Find Their VOICE Brooklyn Broaders

Brooklyn Broaders has always been active in the learning community. She proudly served as Northwestern Polytechnic Students’ Association Vice President Internal for two years and then as President for the 2022 – 2023 term.

While her academic journey started in the education program at NWP, it wasn’t until Brooklyn took a yearlong hiatus from her studies that she found the path that felt like the right fit. “It was during my time off that I realized how much I enjoyed working in management, but maybe not necessarily retail,” says Brooklyn. “I decided to go back to school to explore business administration.”

Once she enrolled in business courses, Broaders began to excel. It was a much different experience and better fit than her previous studies.

“I was doing much better in classes I was interested in, emotionally and academically,” she explains. “So, I knew I was in the right program.”

In 2022, Broaders completed a Business Administration diploma at Northwestern Polytechnic.

During her time with the Students’ Association, Brooklyn expanded her personal skillset. She also benefited from networking opportunities that opened her eyes to different people, perspectives, and career pathways.

“The best options for me will be at organizations that allow me to stay involved in the community and make many connections, while still being able to explore other opportunities within the organization.” For Brooklyn, being a part of the Students’ Association was a great experience. It has provided her with so much variety, which she values immensely.

As an introverted person, Brooklyn didn’t think she would have ever gravitated towards a position in the Students’ Association because of all the public speaking and having to step outside of her comfort zone. “I didn’t enjoy public speaking and doing speeches,” she admits. “But as the President, I had to speak so many times in front of hundreds of students. I had to force myself to talk to people, but it has served me well. I am no longer nervous talking to people or giving presentations.”

Before regularly practicing public speaking, it was common for Brooklyn to be told her voice would come across as nervous in class or speeches. Now, all of that has changed. “I recently was told after a class presentation that I had one of the best presentations and that I sounded confident speaking in front of everyone,” she says. “I thought, wow, really?”

When thinking about where she started compared to where she is now, Brooklyn is most proud of the growth she has seen in herself. Public speaking and making connections are now skills she has confidently mastered. “It’s crazy to see that change in myself.”

As a student, when she wasn’t working for the Students’ Association or in class, Brooklyn enjoyed attending Campus Recreation and athletics events at NWP and is also a volleyball coach for the Velocity Volleyball Club.