The Dialog, March 21 - April 3, 2016

Student Association Elections: Who’s running & why

pg. 5

Students talk up the SA elections Pg. 4 Go ahead, call yourself a feminist Pg. 7

Yasmin Mahmoud is doing what she wants pg. 3 // Robot fight at Casa Loma! pg. 13 // Huskies volleyballers are moving on pg. 9 // Call for mandatory indigenous courses at George Brown pg. 2 March 21–April 3, 2016

GBC Student Newspaper • Founded 1982

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NEWS

The Dialog • dialognews.ca // March 21–April 3

Students call for mandatory indigenous courses at George Brown College wants students to learn about First Nations in ‘meaningful’ way TINA TODARO STAFF REPORTER

“George Brown College (GBC) is not doing enough,” said Anthony Hooper, an aboriginal student in the community worker program. “The college should recognize aboriginal people right off the bat as history plays a role in everything.”

With other post-secondary schools taking steps to enhance awareness of indigenous culture and issues, several members of the George Brown community are suggesting the merits of similar actions here.

“There were so many policies slanted against indigenous communities, so now the next generation of people who want to learn indigenous studies, so if they’re not changing their approach then it’s going to be repeating the same things over again,” said Coty Zachariah, First Nations, Metis and Inuit representative for the Student Association of George Brown College, which also funds The Dialog.

The University of Winnipeg and Lakehead University have begun implementing mandatory indigenous studies courses for undergraduate students following recommendations from the Truth

File photo of George Brown College’s annual powwow at Waterfront campus.

and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) report. The report, released last year, contains 95 calls to action to help redress damage caused by residential schools in Canada.

While GBC has indigenous studies courses, they are not

“There were so many policies slanted against indigenous communities”

mandatory for students and are not a requirement for programs.

“Programs like the social-service worker and community worker program should have mandatory indigenous studies courses,” said John Laforme, an aboriginal student in the community worker program. “These students are going to be working in the field where they’re going to be dealing with an aboriginal community-base, and they need to know where these people are coming from, not just what’s written in the textbook that is European-based.”

Even though George Brown already has an aboriginal services department and indigenous studies courses, aboriginal student support, Jolene May, said that it

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should be mandatory to take an aboriginal history class to inform students about why aboriginals are the way they are.

Another recommendation of the TRC calls on the federal government to “provide the necessary funding to post-secondary institutions to educate teachers on how to integrate indigenous knowledge and teaching methods into classrooms.”

Georgia Quartaro, George Brown’s dean of preparation

and liberal studies, said that the college has offered indigenous studies courses for many years, through general education, liberal studies, and some program-level courses. This year the college offered more than in previous years, with some courses and programs including mandatory content about indigenous peoples and issues.

“Like many Canadian post-secondary institutions including other colleges, we are considering how best to implement the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, which we take very seriously,” said Quartaro. “We want to ensure our students learn about Canada’s first peoples in a meaningful and sustainable way, so we are exploring what those options might look like and will consult our George Brown community, including our aboriginal education council, once we are further along in our planning.”

While reconciliation between indigenous and non-indigenous people in Canada is a complex process May notes the value of education.

“If students had an understanding of the history and traumas aboriginal people suffered then they would be able to have compassion for aboriginal students and the aboriginal population in general,” said May. “this would allow them to look past the stereotypes.”

CORRECTION In the Colleges and universities refuse to stock anti-radiation pills feature, a graphic mistakenly stated that there were around 37,000 post-secondary faculty in the 50 kilometre radius from Pickering Nuclear Station. There are around 37,000 faculty and staff at post-secondary schools in the Pickering radius.

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OPERATION The Dialog newspaper is published by The Dialog with the support of the Student Association of George Brown College.

The Dialog is responsible for the overall vision and direction of The Dialog newspaper, as it coincides with the larger vision and mission of the Student Association.

The cost of producing a monthly newspaper is in part

THE DIALOG PARTNERS defrayed by advertising revenue and largely subsidized by student fees. Occasionally, some advertisers, products and services do not reflect the policies of the Student Association.

Opinions expressed in The Dialog are not necessarily those of The Dialog, the Student Association of George Brown College, or its editorial staff.

The Dialog is a member of CUP, the Canadian University Press

NEWS

The Dialog • dialognews.ca // March 21–April 3

3

Events

// STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

Mental Health Week Monday, March 21 Noon to 2 p.m.

Yasmin Mahmoud forges her own path

St. James A, Kings Lounge

Wednesday, March 23 Noon to 2 p.m.

Casa Loma E Building, Student Centre

George Brown student wants to help new immigrants succeed in Canada

Wednesday, March 30 Noon to 2 p.m.

Waterfront Atrium

Yasmin Mahmoud came to Canada from Egypt and is now helping Syrian refugees resettle in Toronto. Photo: Renuka Malhotra/The Dialog.

RENUKA MALHOTRA STAFF REPORTER

Yasmin Mahmoud exemplifies the anonymous quote, “a successful woman is one who can build a strong foundation with the bricks others have thrown at her.” Mahmoud, who is in the community worker program at George Brown, demonstrates that dreams don’t just come true, you make it happen.

Mahmoud’s journey to here has been unusual. She used to be an English teacher in a government school in Egypt but that was not a job she loved.

“I didn’t choose the job, my family chose it for me.

Because they thought it is a good job for a woman,” she said. Mahmoud was told that teaching was a “very stable” job for women that would help her land a husband quickly.

Mahmoud never accepted the fact that she was born just to get married. She began looking for opportunities to study abroad and got a scholarship to study in the United States. While her family thought she was “crazy,” the scholarship, worth $40,000, would cover her expenses and she headed to the United States.

“I knew it was my time to shine, so I did what I wanted and left my country,” she said.

Mahmoud pursued business leadership development at Northeast Wisconsin Technical College. When she later moved to Canada, Mahmoud felt the need to connect with people, but it was difficult in such a busy place.

“Even if you go to the community centre, (case-workers) there just don’t put their heart into it,” Mahmoud said.

“It is just a job or just a client for them.”

Mahmoud’s experience as a new immigrant made her want to help other new Canadians like herself. Mahmoud strives to inspire new Canadians, especially Middle-Eastern women, to take advantage of the opportunities for further education and to try something different than back home.

In Canada, “you can study whatever you want,” she said.

“If you want to be a doctor, you can be a doctor.”

Another aspect that Mahmoud has noted about seek-

ing different opportunities in Canada is that changing careers and one’s age are less of a concern here than in other places. “In my culture, the older you get, the harder it is for you to go back to school.”

In Canada, on the other hand, Mahmoud thinks adult education is encouraged and that age is just a number.

Mahmoud is now working on a project to help Syrian refugees settle in Canada with COSTI immigration services.

In her role with COSTI, she provides counseling and helps

refugees practice English, secure housing, and more. Mahmoud has made it her mission to reach Syrian women and share with them the opportunities that Canada offers.

Mahmoud rejected expectations placed on her by her family and culture, in order to do what she wanted to do. She is now married to someone she loves and feels content with herself.

“I have everything I want, I am so happy,” she said. “Everything I ever wanted in life, I have it.”

As part of Mental Health Week, check out events on the intersection of mental well-being and social justice (March 21), bodies (March 23), health professional (March 30). Lunch provided for first attendees.

Herbal medicine making stress and anxiety Tuesday, March 22, Noon to 3 p.m.

St. James A, Rm 165B

School got stressed and anxious? The CAC has you covered with a lesson making herbal treatments for stress and anxiety.

Therapy Dogs!

March 23, 30 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

St. James, in front of 121B

Feeling a little blue? Love dawgs? Get some love from skilled therapy dogs.

SA Elections March 18 to 29 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Where’s your spot?

Every campus

Find wellness, health and mental health resources for students.

Haven’t voted yet? Get out to vote at polling stations at each campus. .

Discovered a spot?

Tuesday, March 22, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Fear Factor at GBC

Find out what other users have to say.

Casa Loma E Building, Student Centre

Wednesday, March 23, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Share your thoughts?

Waterfront, Main Lobby

Let others know how you feel about the places and services you’ve used.

Thursday, March 24, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

St. James A, Kings Lounge

Feel like you can tolerate bizarre and grueling tasks? Finally a contest for you! First place gets a $100 gift card to the Cadillac Fairview shopping malls.

Check us out online at mythoughtspot.ca 5387a-Dialog-Thoughtspot print.indd 1

2016-02-25 4:00 PM

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NEWS

The Dialog • dialognews.ca // March 21–April 3

What’s your issue this election?

Photos: Renuka Malhotra

The Dialog asks George Brown students what’s on their minds for the SA elections 2016

Meron Kaleab

Dental office admin “The candidates don’t have face value. I’m not aware of when the elections started and when are they’re going to end.”

Poll clerks Anubhav Sharma and Luke Head open the polls with deputy returning officer Adel Hneinou on Friday, March 18 Photo: Mick Sweetman / The Dialog

Student Association elections explained The Student Association’s board of directors elections might seem complicated, but it doesn’t have to be CHARLOTTE CAMERON STAFF REPORTER

It’s that time of year again; elections for the Student Association’s (SA) board of directors are now underway.

With the voting period running from March 18 to March 29 on all campuses, students may feel that they don’t understand how the process works well enough or what they are voting for enough to participate. Luckily, it’s not nearly as complicated as it may seem at first glance.

In response to such trepidation, we have assembled a short explainer to help with your most frequently asked questions.

The SA itself fills many roles, including providing health and dental insurance for students hosting fun events and clubs to join, promoting safety and justice with programs like SafeWalk, the Community Action Centre and academic advocacy.

It also publishes The Dialog student newspaper. The SA provides a wide range of services such as the student

food bank, the Kings Lounge Bar and Eatery, legal aid, and will even help you with your taxes.

“It’s incredibly important for students to engage with the platforms of the slates and individuals who are campaigning, as whoever wins is going to be the governing body representing all of George Brown,” said Asad Raza the chief returning officer for the election.

The SA board of directors consists of 21 elected members, five of which are executive positions who are responsible for the governing of the SA between annual general meetings.

The executives have broader responsibilities than the other positions of campus directors, education centre and constituency representatives, who act on behalf of their specific constituents.

Eight of the 21 possible positions are being contested, with 12 positions being acclaimed. One position, the women and trans people representative was uncontested and there will be a by-election for it in the fall.

Two executive positions

require 40-hour work weeks, the director of communications and internal as well as the director of operations. The remaining executive positions are part time at 24-hours a week. All campus directors complete 10-hour work weeks and all education centre and constituency representatives work five hours a week.

Campus directors and education centre representatives candidates must be current students enrolled at the campus or in the program they seek to represent. Constituency representative candidates must be self-identified members to be eligible to run.

The SA employs the slate system; students may run a cross-campaign with other students, sharing platform stances and ideas, pooling resources, shouldering equal responsibility. Students may also run as independents. The two slates this year are Act Now!, who won 18 of 21 positions in the 2015-16 elections, and Students for Students (S4S).

“The only way this type of democracy can truly be representative of the students is if each person takes the time to make an informed vote,” said Raza. “Meaning that they’ve taken the time to reflect on what they want the future of George Brown to look like, and which candidate can best lead the way there.”

Harshali Dhotre

Olivia Panjehali

H.R. management

Personal support worker

“It has been almost three months for me at this campus. I know nothing about the elections. Who are these candidates and what they stand for is still unknown, even though the elections are going on.”

“I care a lot about college. It is good to have an accountable student body. More promotions and better campaigns are required to generate awareness. Our professors must also contribute to inform students about SA elections 2016.”

Ramon Quiambao

Alice Babich

“As an architectural student, more printers for the specific program students will help in saving a lot of our time and help us with our assignments. As a lot of students in this campus belong to trades, there is a bulk use most of the time.”

“The study areas like library should be developed and expanded to accommodate more students. Even though the college has a number of career counselors and advisors, I am currently facing a problem with finding a proper course counselor in the campus.”

Architectural technology

Marketing

NEWS

The Dialog • dialognews.ca // March 21–April 3

5

Student Association elections:

Who’s running and why A look at the races in this year’s elections for the Student Association of George Brown College CHARLOTTE CAMERON STAFF REPORTER

The acclaimed positions are: Director of communications and internal Prabhnoor Anand (Act Now!) Director of education Tiffany White (Act Now!) Director of equity Mohammed Rajai Director of operations Gemeda Beker (Act Now!) Casa Loma campus director Naqeeb Omar (Act Now!) Satellite campus director Shu (Stephanie) Han (Act Now!) Community services Rep. Andrew Murrell

Voting has jus started but already the Act Now! slate has wrapped up eight positions on the Student Association of George Brown College’s (SA) board of directors. The slate is contesting for another eight positions plus the lone student seat on the George Brown College board of governors. The Dialog is funded by the SA. This year the director of campus life is the only contested executive position.

Candidates Brittany DaCosta of Act Now! and Monir Mojumder of Students for Students (S4S) are current members of the SA’s events squad and both want more events to be more inclusive of all campuses. DaCosta is enthusiastic about getting to know the needs of the different campuses and extending St. James gym hours. Mojumder wants “to create a memorable frosh week to keep students present and motivated throughout the school year.”

Csaba Suki of S4S is run-

engage students and build a rapport.” Torres also said they want more gender-diverse events and workshops.

At Waterfront, Gagan Deep of Act Now!, the current director of communications and internal, is running for Waterfront campus director.

Deep wants to improve the food options and make students more aware of immigration workshops, scholarships and bursaries.

His competitor, current Waterfront campus director Jamie Jamieson who was on the Act Now! ticket last year and is running for re-election as an independent, is campaigning on a greater variety of food, improving student well-being and more social events.

In the arts and design representative race, Rajat Sood of Act Now!, and independents Cathryn Honschar and Amandeep Singh are jockeying for position. Singh wants to increase peer tutors and resources in the library.

Sood wants to increase job opportunities by expanding the industry liaison offices

Construction and engineering Rep. Candidates Mojeeb Attai (Act Now!) Hospitality Rep. Cathy Chung (Act Now!) First Nations, Métis and Inuit Rep. Leslie Vanevery Accessibility Rep. Carolyn Mooney LGBTQ Rep. Sheldon (Aintony) Mortimore (Act Now!)

For more information and statements of each candidate, visit the SA’s website at studentassocation.ca/eletions

Voting begins March 18 and continues until March 29.

Students for Students slate

Photo provided.

ning for St. James campus director and wants to create a more fun and positive environment and get students more involved in activities at St. James. Francis Torres of Act Now! wants to improve communication between students and the SA by “being more proactive and ensuring that I attend as many on campus events as possible to

and career centre, as well as new technologies for fashion students. Honschar wants to be “a voice and an advocate for other students” and make art and design students more aware of the SA’s services and programs “to ensure their needs are being met to help each individual reach their goals and find success.”

The business representa-

Some of the Act Now! slate Photo provided.

tive position is being sought by independent candidate Ron Greenberg, Fadi Mardnli of S4S, and Mayank Shah of Act Now! Greenberg promises to improve SA accountability by critically analyzing the SA’s budget in order to get more out of its initiatives.

Mardnli believes his experiences living abroad with different cultures and languages will help him reach his constituents. Shah hopes to enhance networking with industry professionals and job fairs.

The new health sciences representative will either be incumbent Roohjyot Cheema of Act Now! or challenger Megan Phillips of S4S. Cheema is campaigning on installing a student lounge at the Waterfront campus, educating students on how to deal with stress and promoting healthy lifestyles. Phillips is seeking to improve the practical learning side of students’ academic experience with improvements to the WAVE clinic and co-op placements as well as hosting job fairs.

Janae Kelly-Clarke of Act Now! is running against Michelle Harrypaul of S4S to be the liberal arts and preparatory studies representative. Kelly-Clarke believes bringing students together with small, program-focused workshops will encourage students to be more engaged.

Harrypaul’s focus is to support students in the transitions to post-secondary education program (TPE), hoping to increase awareness of the

program and push for easier access to academic upgrading.

The final position up for grabs on the SA board is that of international students’ representative, with Rekki Kumar of S4S running against Gurjot Singh of Act Now! Kumar wants to have more events for students who are new to Canada so they don’t feel lost at the college.

Singh said he would lobby the college for more access to labs and equipment, longer library hours, and lower tuition fees for international students.

The women and trans people representative position was uncontested and remains vacant; a by-election will be held for it in the fall.

The other election happening is for the lone student seat of the GBC board of governors. Supply chain operations management student Gazi Farok is bringing years of experience with the Ryerson Student Union and the Ryerson Senate. He is running on the platform of negotiable tuition fees, more grants and bursaries, holding monthly town-hall meetings, and developing a student advisory committee.

Pawandeep Singh is the Act Now! candidate for the GBC board of governors. A business accounting student, Singh said he would defend the college’s autonomy and that ensuring its strategic plans are in line with the college’s mission is important to him.

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NEWS

The Dialog • dialognews.ca // March 21–April 3

‘Working’ in a world without regulations Pay Your Interns summit puts internships in the spotlight ALIONA KUTS STAFF REPORTER

“Intern is still a term in search of a definition,” said Ross Perlin, an author of Intern Nation: How to Earn Nothing and Learn Little in the Brave New Economy and a guest speaker at Pay Your Interns! 2016 spring summit.

Director Cynthia H. Pandev’s debut film Pay Your Interns! opened the summit and covered all aspects of internships. People talked about

the most common fields and industries that usually hire interns, like the arts, nutrition and nursing.

Women’s role was especially highlighted in the film, as it argues that women tend to take unpaid positions more often. The vague differences between a volunteer, an employee and an intern were also touched on in the documentary, sparking a live discussion at the event.

“It’s 2016–stop undermining the work of women,” said Schenella Pinto, the director

of research and labour policy at Canadian Intern Association.

Pinto spoke about the history of internships, saying the discussion around it has expanded significantly in the last five years as the concept has gone as far as “auctions for internships” where not only do people want to work for a particular company, but also are willing to pay to get the position.

Internships as part of the education process is another side of the coin. Although it is

Production stills from Pay Your Interns courtesy of Cynthia H. Pandev

clear schools want to establish better relationships with employers and companies, “having walls of shame is important”, said Perlin, pointing to the Canadian Intern Association’s website that lists particularly egregious examples of unpaid internships.

Lack of clear regulations on internships is the biggest problem said lawyer Andrew

Langille pointing to it as an area for the Liberal government to look into.

In its 2015 budget, the Harper government changed the Canadian Labour Code to ensure that interns under federal jurisdiction were subject to basic safety standards, and to “clarify the circumstances under which unpaid internships could be offered.”

// GBC FIXER

St. James washrooms open again after three months Fifth floor washrooms closed for a major update EMEKA IBEH STAFF REPORTER

After around three months, work to update the bathroom on the fifth floor on the east side of the St James A building is complete. The renovations began in December and were completed the week of March 15, with the washrooms being closed during that time.

Emmanuel Pinkett, a second year business administration student, has seen the upgrades and was quite impressed with the improvements.

“I was very surprised when I saw it, this is actually

my second time in this washroom,” said Pinkett, who has a project management class on the fifth floor. “I just came in here yesterday for the first time, and it looks newer and I think the school did a great job with how it looks now.”

According to a representative from the college, the renovations were not due to damage, but rather that the washrooms needed an upgrade.

Jodi Sewartuk, corporate communications manager at George Brown College, said that the facilities department is consistently checking in on the bathrooms in the St. James building in order to identify which washrooms

need renovating the most.

Sewartuk added that the facilities department will continue upgrading the restrooms based on whichever ones needed major renovations urgently.

As the fifth floor bathroom’s renovation was a major job, George Brown put out a request for tenders to do the required work. According to Sewartuk, “a team at the college looked at the qualifications of those that submitted a bid and chose the most appropriate contractor.”

By the end of the process, MIRO Construction was selected to rebuild the washrooms.

While the fifth floor washroom was out of commission, signs directing students to the other washrooms in the building had been put in place.

The washrooms on the fifth floor of St. James campus are finally renovated. Photo: Emeka Ibeh/The Dialog.

OPINION

The Dialog • dialognews.ca // Marcg 21–April 3

// OPINION

7

// EDITORIAL

Get out and vote, but don’t stop there Voting is important but the Student Association needs your participation all year

A

Why you shouldn’t be afraid of being a feminist Fight against misogyny begins with identification ALIONA KUTS Virginia Woolf once described a feminist as “any woman who tells the truth about her life.” But these days a lot of women are still afraid of being honest about their feminism.

In a 2015 Chatelaine and Abacus Data survey, 68 per cent of women denied being a feminist. As strange as it may sound, those women still follow feminist philosophy in their everyday life. So why don’t they want to be called feminists and why is this attitude harmful to women?

Few women clearly understand the meaning of the word. Defined as “the advocacy of women’s rights on the ground of the equality of the sexes” by Oxford dictionary, it seems like an easy concept.

There is a widespread perception that women have achieved everything and should keep aloof. Although somewhat logical, this statement is based on another fear.

A fear to open Pandora’s Box. It is much easier to say, “women can drive and vote, what else do you want?” than to answer this question. Do you want to see seductive women on every second poster, commercial and ad? Do you want to feel safe and sound only in a broad daylight, wear-

ing something “non-provocative?” Do you want to burn the midnight oil and work passionately on something just to hear that everything you do is for men’s attention only?

Many women know they don’t want this, but remain quiet as there doesn’t seem to be a solution.

Imagine this was the attitude a hundred years ago.

Imagine that in 1910, 100 women from 17 countries didn’t establish International Woman’s Day because they did not want to come off as too aggressive, or to specify one type, or put any labels.

Without their efforts, would you be able to do what you are doing today? Could you enroll in university?

Could you become a journalist, a doctor, a chef? Could you have a credit card to buy those “15 must-haves of a new season” that will make you look younger? Could you stay in a hotel by yourself? Chances are you couldn’t even leave your house alone.

The ugly truth is that no one has equal rights. In spite of various attempts, society is still dominated by one culture, politics, and history—the one that belongs to white rich men.

So why be a feminist in this sad world? Because solutions begin with identification. It is key for women to proclaim being feminist for one simple reason–to unite and stay together. To fight against misogyny, objectification and other gendered issues–together.

We all know the problem exists. But, separated and scared, we don’t know how to solve it. Yet.

lexis de Tocqueville, French political thinker and historian, famously stated, “In a democracy, the people get the government they deserve.”

The elections for the Student Association’s (SA) board of directors often end up being a thoroughly underwhelming experience for most students. Thankfully, it doesn’t have to be.

The solution at George Brown starts with students, namely that we have to get educated, get out and actually vote. Students need to become more involved and we will receive the leadership we want. This only works with help from the candidates and board members, who need to remind students of the importance of voting. The caveat however is that students must also want to hear it.

And where does this apathy towards student leadership stem from?

A vicious cycle of apathy and perceived under-performance from elected officials seems to begin once the election period is over.

To remain engaged, students want to see the same names and faces they voted for during the rest of year and know they are continuing to push for students’ input and for the changes they promised.

A major problem they face is many representatives // EDITORIAL CARTOON

don’t hear from students.

Many candidates have stated how important it is to do research about and talk to students on campuses other than their home campus.

But if they don’t hear where the problem areas lie, how can they work to fix things?

Board members do more than meets the eye, they advocate on your behalf. But what are they to do when students talk only amongst their friends and not to them?

M a n y s t u d e n t s h av e ideas about how the SA should operate but refrain from seeking solutions under the pretense that they believe nothing can or will be done. Most of the board’s work happens behind the

scenes causing some students to think they can’t actually be doing much of anything.

It is not simply enough to complain about an issue, maybe make one meager suggestion, then resign oneself to private complaints among friends.

So yes, get educated, get out and vote this election.

But after that’s over, it’s important we continue to demand more from our student government and ourselves.

When information is put out about what happens at the school, pay attention! When they try to educate us, eat it up. And finally, we must continue to inform them how to better serve us because the more we do, the more the SA will change for the better.

8

SPORTS

The Dialog • dialognews.ca // March 21–April 3

Wolfpack Ticker Scores from George Brown College athletics Badminton OCAA Championships Women’s doubles

Yunji Kim and Angeline Alviar won silver in the OCAA badminton championship but came up short at the nationals

Badminton pair make it to nationals Yunji Kim and Angeline Alviar take silver at provincials EMEKA IBEH STAFF REPORTER

“Although they finished just short of qualifying for semis and play for a medal the women left everything on the court with no regrets”

Yunji Kim and Angeline Alviar fell short at the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) championships on March 2. But the pair, playing together in their first year, still had a remarkable season, winning silver at the Ontario Collegiate Athletic Association (OCAA) championship, and making it to the national tournament in British Columbia.

“All the coaching staff were extremely happy and proud of the women when they qualified for Nationals during the provincial championships.” said assistant coach Howard Wong. When the pair qualified for the nationals, Wong said that he gave his fellow assistant coach, Don Tai, a big hug.

Yunji Kim and Angeline Alviar, both advanced to the CCAA championships after winning a silver medal in the provincials in women’s doubles which were on Feb.19 and 20 hosted at Seneca College.

“My first thought was ‘oh my god we made it’ and it didn’t really sink in until Angeline hugged me,” said Kim. Competing for a place in the final, they only won one game in the preliminary

rounds, disqualifying them from the semi-finals. However, after facing more experienced and stiff competition they were still able to pull out a win, finishing the preliminary round with a record of 1-4.

“We knew winning first place at provincials would be difficult because one of the teams we were playing had players who had already competed at a national level,” said Kim. “Both Angeline and I were not used to the amount of pressure that we faced at the provincials, and luckily our opponents were also nervous, and on the last rally of our finals game at the provincials, it was our opponent who made the costly mistake that saw us make the CCAA championships.”

The provincial silver medalists first met each other at a tournament where they competed against one another. Neither Kim or Alviar will disclose who won their initial match-up.

Kim and Alviar believe their pairing took their games to a higher level, and the fact that they performed well and showed good potential is a sign of things to come for the Huskies badminton team in the future.

Kim is a first-year business administration student of Korean descent, who lived in Togo, West Africa for 15 years. Alviar, who is from the Philippines, is also a first-year student in the civil engineering and technology program.

Photo by Donnie Tai.

“Badminton makes me calmer, and playing with Yunji is really fun. It’s not just like any other recreational fun game, but more of a memorable one because you’re playing at higher-level tournaments,” said Alviar.

Both Alviar and Kim made it clear that without the support of their George Brown coaches, head coach Kim Ng, assistant Don Tai, Howard Wong, Muhammad Usama, and James Cheung, they would not have made it this far.

It was during the summer that their game showed the most improvement, not during the season, due to the fact that their coaches came out and helped them a lot with their training.

“The style that we play compliments each other. Even during provincials there are times when you can’t really focus, and Angeline was able to pick up the slack for me, and if she lost focus I would do the same. Our partnership was good in that sense,” said Kim. Coach Wong believes that now that both girls have had a taste for the level of play and made new friends within and outside of team Ontario there is a thirst to try and make it back for next year. He said that the most important thing the girls realized was that they can compete among the nation’s best players.

“Although they finished just short of qualifying for semis and play for a medal the women left everything on the court with no regrets,” said Wong. “As coaches that is all we can ask for.”

4 Wins 1 Loss Yunji Kim and Angeline Alviar win silver medals Mixed Doubles: 3 Wins 2 Losses Ben Yong and Tomomi Tamura win bronze medals

CCAA Championships Women’s doubles Opening round Seneca. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 George Brown . . . . . . . . . . . . 0

Extramural Mens’ Hockey Trent Tournament George Brown. . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Boreal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Fanshawe. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 George Brown . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 B Tournament Final George Brown . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Seneca. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

SPORTS

The Dialog • dialognews.ca // March 21–April 3

Huskies volleyball players Oscar Kahu and Josh Taylor, pictured here with GBC athletics staff, have been playing together since grade 8. Photo courtesy of George Brown College.

Graduating volleyballers on their time with the Huskies Players believe team will learn from brief playoff appearance

EMEKA IBEH STAFF REPORTER

The Huskies men’s volleyball team is saying goodbye to Oscar Kahu and Josh Taylor, as the two players are wrapping up their time at George Brown.

To Kahu and Taylor, volleyball is a team sport like no

other. With such an emphasis on team play, it’s fortunate that the two volleyballers have been playing together for over 6 years, dating back to Grade 8 in Courcelette Public School.

“This is my first year actually playing past the club or high school level, so it was really fun to get back into the competition,” said Kahu.

“I earned a spot in the lineup right away so that just made it way more fun.”

While Taylor and he go back a long time, Kahu said that being on the team was

an opportunity make some new friends.

Taylor is a second-year student pursuing his gameprogramming diploma, and currently has an internship as a game-programmer with Relish Game Studios. The office is located in Kensington Market, and their primary focus is to make their games for kids. Taylor has been fortunate to be a part of the volleyball team for the past two years while Kahu is in the one-year marketing financial services post-grad program.

Kahu explained that the reason he decided to attend George Brown is because he was considering a slightly different career path than the commerce degree he earned when he was at McMaster University. He wanted to explore what kind of options were there for him, and he now finds financial services relatively exciting.

When Kahu and Taylor first joined the team their goal was to win provincials.

They had no idea what the real talent level was on the team but they both joined to win. As they both explained, it is never fun to lose a game, especially close ones.

“We were trying to find our identity at the beginning of the year, and our coach Josh Nichol laid out at the first tryout, our standards as athletes, and how we have to represent ourselves at George Brown as student-athletes.” said Kahu.

“There are going to be ups and down in the season regardless, but for us it was about trying to develop the right habits, even if it was helping each other out, or bringing a positive attitude to our practices,” said Taylor.

Taylor added that even though they lost their playoff qualifying game against Sheridan College, he believes that only made the team stronger and more prepared for long term success due to the experience they got in the playoffs, even if it was for just one game.

“Before the game started it was clear that we were very excited, ready to play and pretty amped, even during our warm-ups, you could tell that was one of our best ones,” said Taylor. “But after the game, we felt pretty defeated. It just felt bad losing, but we learned a lot from that loss.”

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ARTS & LIFE

The Dialog • dialognews.ca // March 21–April 3

// FOOD

Try George Brown College’s recipe for seafood gumbo Raelene Gannon, author of Tea: from cup to plate visited the Chefs House on March 9.

Moving tea from cup to plate Raelene Gannon returns to George Brown at Trending Now series ALIONA KUTS STAFF REPORTER

“If you are not a tea drinker–than cook with it!” said Raelene Gannon, one of the first fifteen certified tea sommeliers in Canada as she inspired guests of The Chef ’s House to try something new on March 9.

Gannon was looking for a good match to scones as part of a tea and food pairing course at George Brown College (GBC), when she thought to herself, “why can’t I put tea in the scone?”

A few more recipes followed and then an idea for a book came into sight. “From that first course I knew I was in trouble, I was hooked, but I really fell in love with it,” said Gannon.

With no professional culinary background, Gannon, who graduated from GBC in 2010, describes herself as “just a foodie.” Gannon calls her concept of integrating tea into food, the “tea from cup to plate revolution.”

It started in China, where she traveled for one of her jobs. On the last trip she got so sick, she could not drink her usual morning cup of coffee and turned to jasmine tea instead. “Coming from Canadian red rose boxed tea, I never heard of anything like (jasmine tea).”

The entire menu of the night was based on the recipes from Gannon’s self-published cookbook, Tea: from cup to plate. “I was a part of every process, from developing recipes to design, layout

Baked Canadian triple brie with assorted flatbreads Photo: Aliona Kuts / The Dialog

Photo: Aliona Kuts/The Dialog

and pictures,” she said.

A couple twists on the menu came from cooperation with chefs and the desire to try new things. “I just want to inspire people to try this whole new concept of tea and cooking with it,” said Gannon.

As a flavour, tea brings exceptional fragrance to literally everything, from blueberry tea cocktails and pomegranate green tea martinis served during the reception, to cauliflower and cheese butternut spice tea soup.

Those keen on sauces had a blast enjoying tea pesto and walnuts on crostini. Lapsang souchong tea chicken lettuce wraps and baked Canadian triple brie with assorted flatbreads followed.

The real hit, however, were the oolong tea braised beef short ribs with butternut squash rooibos risotto arancini, served with herbal scented celeriac puree and rooibos glazed carrots. The scrumptious dinner also featured French wines: gewürztraminer and Chateauneuf-dupape. Earl grey tea chocolate cake with lavender ice cream and orange sauce closed the evening.

“It was such an eye-opener for me to see everyone’s inspired faces,” said Gannon who said she enjoyed every smile and every interaction. “It is teaching where everyone wins. When somebody teaches and somebody learns, we all listen and we all learn.”

According to Alison Fryer, a professor at the chef school and a coordinator of the event series, one of the ideas behind the Trending Now dinners is to bring back successful graduates to motivate and mentor current students. Fryer said that bringing women chefs back is even more important as a way to show that the industry has successful women as well as men.

With all the talk of Donald Trump, Hillary Clinton, Bernie Sanders and Ted Cruz dominating headlines, we thought this would be a great time to highlight a classic American dish: seafood gumbo.

This month’s recipe comes from the American Regional Cooking class offered at our school of continuing education.

Ingredients

Method

1/2 cup (125ml) vegetable oil 1/2 lb (225g) bacon chopped 1 onion, diced 2 celery stalks, diced 1 green pepper, diced 5 garlic cloves, minced 3/4 cup (95g) all-purpose flour 4 cups (1L) chicken stock 4 cups (1L) fish stock 1lb (454g) okra, sliced 2 cups (475ml) tomatoes in juice, drained and chopped 1 bay leaf 1 teaspoon ground cayenne 1 teaspoon chopped thyme 1/2 cup (25g) chopped flat leaf parsley 2 lb (900g) peeled and deveined shrimp 1/2 cup (50g) chopped scallions 1 lb (454g) lump crabmeat Salt and pepper to taste

1. In a stock pot over medium-high heat, heat the oil and render the bacon until crispy. Then add the onion and sweat until soft. Add the celery, pepper and garlic.

2. Add flour and cook until light brown and nutty smelling.

3. Stir in the chicken and fish stock. Add the okra, tomatoes, bay leaf, cayenne, and thyme. Then simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are very tender, about 30 minutes.

4. Add the shrimp, parsley, and scallions. While stirring, simmer until the seafood is just cooked through, about 5 m 5. Stir in crabmeat and simmer until heated through, about 1 minute.

Season with salt and black pepper. Discard bay leaf.

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ARTS & LIFE

The Dialog • dialognews.ca // March 21–April 3

11

// THEATRE

You Will Remember Me, ‘sorrowful’ and ‘hilarious’ Tarragon play about fallout from Alzheimer’s and modern life ALIONA KUTS STAFF REPORTER

“Why live in present moment if it is gone five minutes later?” asks Edouard, the main character in You Will Remember Me. A professor, public figure and sovereignist, Edouard, who is played by R.H. Thomson claims to have an excellent memory by telling the same story over and over again. But for him the moment is literally gone again and again because he has Alzheimer’s disease.

The disease, as a catalyst, pulls out a lot of plugs. In a world where nothing is happening and everyone prefers feeling to thinking, it soon becomes very clear Edouard is not the only one who is sick.

His beautiful mind and vocabulary does not interest anyone. The people closest to him, swamped under their own self-absorption and misery cannot wait until Edouard fades away and doesn’t recognize them anymore.

While no one wants to take responsibility for him, Edouard finds compassion in the farthest person from him.

Together with this person, he realizes memories he spent so much effort trying to stay

away from were always with him, making him feel sorry for the very willingness to forget.

E d o u a r d ch a o t i c a l l y writes in the play, clinging to his last hope, a notebook and a sweater. “If people only remembered, they’d never leave each other,” he said.

Interestingly, Edouard’s sickness echoes in the lived experience of relatively healthy people. In a world tethered to the Internet, “nothing lives a mark” in people’s mind. “The mark you left yesterday - it doesn’t mean anything?” asks one of the characters. “I don’t care, I just want to listen to you,” said Edouard.

You Will Remember Me is not a story about a sickness.

The play is a thought-provoking, hilarious and sorrowful story about a person, his weaknesses, thoughts, memories, relationships, loneliness, worthlessness and the meaning of life.

Which, if you break it down, might be something as simple as what Edouard said, “right now I am with you and I don’t want it to stop.”

You Will Remember Me, written by François Archambault and directed by Joel Greenberg, is showing at the Tarragon near Casa Loma campus until April 10.

R.H. Thomson and Kimwun Perehinec in You Will Remember Me. Photo: Cylla von Tiedemann

GBC student Susannah Kiernan and Chelsea Larkin are “comedy soulmates” in L’il Rasgals Photo courtesy of Susannah Kiernan.

‘Comedy soulmates’ hit the stage as L’il Rasgals George Brown student Susannah Kiernan finds community in comedy TINA TODARO STAFF REPORTER

Working in the arts involves a long and difficult road, according to Susannah Kiernan. But it’s these challenges and the tight-knit community of the comedy scene that encourage Kiernan as she performs on the stage and screen.

Kiernan, who is a fashion management student at George Brown, has been acting and making people laugh for 20 years. Having trained extensively in Canada and the United States, Kiernan said acting became a “natural revolution” for her after taking her first acting class at eightyears-old, followed by singing and musical theatre lessons.

“I started doing comedy back in high school,” said Kiernan. “I took drama in high school and then we started

our improv team, and that’s sort of how we started; we did improv Olympics and theatre sports.”

When Kiernan is not on the screen in projects like Muscle Confusion and Balls Anonymous, the comedian is also part of a sketch-comedy troupe with Chelsea Larkin called the L’il Rasgals.

When Kiernan first met Larkin she walked up to her and said “hey, we’re supposed to be friends.” Later that night, they formed their group and a week later they got together for the first writing meeting.

“We are comedy soulmates,” said Kiernan. “We have the exact same sense of humour, the same writing process, very similar backgrounds, and have taken similar acting classes and education. It just worked out perfectly.”

In 2015, L’il Rasgals was nominated for Best Sketch Troupe by NOW Magazine.

The sketch-comedy duo is featured this year as part of the Toronto Sketch Comedy Festival, with a show on March 11 at the Comedy Bar. Recently, the organization Women in Comedy has gone public with accounts of women comics facing sexual harassment and exclusion from show lineups. While not downplaying the experiences of other women in comedy, Ki-

ernan counts herself as fortunate.

“We’ve been really lucky in that we’ve had really great experiences, and haven’t experienced much sexism or prejudice but we do see it all the time, even if it’s not within our own community,” said Kiernan. “It’s a widespread issue, which I’m happy is getting more attention now and will continue to until one day when it’s not an issue at all.”

For Kiernan, being true to yourself is a good way for aspiring actresses, comedians, and singers to survive the fierce competition of show business.

“You are you and no one else coming in to do a show is going to be you or like you” “The one thing that you can bring to the table that no one else can is that very fact that you are you and no one else coming in to do a show is going to be you or like you,” said Kiernan. “If you can stay true to yourself and work really hard, then you’ll get to show the world something that they won’t see anywhere else, and that makes you, your show, and your material really special.”

A part-timer can work here for years and never get health benefits or a single sick day.

HOW IS THAT FAIR? �

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Health benefits at

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If you work as part-time Support staff for George Brown College, or worked during this academic year, email tracy@collegeworkers.org for more information.

SCIENCE & TECH

The Dialog • dialognews.ca // March 21–April 3

Robots smash it up at Casa Loma George Brown students build robots in engineering competition CHARLOTTE CAMERON STAFF REPORTER

On March 14, Casa Loma hosted robot competitions as part of National Engineering Month (NEM). The event featured a robot sumo battle, as well as a competition for best simulated robot design and a design challenge game. Some

teams had been working on their design for months.

When Khadra Mohamed, a second-year mechanical engineering technologies design student, was approached in September by the NEM board to host an event again this year, she immediately agreed and began to assemble a team of organizers. The NEM’s slogan, “there’s a place for you here,” appealed to her and she wanted to bring that senti-

The Sumo wrestling robots of Casa Loma campus. Photo: Charlotte Cameron/The Dialog

ment to George Brown.

“Engineering is not as hard as people make it sound,” Mohamed said. “It’s just a lot more, a lot of creativity and a lot of determination to get a solution to a problem.”

When it came time to put the robots in the ring to battle, with a last minute drop out due to mechanical failure, only two bots were prepped to battle it out. Ed-E 2.0 from team #Doesn’tMatter and Nemesis were ready to rumble.

After some opening remarks from guest speaker Mick Matsumoto, who graduated from the mechanical engineering and design program in 2012, the mic was turned over to Gemeda Beker, a third-year engineering student. The robots were introduced, the gong was rung and the two went to work trying to push the other outside the sumo ring, while not crossing the boundary themselves.

It started off as a normal robot battle with the two making keen advances toward each other but soon Nemesis began orbiting in circles, allowing Ed-E 2.0 to catch and push him out once, then twice.

After a timeout to repair

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the issue, they reentered the ring but Nemesis was no match for Ed-E 2.0 who won the sumo competition 3-0 with one final push. Beker, a previous participant and winner at an NEM event himself, remarked during his closing comments that it is a treat “to participate, to just create something and have it work.”

The design competition that followed was judged by Matsumoto. A third robot, Momo, joined the other two in the competition as the robots were judged on their design.

Once again Ed-E 2.0 was the clear winner for its efficient wiring system and sleek outer shell.

Ed-E 2.0’s creators, Chloe Townsend, Chuck Berneles, Grant-Vanasse, and David Medeiros, were very pleased to have won. But Townsend, also one of the event organizers, said they plan to begin advertising the event much earlier next year to get even more people excited and involved.

NEM events are happening on college campuses and locations all across Ontario this month in a bid to bring awareness and interest to the engineering field.

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FUN

The Dialog • dialognews.ca // March 21–April 3

// COMICS

Credit: Candis

Bross / Interrobang

Medium Puzzle 5,907,093,632

// SUDOKU

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Across

1- ‘60s campus gp.; 4- On ___to know basis; 9- Polite denial; 14- Altar constellation; 15- Hard candy; 16- Butter maker; 17- Solitude; 19- Choreographer de Mille; 20- Seraglio; 21- Brother of Moses; 23- Work like ___; 24- Collect; 27- Textile worker; 30- Japanese massage technique; 32- Brandy letters; 33- Folk instrument; 37- Aristotle’s teacher; 39- Like leftovers; 40- Shoe parts; 42- Please, in Potsdam; 43- Most precipitous; 44- ABA member; 45- Least fresh; 48- Understanding words; 50- Scrub (a mission); 51- Get wind of; 55- Inflexible; 57- Like beaches;

58- Lover of Juliet; 60- Not yet crowned; 64- Let me repeat...; 65- Aromatic wood; 66- Suffix with glob; 67- They’re taboo; 68- Chirp; 69- Comparative suffix;

Down

1- “Peter and the Wolf” bird; 2- Fear greatly; 3- Prefix with iliac; 4- Grad; 5- Rejections; 6- Ivy Leaguer; 7- “Evil Woman” band; 8- Potentate; 9- Tenn. neighbor; 10- 1977 George Burns film; 11- City in central California; 12- Anger; 13- Hosp. staffers; 18- Drumstick; 22- Donkey; 24- Alas!; 25- Bearing; 26- Swiss river;

Bai

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28- ___ Park, Colo.; 29- Fowl pole; 30- Locations; 31- Unexpected victory; 33- One of the United Arab Emirates; 34- Single things; 35- College sports standout; 36- Lion, tiger, leopard, or jaguar; 38- Cut (off); 40- Anatomical passage; 41- Hotbed; 43- ___ pitch softball; 46- Mai ___; 47- Kidnap; 49- Refrain in a children’s song; 51- Hem’s partner; 52- Boredom; 53- Designer Simpson; 54- UHaul competitor; 56- Deities; 57- Put in order; 58- ___ Tin Tin; 59- Barcelona bear; 61- Of recent origin; 62- Alphabet trio; 63- Actress Charlotte;

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STUDENT ASSOCIATION · ELECTIONS 2016

WHAT MOTIVATED YOU TO RUN FOR THIS POSITION?

WHAT RELEVANT QUALITIES AND SKILLS DO YOU FEEL QUALIFIES YOU FOR THIS POSITION?

IF ELECTED, LIST THREE PRIMARY GOALS YOU WISH TO ACCOMPLISH DURING YOUR TERM.

WHAT ARE YOUR MAIN AREAS OF INTEREST IN RELATION TO YOUR PARTICULAR CAMPUS OR PROGRAM?

GEORGE BROWN IS A DIVERSE COLLEGE – IN WHAT WAYS WOULD YOU STRIVE FOR REPRESENTATION OF ALL STUDENTS?

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STUDENT ASSOCIATION · ELECTIONS 2016

Brittney DaCosta

Monir Mojumder

Francis Torres

RUNNING FOR: Director of Campus Life

RUNNING FOR: Director of Campus Life

RUNNING FOR: St. James Campus Director

My name is Brittney DaCosta. I am a student at the St. James campus studying Business Administration with a focus in marketing. On and off campus, I participate in a variety of volunteer opportunities which has taught me how to communicate effectively and co-operate with a variety of different personalities and diverse backgrounds. My experience working with the Student Association’s event’s squad has given me experience with managing and planning of events on all George Brown College campuses. I was motivated to run for the Director of Campus Life because I feel there is a lack of school spirit and the students lack engagement with their peers. Furthermore, I intend to bring students together through fun and creative networking activities.

Why vote for me: • Your campus experience is my priority.

• I will keep your wants and needs at the forefront of my campaign.

• Connect students with opportunities and events that are created for you to experience.

• As a student myself, I can sympathize with each and every one of you.

My name is Monir Mojumder. I am a full-time student in the three year Business Administration Marketing program in my sixth semester, at George Brown College. I have worked for Student Association as an event coordinator, and have been involved with various clubs and events that have occurred at all GBC campuses. Evident through my roles on campus, I have an established passion for the GBC community. I have developed very strong relationships with other students, with professors of my program, as well as with the faculty of Casa Loma, St. James and Waterfront campuses. I am confident that I will be an excellent Student Life Rep. with reasons stated below: • Over 3 years of being a student in the Business Administration Marketing program, I have acquired skills which has allowed me to build confidence in what issues should be voiced • I want to create a comfortable and enjoyable experience for George Brown students within their campus and be present for every event to determine success • When brainstorming ideas of how to improve existing issues, I take into consideration the needs of each and every George Brown student

My name is Francis Torres and I am a business adminmarketing student campaigning to be your future St James campus director. As such it’s important for your campus director to be well versed in their campus and to be known as well as connected to the student body. I am well experienced as a leader, with previous experience at York University volunteering with directing various events and programs throughout the year. As a full supporter of the LGBTQ community, I hope to work with various other groups to push forward increasing inclusivity awareness through more diverse events. As well, I am motivated in pushing towards building upon the relationship between student and student association. It’s important that within the campus, there are open lines of communication to ensure students understand all of the services they have access to; so that they may use it and reach their full potential. With a vote for me you can only expect a push towards a bright future, positivity and inclusivity.

I have nothing but love for this campus and only wish to see growth and progress.

(Act Now!)

(S4S Students for Students)

(Act Now!)

WHAT MOTIVATED YOU TO RUN FOR THIS POSITION? I was motivated to run for the Director of Campus Life because I feel that there is a lack of student voice within the Student Association. It may sound cliché but I truly feel as if I will make a difference in the overall experience at George Brown College.

Fellow students are my motivation. I’m involved in student groups within the campuses, and often hear of negative experiences. It’s my desire to speak on their behalf, thereby creating a positive experience for each individual. This position enables me to do so in a way my previous roles have not.

As an avid member of the community, with a drive and desire for helping others; I see the Saint James campus director position as the perfect opportunity to do so. I was welcomed with so much warmth and love that I wish to pass that forward for future students.

WHAT RELEVANT QUALITIES AND SKILLS DO YOU FEEL QUALIFIES YOU FOR THIS POSITION? I have experience working with the Student Association’s Events Squad which allowed me to create meaningful friendships and learn key aspects in event marketing and planning. In addition, I attended Student Life’s leadership retreat last summer which allowed me to strengthen my leadership skills collectively.

Since my first year at the college, I have been creating strong and professional relationships with the staff and students of GBC by introducing myself and offering a helping hand whenever it has been needed. I have an outgoing personality with an impeccable marketing background.

I have previous experience within the student association before, within York University providing students with services as well as promoting events and providing assistance where needed. A director should be well connected and I have outstanding interpersonal skills to ensure that our resources are well used for the student body.

IF ELECTED, LIST THREE PRIMARY GOALS YOU WISH TO ACCOMPLISH DURING YOUR TERM. • Strive to extend the hours of operation of the St. James campus fitness centre to include weekend hours.

• Plan and execute events catered to a variety of student interests and diverse backgrounds at all campuses.

• Advocate for shorter Tim Horton’s wait times at the St. James campus.

• I want to plan different events involving all campuses • I want to create a memorable frosh week to keep students present and motivated throughout the school year • I would make small changes to improve the existing events since I have lots of ideas to contribute

My three primary goals I wish to accomplish are to open student events to more gender diverse events and workshops, increase open lines of communication between student and student association to ensure seamless and easy access to services and to provide students with improved efficiency within our current system.

WHAT ARE YOUR MAIN AREAS OF INTEREST IN RELATION TO YOUR PARTICULAR CAMPUS OR PROGRAM? The main areas of interest for me are athletics, dining options and student’s experiences on campus. I intend to create lasting memories based on student’s experiences so that when they graduate, they hold on to more than their academics.

My interests lie in seeing my fellow students enjoy life on St. James campus. Consequently, I joined Event Squad and lead in the marketing and planning of events that were inclusive and enjoyable for all.

Areas of interest in relation to the St James campus include the many businesses that surround our campus. We are fortunate enough to be located in the downtown core. I also hope to generate more revenue and activity within the student space to coincide with the campus’ coming residence space.

GEORGE BROWN IS A DIVERSE COLLEGE – IN WHAT WAYS WOULD YOU STRIVE FOR REPRESENTATION OF ALL STUDENTS? I have a diverse background interacting with a variety of different groups of people. I do not hold an personal bias for anyone based on how they life their life. I intend to strive for representation of all students, by creating an inclusive environment for everyone.

I’ve been in Canada for 18 years and grew up in a multicultural society as all my neighbours are of various races and religion.

We celebrated all holidays together which created a strong bond despite our differences. As a result, I have a strong appreciation and respect for the differences that unite us.

As a supporter of the LGBTQ community and a full supporter of human rights and equality; representation is important to me. I would increase awareness and push towards workshops and weekly to monthly events to showcase exactly how diverse we are; giving everyone equal space and platform to do so.

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STUDENT ASSOCIATION · ELECTIONS 2016

Csaba Suki

Jamie Jamieson

RUNNING FOR: St. James Campus Director

RUNNING FOR: Waterfront Campus Director

RUNNING FOR: Waterfront Campus Director

My name is Csaba and I am a first year Finance and marketing student. I am a very reliable and a great problem solver, and pride myself of being a man of my word. It is my desire to give back to the school that has taught me everything I know, and I want to make positive changes and try to uphold the old promises that made and where not kept. I want to be known as someone who can be easily approached regarding issues, and want them to know that I will handle any problems and concerns brought to me with top priority. This way, no one feels they are neglected, and their voices are unheard.

Hi, my name is Jamie Jamieson. I’m in the Behavioural Science Technology program under the Health Science department at the Waterfront campus. I work at Longo’s in customer service as a cashier. I live with my mom in Brampton, so I commute about 2 hours a day just to be a part of the George Brown College experience. You could say that my mom is my inspiration when it comes to helping people since she’s a nurse. I have a history of volunteering in leadership positions or taking a role in them. This includes vice president and co-chair of a social justice club, a mentor, event manager and organizer of a city-wide volunteer organization, and a student leader of a hand-picked team of students within a leadership organization during high school. I’m running for Waterfront Campus Director because I want to give students opportunities to enjoy college and be able to manage and have a balance in their life. It may not be immediate, but I want to make this campus a safe environment for the students here. I have the support behind me from friends,classmates, and family, and have enough time so it won’t interfere with my studies.

Hello Folks, my name is Gagan Deep and I am running for Waterfront Campus Director Position at Student Association at George Brown College. I am current Director of Communications & Internal for Student Association.

My area of focus for next year would be: • Organize Job Fair for Health Sciences students.

• Fight for Cheaper and more varieties of Food in WF Cafeteria.

• Build mini Café lounge in waterfront campus.

• Build fitness centre for waterfront students.

• Implement mediation and stress-free events and equipment for WF students.

• Aware more students about College & Community Scholarships and Awards.

• Provide more discounts on Immigration Lawyer Workshops for International Students.

• Encourage more student participation in college’s events and activities.

• Be a strong voice and representative for all George brown students • Together with my SA team, my focus would be to increase the number of bursaries and awards available for students.

• There is a list of several qualifications which makes me good candidate for this position: • Improved Governance and Accountability.

• Increased the amount of SA bursaries from $ 250,000 to $ 360,000 last year.

• Fought for a 24-hour library at St. James Campus last year.

• Promoted Student Association Bursaries and Awards among many GBC Students.

• Created more...

(S4S Students for Students)

Gagan Deep

(Act Now!)

WHAT MOTIVATED YOU TO RUN FOR THIS POSITION? Monir motivated me to run for this position. I am very sociable on campus and love to converse with people. I have a passion for well-being others. I want to make a positive change in my school, and this is a excellent way to do so.

I want to make the campus more comfortable and create a mentally safe environment that can be entertaining for the students and staff, as well as help in maintaining their well being.

I am current Director of Communications & Internal. In my past term, together with SA team, I have brought a great value through my efforts to all my GBC students and received a lot of great feedbacks for Waterfront Campus students. I have planned a lot of projects in my...

WHAT RELEVANT QUALITIES AND SKILLS DO YOU FEEL QUALIFIES YOU FOR THIS POSITION? I am involved with majority students in this school in a personal level. i am the go to guy for student bodies as i am well acquainted with the faculty member and know the ins and outs of this school. To this day i am approached with student problems and...

Throughout my high school experience, I was in 3 leadership organizations . Those were: Global Youth Issues Club, a social justice club; Leading Arrows, a link crew that helps with school events; Brampton Mayor Youth Team, a city wide youth volunteer organization, where we also hold our own events.

I think my experience of being an Executive for my previous two terms would be perfect to qualify me for this position. In my past experience, I have learned a lot about the student association services and support to all GBC students. We brought some good changes and beneficial services...

IF ELECTED, LIST THREE PRIMARY GOALS YOU WISH TO ACCOMPLISH DURING YOUR TERM. My current primary goals are as follow: • Creating a positive and safe atmosphere for all GBC students.

• I’d like to ensure that students are aware of all of the program’s at their disposal.

• Advocate on behalf of the students to ensure their issues are handled effectively and efficiently.

• To bring more of a variety of food to the campus • To provide students with ways to maintain their well being whether physically, mentally, academically, etc .

• To give students more opportunities to be social that they can plan months in advanced

If I got elected for Waterfront Campus Director, my three goals would be to organize Job fairs for GBC students, Make mini café lounge in Waterfront campus and build fitness centre in Waterfront campus.

WHAT ARE YOUR MAIN AREAS OF INTEREST IN RELATION TO YOUR PARTICULAR CAMPUS OR PROGRAM? My main interest is the student’s life as a whole, as it is incredibly important to engage with students. Campus engagement is what is used to escape from the stress of school work and day to day life. I try to best accommodate everyone to make a more positive experience...

My main area of interest would be helping people. My program, Behavioural Science Technology, is about helping individuals identify and overcome their disabilities. It’s my strength because I work hard at it, however I everyone needs help in different ways. As I’ve grown, I’ve learned how to help people differently.

My main areas of interest to create awareness among more students regarding College & Community Scholarships and Awards, Provide more discounts on Immigration Lawyer Workshops for International Students & Plan more stress relieving events for WF students to help them coping their stress.

GEORGE BROWN IS A DIVERSE COLLEGE – IN WHAT WAYS WOULD YOU STRIVE FOR REPRESENTATION OF ALL STUDENTS? As someone who is passionate about equal representation in everything I do, I know that it’s critical to make sure that everyone is included. This includes ethnicity, those with accessibility within all communities including the LGBTQ community. I see students from all around the world everyday with a different lifestyle.

I would have monthly meetings with students who would be interested in voicing their opinions

As a Waterfront Campus Director, I would like to take an opportunity to deliver all the plans and projects that I have planned for specifically Waterfront campus students. In addition, build Community Action centre and activate the Waterfront campus with great initiatives, activities and better food options.

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STUDENT ASSOCIATION · ELECTIONS 2016

Cathryn Honschar

Amandeep Singh

Rajat Sood

RUNNING FOR: Arts & Design Representative

RUNNING FOR: Arts & Design Representative

RUNNING FOR: Arts & Design Representative

I come from an entrepreneurial family and have gained a distinct set of skills and experiences during my life. I am a little loud and mouthy, but along with that I have the courage to speak up at times when others would rather not. I grew up as a Christian and was taught growing up that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. That mindset has given me the advantage of not being afraid of trying new things or of failure. The two things that upset me the most are rudeness and injustice. Some people view kindness as a measure of weakness, but the greatest strengths any leader can possess is having compassion and helping others reach their goals.

My name is Amandeep Singh. I am an easy-going, outspoken, dedicated, and highly ambitious individual fueled by sheer determination and will to persevere above every challenging situation. I enjoy reading novels, going to the gym, and socializing with my friends, but I have a keen interest in meeting new people and exploring different cultures and views. I am human. A simple man by any means that makes mistakes living, however, because of those mistakes I was able learn and excel in whatever I put my mind to do. I am inspired by Thomas A. Edison, he said” I did not fail, I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work”. My journey began on the day of my birth, but my life started when I moved out of my parent’s house, and enrolled in George Brown’s College as an international student and took on the responsibilities of a man.

I know what it takes to be a great leader. I have demonstrated those unique qualities countless times: commitment, confidence, a positive attitude, honesty and most importantly communication. As a leader I am confident to instigate my abilities, but I am also open for suggestions and advice. I was motivated to run...

I’m a student of Computer System Technology in my second year. I love interacting with students and making new connections. I heard the Executives say on my orientation that “Network is your Net-worth”. I started to make new friends since my first day in George Brown College.

Due to my passion for connections, I started working at Peerconnect as a Peer Coach in September, 2015 I am a part of Student Leadership Academy 2015 and went for leadership training in August, 2015 I have served as a Student Panel for Up and Running orientations for my department in July and October 2015 I was an Orientation Leader for September and January Orientation for IT, Fashion and General arts students I did In-class presentations for Student Affairs in Fashion Students and IT students to aware the students about the services we offer in school Worked as a Safewalk Escort and promoted other services SA offers to the students Experience to organize large events like ‘Meet and Greet’ with International students.

Organizing events like Fashion Open House for Fashion students

(Act Now!)

WHAT MOTIVATED YOU TO RUN FOR THIS POSITION? I view this as an excellent opportunity to be a voice and an advocate for other students, and a way to get more involved in our education.

Being an international student, I attended my first fall orientation 2015 in George Brown College where I was motivated by Jatinder Mann, who is a current Director of Education in SA & international student. After listening to his brief intro, I was personally excited to be a part of GBC SA Representatives.

My involvement in school encouraged me to be a part of Student Association and my capability to interact with the students motivated me to be a part of these elections. I think I’ll be a suitable candidate to put forward the voice of the students and represent Arts, Design and IT.

WHAT RELEVANT QUALITIES AND SKILLS DO YOU FEEL QUALIFIES YOU FOR THIS POSITION? Who I am and the attributes I possess are a good qualification for this position. I have integrity and diligently care for the wellbeing of others. I also have creative problem solving skills, am well-organized, manage time well, and have a good sense of humor.

I have a similar experience to what you are looking for. In my country, I was nominated as Head Boy of the school, which empowers my skills and qualities to improve this college. I have been disciplined to elucidate the hardship that people face and trying to accomplish them was my main intention.

My past work experience as a Peer Coach at Casa Loma gave me enough exposure to interact with the students and organize events like orientations and Fashion Open houses. I was actively involved with large masses of students through Student Affairs which enabled me to listen to the problems students...

IF ELECTED, LIST THREE PRIMARY GOALS YOU WISH TO ACCOMPLISH DURING YOUR TERM. I would like to make sure all the students in my constituency are being represented well, that their needs are being addressed, and that they are aware of services and programs that would benefit them.

• I would try to increase the peer tutor availability for my department, as well as organizing the campaign leaderships duties • There is a part in me, which makes me believe about discrimination regarding On-Campus jobs • I would try to increase the participation of students by getting involve and feed backing them about the hardships

• More job fairs for IT students • Use of new technologies for the students in Fashion design and techniques • Provide Internship opportunities for IT students

WHAT ARE YOUR MAIN AREAS OF INTEREST IN RELATION TO YOUR PARTICULAR CAMPUS OR PROGRAM? All Arts and Design students share the challenge of pursuing a creative expression and balancing it with a career that will support them financially. That give and take can be difficult to navigate through, but it’s very rewarding.

SA Lounge, cafeteria, Library, Lab rooms, Service Desk, Gymnasium, Basketball Court, Backyard Garden and lot more.

I want it to be easier for the students to get jobs once they graduate. I will also work on the space in fashion block where the students stay late night to do their assignments. Bringing more Industry for IT students would be one of the fields I would like...

GEORGE BROWN IS A DIVERSE COLLEGE – IN WHAT WAYS WOULD YOU STRIVE FOR REPRESENTATION OF ALL STUDENTS? We all have different struggles but the same basic needs—to be respected, accepted, and heard. I plan to be representative of all students by listening to individuals’ concerns and working towards resolution on their behalf.

I have never differentiated any people based on cultural or race, as being a Head Boy I was taught in a way to reach and help every individual facing problem. I would rather increase the group participation by increasing awareness and celebrating different cultural festivals and ceremonies.

I’m an international student and my work experience at Student Association and Peerconnect makes it easier for me to reach out to the students and interact with them. I have tried my best to get involved in college and love to participate all the events. In Peerconnect we made more...

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STUDENT ASSOCIATION · ELECTIONS 2016

Mayank Shah

Ron Greenberg

Fadi Mardnli

RUNNING FOR: Business Representative

RUNNING FOR: Business Representative

RUNNING FOR: Business Representative

• International student at George brown college pursuing business consultancy.

• Completed under graduation from University of Bradford, UK with 2.2 Hons in Accounting and finance. Prior to business consultancy I studied International Business at George brown and scored a GPA 3.5 (deans hons list).

• Football enthusiast, and love to travel. I also like to read and write poetry.

• As a business student myself getting the right job is one of the primary concerns • Provide my fellow business colleagues with regular industry visits, networking opportunities, Job events and career fairs.

• Also looking forward to have a business club at the college where students from different departments of business can interact and network to work on various projects and expertise.

• Easily approachable and would be more than willing to adopt and advocate for any valid student concern and recommendation.

No answer provided

Hi, my name is Fadi and I’m running for business representative for the upcoming year. I will do everything in my power to make college as enjoyable as possible for the students. I also promise that I will be that representative that not only a leader to the students, but also their friend. They can come to me for anything they ever need and ill be here for them. I know that college can get hard at some points especially for business students, but I will give my hundred percent to lead everyone in the business program to success.

I know there is going to be a lot of candidates that I’m going to be running against, however I know I got a couple of advantages against them like I’m outgoing and I’m known in my business program which would make it easier for student to approach me. So I’m hoping that I do get the chance to get nominated and later on elected and I promise to do all that I can do to meet everyone’s expectations.

(Act Now!)

(S4S Students for Students)

WHAT MOTIVATED YOU TO RUN FOR THIS POSITION? As a business student myself, I would like to empathize with my fellow business students and really would like to contribute towards assisting students and addressing their concerns.

I’m motivated by the desire to represent Business students’ issues, concerns, and challenges to the SA and, in turn, to the faculty and administration of George Brown College.

SA is supposed to be the voice of the students and unfortunately, in our school, this voice is nearly nonexistent.

I want to join SA in order to ensure that the needs and ideas of students are heard. I want to help change the future and present state of our...

WHAT RELEVANT QUALITIES AND SKILLS DO YOU FEEL QUALIFIES YOU FOR THIS POSITION? I have worked with various startups, global and regional organizations and also have my own start up. I am excited and aware of the responsibilities this position holds. I also relevant experience working in educational environment and am comfortable dealing with students.

As a Business School student for over a year now, I have firsthand knowledge of the challenges the program presents. Also, I have served on student councils in many capacities in the past and therefore know how to operate more efficiently in the system to better serve students.

I’ve been put in so many situations where I had to be a leader of a group and it went pretty well. I was the captain of my soccer team, volleyball team and I was once a team leader at my workplace.I feel like this much experience is good enough...

IF ELECTED, LIST THREE PRIMARY GOALS YOU WISH TO ACCOMPLISH DURING YOUR TERM. • Enhance networking opportunities for students with Industry leaders.

• Engage students and industry employers for regular career events and job fairs.

• Easily accessible and approachable to students to address their concerns.

• Be available and accessible to all Business School students.

• Challenge the Business program regarding curriculum design, flexibility, and faculty accountability.

• Hold the SA executive accountable to the student population as a whole.

• Build awareness, respect and value for all the students • Create motivation for all students for academic excellence • Create fun activities and events in school

WHAT ARE YOUR MAIN AREAS OF INTEREST IN RELATION TO YOUR PARTICULAR CAMPUS OR PROGRAM? The main area that Interests me are the various events that happen to bring together various cultures and diversities, that act as a networking platform.

As stated above, I am interested in curriculum design and delivery. For example, the way some courses are informationheavy and how to deliver them in an accessible and creative way. Also, ensuring faculty have relevant industry experience to help students have a complete college experience.

I did volunteering when I was in high school and I also have big interest in business and I want to see business students in George Brown succeed in their program the same way I do.

GEORGE BROWN IS A DIVERSE COLLEGE – IN WHAT WAYS WOULD YOU STRIVE FOR REPRESENTATION OF ALL STUDENTS? I have been associated with the Student Union and George Brown college for a while, and am immensely proud of the diverse culture. I have constantly assisted students, faculties and visitors from different cultures to best of my abilities, I really engage students and am an active listener. I have...

In addition to making myself available during regular office hours, I plan on being reachable on many platforms such as email, social media, and telephone. Additionally, I will make every effort to have translators for students who speak other languages other than English, as well as hard of hearing or...

Since I wasn’t born in Canada and I lived in multiple places before I came to Canada I learned to speak different languages that I use on daily basis to communicate with people from different backgrounds therefore I believe that communication is really important skill that you should have to...

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STUDENT ASSOCIATION · ELECTIONS 2016

Michelle Harrypaul

Janae Kelly Clarke

Megan Phillips

RUNNING FOR: Liberal Arts & Preparatory Studies

RUNNING FOR: Liberal Arts & Preparatory Studies

RUNNING FOR: Health Sciences Representative

I have been an extremely determined student since elementary school. Aiming towards success has been my number one priority in life. Having to adapt to my own learning style has been a struggle throughout my childhood, as well as being my own self- advocate, but I have mastered different coping mechanisms making me a strong individual. I have been a student at George Brown College for three years building my skills, networking, and gaining leadership opportunities from past programs. I would get involved within my program by advocating its importance to significant personnel. I am running for the representative of Liberal Arts and Preparatory Studies. I believe I am a perfect candidate because I am very passionate about the program I am currently enrolled in being TPE (Transitions to Post-Secondary Education), as well as my following program- Academic Upgrading. Being active and approachable, I ensure that I will try my best to accommodate the students with my abilities for any concerns and questions about their program in my section.

1) Reliable 2) Dedicated 3) Communication 4) Resilience 5) Listener 6) One person can make a difference

In high school I was the hip hop leader in grade 12 at Rosedale Heights school of the Arts. I choreographed and was the first in 7 years to take the club to the TDSB creates competition, where we won a spot to perform. I have excellent leadership skill from teaching ages 5-18 in high schools and community centres in dance and other various topics. I love helping my peers and seeing them grow. I am working towards being a Public relations rep in the entertainment industry as a career and I believe this would be a perfect start. My motivation to run for this position is to help my peers. The students in my program aren’t as involved at George Brown as I think they should be and I would love to change that. I want everyone to have a great, fun, learning and rewarding experience at George Brown.

My name is Megan Phillips. I am a full-time student in my fourth semester at George Brown College of the two-year Medical Office Administration program. I work for George Brown as a Student Life Ambassador, and volunteer for various GBC events through the Student Leadership Academy.

I have an established passion for the GBC community evident through my roles on campus, and I have developed very strong relationships with other students, the professors of my program, as well as the faculty and staff of Waterfront Campus. I like to think of myself as being very positive person and love to share that with others. I am a dedicated hardworker, and I am confident that I will be an excellent Health Sciences Rep because: • 2 years of being a student in a Health Sciences program has allowed me to build confidence in what issues should be voiced.

• I want to make the practical learning experience better by solving issues with placement, labs, and the WAVE Clinic.

• I take into consideration the diversity of GBC health sciences students and their needs when thinking how to improve on issues.

(S4S Students for Students)

(Act Now!)

(S4S Students 4 Students)

WHAT MOTIVATED YOU TO RUN FOR THIS POSITION? I was motivated to run for this position because I was intrigued to make a difference within my program, and my other upcoming programs within Liberal Studies. Also, I am interested in being more educated about the other programs available to better advocate for the students.

Helping others and the ability to make a change in my program motivated me. I saw that a lot of students in my program aren’t motivated for school, I want to change that. I want to give them something to look forward too.

As I am nearing the end of my program, I am able to look back at my experiences and the experiences of others who have confided in me. As a Health Sciences Representative, I would be in the position to pave a better learning experience for current and future students.

WHAT RELEVANT QUALITIES AND SKILLS DO YOU FEEL QUALIFIES YOU FOR THIS POSITION? Relevant experience from my volunteering at George Brown College Community Partnership Office qualifies me for this position because I was given the opportunity to advocate for my former program funding; enabling me to advocate for student needs in my sector which directly relates to this position.

My leaderships skills as a choreographer for all ages and a tutor for elementary grades qualifies me for this position along with my determination and passion to make a change.

I work and volunteer with the Student Life department.

This has allowed me to interact and build connections with students in various Health Sciences program. They have shared with me what it is like to be in their program and what is important to their learning experience.

IF ELECTED, LIST THREE PRIMARY GOALS YOU WISH TO ACCOMPLISH DURING YOUR TERM. • Promote the TPE program, as well as informing students and staff.

• Find out more in depth of students needs in the varies programs • Help developed easier access to academic upgrading if failure occurs.

• Job fairs for General arts and science students • Workshops to get better knowledge on careers • Longer library hours

• Build stronger connections with hospitals and medical facilities to minimize any delays or issues with students finding co-op placement.

• Introduce services into the WAVE Clinic that allow the same opportunity that dental students have to practice on people from the public.

• Organize job fairs for all Health Sciences programs.

WHAT ARE YOUR MAIN AREAS OF INTEREST IN RELATION TO YOUR PARTICULAR CAMPUS OR PROGRAM? One of my main interests in relation to my program TPE is that it’s a program that supports individuals with mental health. The program provides individuals who qualify with a $2500 cheque to help with future education. This is a great way to motivate students with difficulties peruse post-secondary education.

Critical thinking is my main interest in my program because I feel it will help as a rep to deal with conflicts and make fair and just decisions.

My main area of interest is improving the practical part of a student’s learning experience. Practical learning is especially important for Health Sciences programs. Aspects of our dental and nursing labs, simulation rooms, and the WAVE Clinic must be improved to better prepare our students for their future career.

GEORGE BROWN IS A DIVERSE COLLEGE – IN WHAT WAYS WOULD YOU STRIVE FOR REPRESENTATION OF ALL STUDENTS? Although I was born in Canada, from my volunteers of being involved with international students have given me diverse perspectives of approaching to problems, not limiting myself to one approach, which I can excel in representing all students from different background.

I would personal meet students deal with their issue and help them work on their problems

No answer provided

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STUDENT ASSOCIATION · ELECTIONS 2016

Roohjyot Cheema

Gurjot Singh

Rekki Kumar

RUNNING FOR: Health Sciences Representative

RUNNING FOR: International Students Representative

RUNNING FOR: International Students Representative

Rooh Cheema was the Health Sciences Representative for the term 2015-2016 at GBC Waterfront Campus. Serving her term as a health science representative gives her the expertise of knowing the needs of her student population. Some of her past initiatives include the breathing campaign and meditation workshops for mental health awareness. Students appreciated these initiatives due to the high stress nature of this campus.

She voiced student academic concerns by being actively involved in the academic advocacy initiative for Nursing students. This helped facilitate better communication between teachers and students resulting in an improved student academic experience.

She also promoted networking opportunities by leading the first alumni event for Health Information Management students at waterfront campus.

Her vision is to further promote these initiatives for greater mental health awareness, increased networking opportunities and hosting social events at Waterfront Campus for students.

Hi, my name is Gurjot Singh, I am currently pursuing my Electro-Mechanical Engineering at George Brown College.

I have done my high school then I came here for my further study as an international student. I am currently running for position of International Representative in SA General Election 2016.

• I am a person who is always positive about every aspect of life.

• I have strong leadership, vision and I like to make best efforts for better results, no matter how difficult.

• I like to talk, and listen about basic needs of students or concerns about their studies as well as ask for their feedbacks.

• I am working as a volunteer for Centre of Construction and Engineering Technologies.

• I am confident in my ability to do my best for helping students to help them go through difficult situation.

• I would talk to increase library hours, more open labs or lab hours, peer-tutoring, more necessary equipment in the labs, and repair of equipment, and less tuition fees for international students, immigration workshops.

• I am looking forward to increase circular and play activities that students enjoy.

My name is Rekki Kumar and I am an international student.

Currently, I am a fulltime student in my second year at George Brown College of the threeyear program. I was born in Austria the city of Vienna in 1991. I speak fluent German and Hindi.

Coming to Canada and going to St.James campus has changed my lifestyle in Toronto. I met a lot of people and students from different countries and culture which I became close friends with.

However, being a international student is rather difficult. especially for people who are quite new in Toronto! I believe that I possess the confidence, strong problem solving skills, analytical skills needed for a role like this. I understand the struggles international students face, being one myself. I have an understanding and respect for the many cultures present at GBC.

(Act Now!)

(Act Now!)

(S4S Students for Students)

WHAT MOTIVATED YOU TO RUN FOR THIS POSITION? I wish to facilitate the change that is much needed in the healthcare industry at the moment, which is better collaboration between different healthcare professionals. This position provides me with a perfect opportunity to organize meet and greet events within the campus students and from professionals from the healthcare industry.

I am aware of this position to listen the problems of students regarding their education and I believe that this position would be the perfect fit considering my strong leadership ability and knowledge about international students.

When I first heard about this position I was excited. Motivated by my desire to be a real voice for internationals, I attained several signatures. I am from Austria, a country with similar diversity to Toronto. I think I can relate well to international students and be a great spokesperson.

WHAT RELEVANT QUALITIES AND SKILLS DO YOU FEEL QUALIFIES YOU FOR THIS POSITION? I have been to multiple healthcare Conferences hosted by CIHI, I specialized in healthcare management, policy and informatics, I have worked in the dental industry as marketing manager and lastly volunteered in long-term care facilities. So I understand the health sciences culture of waterfront campus.

I was previously the health...

I have always wanted to run for this position that brings student feedback, issues and concerns. My program and experience as a volunteer for Center for Construction and Engineering Technologies. Bring an international student I know the struggles international students face when they come to Canada.

I have worked during my GBC school year at the Bookstore waterfront campus and became friends with many students and made friends from all other world. And my desire is to create enjoyable activities and events for students at GBC

IF ELECTED, LIST THREE PRIMARY GOALS YOU WISH TO ACCOMPLISH DURING YOUR TERM. • Better student collaboration with SA by bringing a student lounge at waterfront campus.

• Educate students on how to better deal with workload stress.

• Motivate students by bringing in guest speaks from the healthcare industry to answer any questions they might have about their future profession.

My three primary goals are: • Have more immigration workshops.

• To expand the library hours, more open labs, more equipment in labs and peer-tutoring.

• To lobby to lower tuition fees and existing for international students.

My main major of interest is in Marketing, Events, Activities at St James Campus specifically for new students who are new to Canada so they can make new friends and so they can get to know Canadian culture and society.

WHAT ARE YOUR MAIN AREAS OF INTEREST IN RELATION TO YOUR PARTICULAR CAMPUS OR PROGRAM? My main areas of interest are promoting healthy lifestyle, stress reduction strategies and promoting social events for students.

I would like to provide more services to engineering students such as more library hours, more open labs for students to complete their projects or assignments, peer tutors for students who face some difficulties regarding their courses and solve student’s problems which they are facing in their college or campus...

I have met and became friends with a lot of students who are currently struggling with their new College and Toronto lifestyle.

With this position I want to guarantee that these students a better service. I want them to feel that they are not alone in Toronto, and support them.

GEORGE BROWN IS A DIVERSE COLLEGE – IN WHAT WAYS WOULD YOU STRIVE FOR REPRESENTATION OF ALL STUDENTS? Healthcare is a diverse industry. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender or scope of work. All the students can relate on the basis of what they are learning at GBC and participate in all the activities, thus equally representing all of the student population.

I would meet students then ask their problems or issues at different places such as cafeteria, library and student lounge where they normally sit or spend their free time. I would also like to organize small events or meetings for students to solve their problems.

SInce George Brown is multicultural i would like to able to that included all cultures and i want to do more event and activities geared towards culturalism.

For an example trying to lower the fees for international students. That these students have the feeling of being a part of our...

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STUDENT ASSOCIATION · ELECTIONS 2016

Pawandeep Singh

Gazi Farok

Carolyn Mooney

RUNNING FOR: Board of Governors Representative

RUNNING FOR: Board of Governors Representative

ACCLAIMED FOR: Accessibility Representative

• Full time first student in Business Accounting Program at ST James Campus.

• Proud to be son of my parents because as a results of their scarifications is the only reason why I am here today and my achievements in life would have been incomplete without them.

• After completing my high school though of coming to Canada for further studies in business accounting fields as major.

• Currently working as, a manager at a gas station.

• Involve in volunteer at George brown college for Orientation of international students.

• My role model are my parents everything I learn is from them and with that learnings want to be an example for the other people.

• Work with dedication and achieve my goal in the fields is my main goal for the life.

• I always try to help others and make sure the other people are safe, comfortable and satisfied with the help provided to them.

Dynamic leadership can change George Brown Community.

Gazi Farok is running for ‘Member of the Board of Governors’ and he has Master of Mechanical Engineering (specialization in Supply Chain Management) and Certificate in Pre-Business from Ryerson University and Seneca College of Arts & Technology, Toronto, Canada respectively. He has PhD in Project Management (EVM Monitoring) and Certificate in Project Management from Ashley University and Ryerson University, Toronto, Canada respectively. He did his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering and Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering (Fluid Mechanics) from Bangladesh University of Engineering & Technology, Dhaka. He has MBA (Finance), Diploma in Computer Application and Post Graduate Diploma in Personnel Management from Bangladesh Open University and Bangladesh Institute of Management, Dhaka respectively.

He is a Fellow of IEB, Bangladesh and EIT of Professional Engineers of Ontario. He is a member of Project Management Institute (USA), Ontario Society for Professional Engineers and Bangladesh Computer Society. Gazi Farok has 18 years of Engineering and Project Management experience in city water supply, sewerage & drainage system and garments industry. He was an Executive Engineer of Dhaka WASA and did work with Elections Ontario and Elections Canada. He was an executive member of Mechanical Engineering...

Motivated by my experiences and challenges, my adaptive and creative abilities have grown. Following an accident that left me with chronic pain and a brain injury, I now move through life aware of accessibility barriers that affect myself and others.

Having a mental illness and learning disability made developing effective communication skills a must. I am an empathic listener, especially to the concerns of others, and my problem solving skills allow me to create solutions and adaptive methods as needed.

As a student in the Social Service Worker program, I am gaining knowledge and skills about how to empower others.

I continue to develop advocacy skills that will enable me to effectively convey students’ concerns.

As Accessibility Representative, I will: • Work with the Community Action Centre and GBC to hold events of interest to students experiencing Deafness and disability • Actively listen to concerns presented by students and ensure follow up by the Student Association • Work with other board members to increase accessibility and inclusion at all events hosted by the Student Association

WHAT MOTIVATED YOU TO RUN FOR THIS POSITION? I always wanted to run for SA election, and the motivation came from my friend who is current part of student association of George Brown College Gagandeep Arora. There are many reason but the main few reasons, I wanted to make George Brown one of the best by helping our...

Member of the Board of Governor has dynamic, administrative and decision making roles and this challenging leadership has motivated me to run this position. George Brown is one of the most diverse institution in Toronto and it needs devoted and experienced leadership. I have a lot of experiences regarding Ontario...

The school is not always the most accessible place. The lack of overall accessibility makes it even more difficult for persons living with disability to have their needs met. Professors are not equally accommodating, which can be challenging for students and inhibit their ability to succeed.

WHAT RELEVANT QUALITIES AND SKILLS DO YOU FEEL QUALIFIES YOU FOR THIS POSITION? I feel that I am qualified to apply for this post because I am good with studies, I am confident and when I was in India I was very much involved in the college with all extra-curricular activities. I have enough experience how to deal in different situations.

I did this job as a Senator of Ryerson University and Deputy Chairperson Education (two terms) of Graduate Student Unit at Ryerson Student Union, Toronto, Canada. I got appreciation from graduate dean, engineering dean, program director, student supervisors, ombudsperson and faculties to increase summer courses, travel grants fund and resolve...

Personal experiences with learning and physical disabilities, mental illness and traumatic brain injury have made me aware of many accessibility issues. I having been an empathetic listener in discussions about frustrations around getting accommodations. Having previously held this position, I feel I know now how to address my constituent’s needs.

IF ELECTED, LIST THREE PRIMARY GOALS YOU WISH TO ACCOMPLISH DURING YOUR TERM. If I am elected, I would like that George Brown College becomes best college in Toronto, protecting and defending the college’s autonomy, approving the college’s mission and ensuring that strategic directions, plans, major decisions and outcomes are consistent with the mission evaluating the performance of the Board and last I...

• Negotiable tuition fees, student events, athletics and research facilities & more grants, bursaries and job opportunities at George Brown Career Vault • Involve all students by arranging a monthly town hall to consult what they heard from the Board of Governors • Developing a student advisory committee to make sure that students...

• Be more available to students in my constituency to listen to and address concerns, as well as receive feedback.

• Promote an accommodating environment school-wide for all students.

• Increase awareness of existing services and wellness events, as they apply to all students.

WHAT ARE YOUR MAIN AREAS OF INTEREST IN RELATION TO YOUR PARTICULAR CAMPUS OR PROGRAM? Not applicable

Not applicable

Program (Social Service Worker): Advocacy, disability rights, creating an accessible society, equality, self-awareness, importance of self-care, individual values, indigenous culture Campus (St. James): building inclusive environments, awareness of clubs and services within the college, the college as a community of smaller communities, where to find information about college life

GEORGE BROWN IS A DIVERSE COLLEGE – IN WHAT WAYS WOULD YOU STRIVE FOR REPRESENTATION OF ALL STUDENTS? We are living in a diverse country and having multi-cultural people in George Brown College it’s even more fun.

Knowing their religion and culture it is definitely a worth. My responsibility will be making sure all the students at GBC are safe and free from polluted environment.

• Connecting George Brown through different campus-wise initiatives • Positioning George Brown students as top employers to hire • Lobbying for external sponsor ship to increase international co-op and more land space near campus • Building George Brown as a model institution in Canada

Students need access and support, including many students who are not registered with disability services. An environment of accommodation or accessibility benefits all. All students should be able to move through the college environment and participate fully in and out of classrooms.

He re i s a li s t o f the ac clai m ed po s i t i on s : E xe c u t ive M emb ers Director of Communications and Internal Pr abhnoor Anand Director of Education Tiffany White Director of Equity Mohammed Rajai Mo hamed Refai Director of Operations Gemeda Beker

C am p u s D i re c tors Casa Loma Campus Director N aqeeb Omar Satellite Campus Director Shu (Stephanie) Han

E d u c a t ion Ce n t re Rep resentatives Community Services Representative Andrew Mur rell Construction & Engineering Representat ive Mojeeb A ttai H ospitality Representative C athy Chung

C o ns t it u en cy Re p resentatives First Nations, MĂŠtis and Inuit Representative Leslie Vanever y Accessibility Representative C aroly n Mooney LGBTQ Representative Sheldon (Aintony) Mortimore

COMMUNITY ACTION CENTRE

WIN WIN

CAC CARE PACK ($100+ value)

WIN WIN

TO ENTER: Entries must be received by 12pm/noon Mon.Apr.4, 2016.

Drop off at the Community Action Centre rm.165B (200 King St.E.) Or post as photo to facebook or instagram using hashtag #OutsideTheLinesCAC *Not endorsed by facebook/instagram

TO WIN: Must be a GBC student. Multiple entries allowed. Odds of winning depend on number of entrants. Winners will be notified by email by Apr.11.

All entries become property of CAC, constituting agreement for CAC use and publication.

NAME: ________________________________________

STUDENT EMAIL: ________________________________________ NUMBER:_________________