACTION!

 

Taylor Hochban

Hey Douglas. I am currently in my second year at Douglas College and I am running as a Member At-Large for the DSU. Along with attending school full time, I’m also a member of the Douglas College Baseball team. I believe that a memorable post-secondary experience is created by taking all opportunities that promote meeting new people and creating new experiences and that’s what I want to bring to you.

During the past two years I have spent at Douglas College at the New Westminster campus I have been very fortunate to experience what Douglas College has to offer including the great learning environment and student life. By making the choice to run for the Member-At-Large position in this year’s Student Union Election I hope to add and further improve on this great atmosphere. From my experience with the heavy workload and difficult time management as a student athlete and full time student I think that along with the other members of the NeXgen slate, who come from a variety of backgrounds, we would be best suited in achieving our primary purpose, which is to; represent our student body and make decisions that best reflect the changes that they see are necessary.

If elected, myself and the rest of the NeXgen team are striving to add more free food events, more pub nights, fight rising tuition fees, and work to achieve a more cohesive campus in New West and at the David Lam campus.

 

Pongsapat “Paul” Wittayaworapat

Hello! I am currently enrolled in Sport Science program. I am running for the Member-At-Large. I want to continue to push forward for open textbooks and lower tuition fees. I want to create a better space for both international and domestic students, a smoothie bar, and more events for students. I care about making difference for students and Douglas College. Come share your ideas, I care about your interests and your voice.

I was an EDGE team leader, where I got to meet a lot of new people and gained a lot of experience in a leadership role. I am also a student ambassador at the college. Where I volunteer and host events like welcome week, new student orientation, etc. Being a part of the student ambassadors I have gained leadership and public speaking experience. I was a part of the student council when I was in high school as a Head Representative. I worked as an advisor for the class and got people involved.  Also, the Head Representatives are in charge of “Advising” the middle school Student Council and helps them whenever necessary, especially when it comes time to the freshmen elections.

If elected, I will continue to push forward for open textbooks and lower tuition fees. I will create a better space for both international and domestic students where both international and domestic students can come and hang out together and exchange their experiences. I want to make a smoothie bar in the DSU building. This will not only lead students to healthy lifestyle but it also gives students more variety drinks choices. I will also create more events for both international and domestic students. This opportunity will give student more opportunity to get involved and interact within Douglas College communities.

My experiences exemplify passionate, self-driven advocacy on behalf of all of us. I care about your interests and your voice. I care about making difference for students and Douglas College. Come share your ideas, and I will take an action and make them happen.

 

 

 

Satinder Marahar

I am running for Member-At-Large. I’m an international student from India. I am currently studying Computer Sciences at Douglas College for the past two years. My goal in life is to become a software engineer. My hobbies are volunteering in different school and club activities, I love to help people with whatever they need. I like to meet new people and make new friends because of my outgoing personality.

Coming from such a long distance, I love to help out students as much as I can, as students face many problems mentally and financially in college. Coming from a different background, and growing up in a city so far away, I have learned there are many difficulties for students both financially and personally.

Our team and I Nexgen have promised to make students’ life better and easier. College is a place where you grow, to become an individual who will become the future of the world and for that we need to make sure we all are working together for that. I will organize and hold events where students can come together and make priceless memories, where they can come and enjoy their time away from studying, where they can come and socialize with one another and make new friends. As we are aware, tuition fees have been increasing by 2% each year for the past 10 years. Our goal is to fight to lower tuition fees for both domestic and international students. Our goal is to make sure this can be easier for you.

My motive for running in this election is that each student meaning you is treated with the best care, that each student gets all the opportunities they can, and most importantly each student has the chance to do the best in their life that when they look back to remember Douglas College, their face will brighten up.

 

Alex Gibbons
Hi Douglas College, I am running for your Aboriginal Representative for the Douglas Students’ Union this election. I represent your Royals as a part of the baseball team. I want your voices to be heard this year, and believe I am the best candidate to do that.

I represent your Royals as a part of the baseball team and I am currently on pursuit to earn my Business Diploma in 2017. I finally received my Mètis status in 2014 after searching for my family history that had been hidden in my grandparents’ belongings since they passed away.

I want to actively represent the Aboriginal Centre, including encouraging enrollment in First Nation Students. I also believe fairness and equality is a huge factor when choosing your Aboriginal Rep. One thing I would like to see is more participation from First Nation Students in DC Athletics. There are many of us out there that don’t step up to have a voice in today’s political world and I plan to be an advocate for those First Nations that want to have their opinions voiced.

I am proud to be running with NeXgen this year and supporting the First Nations at Douglas College.
Vote NeXgen!

 

Sahara Tom

I am running for the Aboriginal Representative in the upcoming 2016 DSU Elections as a part of the team Action. I am First Nations from Lake Babine Nation in Burns Lake, BC. I am currently a first year Sport Science student specializing in Kinesiology. I am running to be a positive Aboriginal student leader and to make a positive change for the Aboriginal student population as well as the general student population.

As a proud First Nations woman from Burns Lake, BC I have a strong connection with my background and my culture. My Aboriginal background has always been a large part of my life and influential on my upbringing. I largely identify with my First Nations heritage and have a very good understanding of the unfortunate issues faced by Aboriginal people and make a valiant effort to stay connected to Aboriginal issues, I hope to be able to make a positive change to these issues. It is very important to me to be able to contribute to make a positive change within the Aboriginal population, especially here at Douglas.

As a member of the Aboriginal Student Services center and in close connection with Dave Seaweed, Aboriginal Student Services Coordinator and my family cultural connections, these resources will help me optimally make a positive contribution if given the chance. Although I may be in my first year of study, I have been an active contributor in the current DSU activities as I have worked in close proximities and helped the current Aboriginal Representative with student initiatives. I have learned very much about this position as I made an effort to be educated about current news within the DSU, and I can confidently say I have the tools and resources necessary to be an effective and positive leader for this position.

 

Simran Bir

I am seeking your vote for a position with our student union, as a Disabilities Representative. I am dedicated to represent and act as a voice to fellow students in social, organizational activities, representation, and academic support. I am now in my third-year studies at Douglas College. Also, I am a student-athlete competing on the women’s basketball team and presently a first-year Bachelor of Nursing student.

Being a part of my basketball team has allowed me to partake in many unique leadership volunteer opportunities both at school and in my community at large. I have actively participated with building a school playground, running a variety of athletic clinics, raising money for various non-profit organizations and bringing attention to Breast Cancer Awareness.

As a student, I had to learn about my own rights as a college-student with a disability and navigate through while learning to be assertive in a positive way to ensure my success in school. I would like to advocate on behalf of students with disabilities and make the extra effort it may take to help others to find out what services and resources are available on campus.   I would like to represent the needs and concerns of students focusing on providing access, facilities, supports, and services. I want to help create and facilitate diverse events that will bring students together to engage with one another regardless of abilities. I want to represent students with integrity and compassion. Moreover, I want to make sure that students with disabilities are getting the services they need to thrive in their academic environment. If elected, along with the NeXgen team, we are committed to striving to create positive change and will speak on behalf of the student body in an upstanding manner.

 

Sterling Victor Spencer Hillman

I know the name is long, but you can call me Sterling. I’m 19 years old running for Disabilities Representative and I’m in my second semester at Douglas. I love to swim, cycle and laugh. I am currently in the Environmental Studies program. Also, I am proud to be running in the “ACTION” Slate. Personally, I believe that every life matters. All students at Douglas should be given every opportunity to pursue their dreams and do what makes them happy.

As your Disabled students’ representative, I want to make the school accessible for everyone. It does not matter whether you are dealing with anxiety or whether you are in a wheelchair. I want to make sure your voice is heard. I will make every effort in lobbying the college for better services for students with disabilities. I have observed that all our student services are not always able to accommodate all students. I understand that our system needs to be more flexible for all students. One of my ideas is improving our automatic door system. It is far too old and needs huge improvement. If you want to see change in the school please come and talk to me. I love talking with everyone! I am here to serve you!

 

Tanysha Klassen

I’m running for the Pride Representative position. I’m a second year psychology student getting my bachelor’s degree in applied psychology. I believe that every student should have the ability to feel involved and safe at their school and have the chance to have fun! By hosting more events for students and increasing the visibility of the LGBTQ spaces around the college, we can take action and improve the DSU!

I’m eventually fulfilling my goal of becoming a gender therapist while still holding the title of top cat parent. Throughout my semesters studying at Douglas I have been lucky enough to work at the colleges Learning Centre as a tutor in writing and psychology. This job has given me insight of how different types of students learn and experience their life here at the college and I feel like this has given me a stronger connection to students. I get the opportunity to connect and learn from my fellow students everyday while also being given the chance to take action and help others thrive as Douglas College students.

I believe that every student -regardless of race, ethnicity, disability, class, sexuality and gender- should have the ability to feel involved and safe at their school as well as having the chance to have fun! Douglas College already thrives on the diversity of its students -which is one of the reasons why I love it here so much- and I feel like we can make this feeling true of all students. Things such as hosting more events for students that are accessible and safe, making textbooks more widely available, supporting the creation of gender neutral washrooms, increasing the visibility of the LGBTQ spaces that the school already offers, and the formation of a more inclusive and helpful DSU representative committee which will respect the well-being of all students, will result in making Douglas College even better than it already is!

1. Don’t forget to pet your cat for me!

 

 

Jacquoline Martin

I’m 24 year old activist running for Pride Representative with a passion for inducing positive change. I’m a charitable event coordinator and have retained that title for the past several years. I continue to direct my efforts towards raising awareness for neurological disorders (such as epilepsy) and various types of social isolation.

Presently, I am in hot pursuit of my associate of arts degree here at Douglas College; the eventual goal of transferring to Simon Fraser University to complete my bachelor’s degree (with a major in psychology and a minor in political science). Whilst I study at the college, I also maintain a job as an Aboriginal Resource Student Assistant in our college’s department of Aboriginal Student Services.

In 2010 – 2011, I led a battle, per se, against the Catholic Church to instill support groups for LGBTQ individuals in several Roman Catholic Secondary schools across Southern Ontario. This act was prompted when I witnessed my beloved comrades’ face become desecrated because of his sexual orientation. After being physically assaulted because he identified as homosexual, this boy had no one to run to and in turn began to feel as though he was truly at fault. Witnessing this, I began my journey fighting for safety and support; something the pride community has always been cut short of.

I have made a promise, NeXgen has made a promise that one of our fundamental goals for pride will be to continue creating a warm, inviting atmosphere for LGBTQ members. It is also in our best interest to always educate the general populous on the latest findings so that we may help severe any underlying stigmas. NeXgen will not hesitate to be pro-active; plans to restore placement in the Vancouver Pride Parade and engagement in the Douglas College atrium (New Westminster and David Lam) have already been discussed.

Help us keep a safe, supportive and nurturing atmosphere. Help us engage and get out there.

 

Taylor Woodward

Hey Douglas! I am an 18 year old Douglas College Student, who plays women’s softball! My friends would say I am actively engaged in everything that I participate in, and wish to do is as your Women’s Representative. If you’re looking for excited and change at Douglas vote for my slate, “NeXgen”!

I believe that women should have an equal voice throughout all aspects of life, one of them being at Douglas College. Women are lack representation in politics, athletics, and in the work place. By running in this election, I am trying to encourage and support women to actively engage at Douglas College.

Through this year, my team members will be promoting sexual harassment awareness, gender equality on campus, and to celebrate women and their achievements.

We have put together the best slate possible. NeXgen is promoting to make the school more open to opinion and encourage students to go past their desires to do something great with their lives, and make the college experience better. We have twelve successful candidates from all walks of life, so that there is a vast variety of representation.

By voting for “NeXgen”, you are voting to put students first, and voting to having regular social occasions to unite the student body.

Vote “NeXgen” for positive change!

 

Iman Abdulla

I’m running for the position of your Women’s Representative as part of team Action in the 2016 DSU election. Volunteering with the DSU Crew has taught me how to critically listen to student’s wants and needs. From slutwalks to open textbooks to pep rallies, I want to represent what students at Douglas College are truly passionate about.

I’m currently in my first year in the Bachelor of Science in Psychiatric Nursing program and my second year of being a student at our remarkable college. I hope to fulfill my dream of working at a short term psychiatric ward for children and adolescents. Currently, I volunteer with the DSU Crew at the David Lam Campus which has allowed me to meet and connect with more students around Douglas. It has also shown me how events and programs are run and how I can take action to improve them.

I believe I’d be a good fit for women’s rep because of my previous volunteer experience in the frozen tundra of Alberta. I’ve assisted in International Woman’s Day events and attended Business and Professional Women’s development club in Calgary. Hey, at least I’m not from Edmonton! These opportunities triggered my interest in total gender equality and taught me how to take action against the struggles women face every day in the workplace, post-secondary institutions, and regular daily life.

I adore the assortment of occasions and services provided at Douglas. University of Alberta students don’t get to print 300 free pages per semester! Student awareness and involvement is what makes Douglas the outstanding school it is and I would like to work on pulling even more students into Douglas life by holding pep rallies. As women’s liaison I’d also like to bring greater awareness to violence against women and the rape culture we live in by holding a slutwalk and bringing in a speaker from the rape relief shelter.

I look forward to acting on student’s behalf to make positive, ever-lasting changes at Douglas College!

 

 

You can vote for your 2016-2017 Student Representatives from February 29 to March 4. There will be a candidate’s forum taking place in the New Westminster Concourse from 11 a.m to 12:30 p.m.