Changing of the Guard

Full Name: Emilie Novaczek
Title: Science Representative
Major: Biology and Sustainability
Political Idol: Evo Morales
Campaign Platform:
“I want to represent science students at council and create a space for people who enjoy science or who are taking science. I think creating the discussion on science is important at King’s. I felt sort of excluded in my first year as a science student at King’s. For example, there was nobody else who was ever studying for the same chemistry mid-term. I know it can feel like you’re disconnected from the school’s resources, and I want to provide support for the science students who feel that way.”
Relevant Experience:
“I feel the connections I have to the science community at Dalhousie and in Halifax qualify me for this position. I work with a group called Supernova through Dalhousie where I design and deliver science curriculum for grades one through 12. In the winter, I am curriculum director for a group called ITS (Industry Technology Science) For Girls, and what we do is set up workshops for young girls with women working in science so they can get to see really cool presentations and do hands-on activities.”
Words to Students:
“If you want to be involved in the Science Society, I’ll be in the KSU on Wednesday afternoons and you should definitely come see me. Also my greatest fear is having something stuck in my teeth. I am terrified of that moment when someone tells you about it and you realize you haven’t had a meal in an hour.”
Relevant Credentials:
“I feel the connections I have to the science community at Dalhousie and in Halifax qualify me for this position. I work with a group called Supernova through Dalhousie where I design and deliver science curriculum for grades one through 12. In the winter, I am curriculum director for a group called ITS (Industry Technology Science) For Girls, and what we do is set up workshops for young girls with women working in science so they can get to see really cool presentations and do hands-on activities.”
Words to Students:
“If you want to be involved in the Science Society, I’ll be in the KSU on Wednesday afternoons and you should definitely come see me. Also my greatest fear is having something stuck in my teeth. I am terrified of that moment when someone tells you about it and you realize you haven’t had a meal in an hour.”
Full Name: Dylan Anderson
Title: Arts Representative
Major: Political Science
Political Idol: Jack Layton
Campaign Platform:
“The main thing I was advocating in my campaign was getting students to voice their opinions on the school. I would like to get Contemporary Studies and Early Modern Studies recognized as good programs. As the year goes on, I want to find out what the issues with these students are and try to fix them.”
Relevant Experience:
“My credentials range from being a team participant in King’s rugby to the executive society at Dalhousie. I’m also a member of Repair Our World (ROW) and in high school I managed three societies, so I know how to get things done. I’ve never had any student body experience, but I know how to get people’s voices out there and I am dedicated to the cause. I haven’t missed a class or a rugby practice this year.”
Words to Students:
“I try and get involved in everything at King’s and I’m always on campus. So if anybody ever sees me around campus they should just say ‘Hi,’ and if you ever want anything done at the school, just find me. I’m there for all students and my main goal is to get the word across.”
Full Name: Jennifer Graham
Title: Journalism Representative
Program: One-year Bachelor of Journalism
Political Idol: My grandmother
Campaign Platform:
“I really feel like the journalism students are a cohesive unit, and it’s all really intense for everybody. I wanted to be that person who brought everyone together and relieved stress. Because journalists spend a lot of time working on their own, asking questions, interviewing people, I feel like they don’t get together enough. I would like to have more group gatherings and events like a yoga class or a ski trip to bring journalists together.”
Relevant Experience:
“In terms of people, I’m bubbly and outgoing. I have a number of training certifications such as my yoga certification. These things aren’t necessarily political tools, but they’re things where I had to hold my own to do them. If we’re talking about being yourself and being empowered, I learned that through yoga. I don’t have a lot of fear, and I learned that through CrossFit. I truly believe that everything you want is just outside your comfort zone. You have to show up and suck before you can show up and shine.”
Words to Students:
“I really hope that people come and talk to me about things. I really hope that people come to see me, whether it’s an issue inside or outside the school, or even if they just need a hug. It would be great to get to know a lot of the journalism students, and I really look forward to that. And please, if you’re a journalism student, come to the office and introduce yourself because if you’re not in the one-year program, there’s a good chance that I will now know you.”
Full Name: Stefanie Bliss
Title: Member-at-Large
Program: BSC, combined honours in Biology and HOST
Political Idol: Winston Churchill
Campaign Platform:
“I think that one of the elements of the member-at-large position that hasn’t been taken advantage of by previous representatives is that you’re there, to a certain extent, to act as a watch dog of the executive. I want to make sure the executive is practicing things according to the will of the union. It’s not that I want to be antagonising the executive all year; I just want to be there to remind them. Also, we’ve been talking a lot on council this past year about different marginalized groups on campus. Considering the number of females at King’s, the ratio of women to men who are involved with committees is quite surprisingly male-heavy. It is my hope that during the course of the year I can have a positive impact on the way women are able to interact with the Union, and also how King’s integrates people with mental health issues.”
Relevant Experience:
“I have a lot of familiarity with the procedural handbook and the constitution, which I think is really important, in this position especially, in order to interact with the executive in a positive way, an understanding of these guidelines is important. I also have some familiarity with mental health issues, as I suffered from disordered eating when I was younger, and can relate to people who have trouble talking about these things. I feel this makes me more accessible. I really want to focus this year on making people realize that lots of people go through these things.”
Words to Students:
“I just really hope that students can see me as a sounding board and someone who’s available to talk. I love to talk and everything that students say to me will have weight.”
Full Name: Micheala Sam
Title: First-year representative
Program: FYP
Political Idol: Napolean
Campaign Platform:
“I think serving our year and making sure our voice isn’t forgotten in everything is my main goal in the coming months. When a lot of upper-years move out of residence, I feel they forget about problems among first-years. I want to make sure issues regarding the internet, meal hall hours and recycling are dealt with accordingly.”
Relevant Experience:
“I was lucky to be really involved in high school. I was spirit committee head of student council. I have the organizational skills to plan events. I’m interested in making res life better.”
Words to Students:
“I am a very approachable person and people shouldn’t feel uncomfortable about coming to talk to me.”