It is hard to believe that it has been one year since I picked up my nomination forms for the position of LCSA President. I remember running the campaign, talking to students and having the great opportunity to do so with my good friend Veronica Weir, who is now the college’s Board of Governors Student Representative and Business Club President. It was a nerve wracking experience, and waiting for the ballots to be counted was probably the most anxious I have ever been during my time at Lethbridge College. I remember getting the phone call telling me that I had won the election, and it is so funny to think about because at that moment I could not even comprehend how much work would have to be done in the upcoming year.
The President has a job that is hard to describe. My role relates highly to advocating for students to various committees and staff among the college, representing the Students’ Association at external community or college events, and in generic terms I am the spokesperson for the organization. My job in simple terms is making sure that the LCSA is running smoothly and things are getting done. Trust me, it sounds simple but it was not always that easy. I can truly say that I have learned so much from this job that no other experience could give me. I have learned the beautiful and not-so-beautiful side to being in a management position, how to work with different personalities, how to balance my work and school life effectively, that preparation is key, how to say no, and most importantly I have learned that even though it may not always seem like it, your opinion counts. It is important to voice your opinion and speak up- especially in this role. People are constantly asking what do you think of this, or if we did that instead? I have learned that even though your voice may seem small, it has a huge impact when you do say something, and when that something holds passion and meaning behind it.
I have had various opportunities to network with students who are the the same positions as me which is incredible because no one can truly understand a job of this nature until they have done it themselves.
Here I am with Alison Redford at the Community Leaders Dinner on January 23rd
I know it is sometimes hard for students to see all the work that is being done with the students’ association besides just events, but every day our team is working towards better representation of students on campus and fulfilling what students need and want while here at Lethbridge College. Whether we attend Academic Council meetings where we voice our opinions on new curriculum changes to various programs or talk about the upcoming academic schedule and how this will impact students, or when we meet with the college’s Senior Leadership Team and discuss what students want on campus and how we can develop solutions to meeting those needs- we are involved in so many processes here on campus. What I love about my job is that we are well respected on campus by staff in higher levels that are always interested in hearing about what we are doing, or how they can help us.
The LCSA with Lethbridge College's Senior Leadership Team
The LCSA offers so many programs to students, some of which you may not even realize. Firstly, we have our health and dental plan, which is a great bonus to have while you are in school. We offer bus passes, ski trips, fitness classes, student discount cards, faxing, stamps- you name it. What helps the organization run the way it does is the amazing full-time staff. I honestly cannot thank Angela, JP, Aaron or Jorden enough!
Our executive in August
This term vice-presidents, staff, student representatives and myself have worked through some really great things. We have developed committees to meet on issues such as Advocacy, Awareness, Environmental, Events and Communications.
We are currently looking at how we can make our council more diverse and have better representation with various positions.
Every day is an adventure, and even though my adventure is almost over, I can truly say that I have had a great nine months in office.
