+ Read Jayden's Bio!

What is your favourite thing about your role and the work you do for SUS?

My favourite thing about my role is the ability to make a difference for UFV students. I love our school and I want to help make the student experience at UFV thebest that it can be. I like solving problems, and so when students tell me what could be better, I want to work to make it better.

Is there anything that your colleagues would be surprised to know about you?

I love to cook. I have surprised a few people when I have had the chance to prepare food. I usually make myself very simple meals, but I l will go all out onspecial occasions.

Who or what has been the biggest influence in your life?

My mom has been a major influence in my life. She has always pushed me to be the best that I can be and has always supported me no matter what.

What was your first job?

I got my first job when I was eleven years old. I delivered newspapers twice a week for two years. I was paid 10c per paper. But hey the exercise was nice.

If you could do anything in the world, what would it be?

My dream job would be to help support my community, whether that be through working for local nonprofits or by getting involved in politics to try and make adifference.

What is the most useful advice you would give to other students from your own experience?

Get involved! Join a club, volunteer at SUS, stay on campus after class, come to events... you have no idea the opportunities that might come your way. The bestway to make the most of your time at UFV is to get connected!

+ Read Roxy's Bio!

What is your favourite thing about your role and the work you do for SUS?

For me, it’s the advocacy! I am so ecstatic to get the opportunity to advocate on behalf of our student body at UFV and for students across Canada through the work we do with the Canadian Alliance of Student Associations (CASA). Addressing student needs and bringing them to the forefront to make impactful changes that benefit the day-to-day lives of our students is the most meaningful work that I can accomplish within my role at SUS.

Is there anything that your colleagues would be surprised to know about you?

In 2021 I made a New Year’s Resolution to go for a walk outdoors every single day regardless of the weather conditions. I have never missed a day since!

Who or what has been the biggest influence in your life?

My parents Jennifer and Peter have been two of the most major influences in my life. They have given me everything to get to where I am today, and I am immensely grateful for them. My former boss Sheila from the UFV Student Experience Office is the reason why I got so involved on campus. She taught me to make my university story one to tell. My former boss Cheryl from the UFV Campus Recreation & Active Living Department collaborated with me to create a Gender Inclusive Movement/Basketball Program for 2SLGBTQIA+ students and allies that ran from the Fall 2022 Semester to the Fall 2023 Semester. She influenced me to get involved in sports again and to start going to the gym. My professor and former boss Anastasia from the UFV Centre for Philosophy for Children and I put together a Thinking Club for school aged children in the Winter 2024 Semester. Anastasia has been one of my role models in pursuing my Bachelor’s Degree and I will be working on my Philosophy Honours Project with her as well.

What was your first job?

I was a Gymnastics Coach at Twisters Gym in Abbotsford when I was fifteen/sixteen years old.

If you could do anything in the world, what would it be?

If I could do anything in the world, I would ensure that every living being has access to food, water, shelter, and any other basic necessities.

What is the most useful advice you would give to other students from your own experience?

Get involved! Our university offers us so many amazing opportunities to engage with one another through classes, clubs and associations, events, sports, workshops, and jobs. The possibilities are endless! I encourage every student to explore their options because you never know what doors may open for you when you do. Follow your passion and be your authentic self!

+ READ Bilal's Bio

What is your favourite thing about your role and the work you do for SUS?

Engaging with the students on the campus, organizing events, dealing with the C&As and building connections with other departments and people on and off campus. These things sum up most part of my portfolio so in a nutshell I enjoy every part of my role as the VPS.

Is there anything that your colleagues would be surprised to know about you?

I talk a lot. A LOT!

Who or what has been the biggest influence in your life?

My parents. The amount of effort they have put in to give me and my sisters the life we have is impossible to explain. They are my biggest supporters and they have influenced my life in so many ways that has shaped me to the person that I am today. I am the happiest when someone says that I remind them of my parents when they were my age.

What was your first job?

My first job was to assist my father in a book fair (I don't think he paid me for it tho, lol)

If you could do anything in the world, what would it be?

Be a professional footballer (American soccer)⚽︎ and become a pilot!

What is the most useful advice you would give to other students from your own experience?

Take your chance. You might regret it if you don't.

+ Read Harmanjot's Bio

What is your favourite thing about your role and the work you do for SUS?

SUS has an awesome work environment, and each day I feel motivated to come to work. one of the best things about my role is to overseeing the organization from within, I get to see how everything comes together. I have always been fascinated by how things work and I believe my role as VPI has given me the opportunity to do so.

Is there anything that your colleagues would be surprised to know about you?

Hmmm, am pretty much an open book, however, I believe there is this one recipe I have which they might be surprised to hear about as whenever I tell my friends about it, they react rather oddly to it, I like to eat scrabbled eggs with yogurt for breakfast.

Who or what has been the biggest influence in your life?

The people I have around me have been my biggest influence, From my Highschool teacher telling me, "Oh you...yeah you can easily be one of the top students" to Jayden say, "doesn't matter if you are a freshmen, you still have a chance of winning the election." and many more, Its the people who give me strength and I thank every single one of them for being there for me.

What was your first job?

I started as a Produce Clerk at No-frills.

If you could do anything in the world, what would it be?

If I could do anything in world.... I never really thought much about this but thinking about it right now, I would love to travel, meet more people from different backgrounds, different cultures and just spend my time getting to know them. A lot of my motivation comes from people and the bond that humans can make with complete strangers is what drives me.

What is the most useful advice you would give to other students from your own experience?

This world has so many opportunities to offer, don't hold yourself back. The fear of the unknown can be a lot; however, their can be excitement in that.

+ Read Balkarn's Bio

What area of study or research are you currently pursuing, and what inspired you to choose this field?

I am currently in the Bachelor of Sciences program and planning on majoring in Biology. I have always been interested in learning more about the human body. Along with this I am wishing to pursue a career in the medical field and this area of study aligns well with my career goals.

What motivated you to join our organization's board?

Being able to help students and raise my voice for various issues was what motivated me to run as a board member. I felt that students in the Science field did not raise their issues as much, so being a student that was a part of this field, I felt that I could raise issues related to this area, but also for others as well.

+ Read Tanvir's Bio

What is your favourite thing about your role and the work you do for SUS?

I am currently pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science. What led to my pursuit of this field was an interest to learn more about politics, government,and effective advocacy. I hoped to learn about effective methods of advocacy that would benefit the political, economic, and social state of countries by appealing to its’ constituents.

What motivated you to join our organization's board?

I was motivated to join the UFV SUS board to address services and programs that I believed would benefit UFV and its students. I believe my desire to give back to the community has always been evident through the various work and volunteer commitments I have partaken, and this was another way to continue doing that work. I look forward to doing my part as a board member to support the improvements that are to come to UFV!

+ Read Nichaela's Bio

What is your favourite thing about your role and the work you do for SUS?

I am currently pursuing a major in psychology with a double minor in organizational studies and communications. I was inspired to choose this field due to the unique nature of analyzing workplace dynamics and how I can work to improve consensus within organizations.

What motivated you to join our organization's board?

When choosing to run for a position on the board, I wanted to be an advocate for students to have their voices heard in hopes of making changes across campus.

+ Read Simranpreet's Bio

What is your favourite thing about your role and the work you do for SUS?

I'm currently studying for a Bachelor of Computer Information Systems. I chose this field because I've always been interested in computers and how things work behind the scenes. I really enjoy building websites and trying out different features, it’s fun to experiment and see what I can create. Plus, there’s always something new to learn, which keeps things exciting.

What motivated you to join our organization's board?

As a student, I feel like I can be a voice for others who, like me, sometimes find it hard to speak up, especially if they’re introverted. I wanted to challenge myself, grow, and gain experience working with a team. Most importantly, I wanted to help students who might struggle to share their concerns or ideas and make sure everyone feels heard and supported.

+ Read Prabcharn's Bio

What area of study or research are you currently pursuing, and what inspired you to choose this field?

I am currently pursuing a degree in Kinesiology, driven by a deep-rooted passion for helping others improve their physical well-being. My journey into this field is profoundly influenced by my background in sports, particularly hockey, and my volunteer work with the Special Olympics.

Engaging in hockey has given me firsthand insight into the physical demands and challenges athletes face, while volunteering with the Special Olympics has allowed me to witness the importance of physical activity on individuals with diverse abilities. These experiences have ignited my desire to contribute to the field of kinesiology, where I can use my knowledge to support and enhance others’ physical health and performance.

What motivated you to join our organization's board? My motivation to run for a board position stems from a commitment to understanding and addressing the issues and successes within our faculty. I believe that being well-informed is crucial for effective decision-making and advocacy. By serving on the board, I look forward to ensuring that the concerns of our faculty are heard and that our collective achievements are recognized and built upon.

+ Read Tanvi's Bio

What is your favourite thing about your role and the work you do for SUS?

I chose to pursue a Bachelor's in Computer Information Systems (CIS) because of my fascination with how technology drives innovation, particularly in data analysis. I’m inspired by how data analysis can reveal important information, predict trends, and improve processes

What motivated you to join our organization's board?

My time with CAS motivated me to join the SUS board to actively promote greater accessibility and inclusivity for students on campus. I’m eager to contribute to practical solutions that benefit all students.

+ Read Shanna's Bio

What area of study or research are you currently pursuing, and what inspired you to choose this field?

I am in my 6th year at UFV and the 4th and final year of my program. I am enrolled in the Bachelor of Arts program with a declared major in Indigenous Studies and a minor in Criminology. Additionally, I will be graduating with my advanced Halemeylem language proficiency certificate. I chose my field of study because Indigenous peoples represent approx. 45% of federally incarcerated inmates while only representing approx. 4.5% of the overall Canadian population. My hope is to help lower this number by advocating for Indigenous offenders and educating others on the discrimination faced by our people in Canada’s Criminal Justice System.

What motivated you to join our organization's board?

I decided to join the SUS board of student representatives after experiencing a need for Indigenous voices at the university. I believe that Indigenous students, as a marginalized community, deserve someone in this type of position who will advocate for them and their quality of education. Indigenous students deserve the same chance and space as anyone else, so I decided to be the person I needed when beginning my post-secondary journey as a firstgeneration higher education student.

Remember that you have the backing of generations of your ancestors rooting for you. You are strong. You are capable.

+ Read Jassu's Bio

What area of study or research are you currently pursuing, and what inspired you to choose this field?

My academic focus is on psychology. This field fascinates me due to its profound impact on understanding human behaviour and mental processes. Exploring psychological principles allows me to appreciate the complexities of human.

What motivated you to join our organization's board?

My decision to run for the position of Student Representative at Large was motivated by a desire to actively engage in enhancing the student experience at UFV. Representing a diverse student body, including international students like myself, I aim to ensure all voices are heard and considered in decision-making processes. This role offers a vital platform to advocate for inclusive policies and a supportive university environment for every student, regardless of their background.

+ Read Daria's Bio

What area of study or research are you currently pursuing, and what inspired you to choose this field?

I am currently studying finance and economics, driven by a long-standing passion for understanding how economies function and the impact of financial decisions on both individuals and businesses. These fields fascinate me because they combine analytical thinking with real-world applications, offering insights into everything from market dynamics to global financial trends. They help me better understand how the world works, from economic models to political influences.

What motivated you to join our organization's board?

I believe UFV students bring unique perspectives and ideas that deserve to be heard. That belief inspired me to join the board—to be a voice for my fellow students and advocate for changes that make our community better. This role allows me to focus on initiatives that matter most to all of us and make a lasting impact that will benefit students. I'm dedicated to making a positive change and am always open to taking on new projects that students express a need for. For me, it's about fostering a supportive environment where every student feels their voice contributes to our collective growth.

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+ Read Olivia's Bio

What is your favourite thing about your role and the work you do for SUS?

One of the best things about working at SUS (there are many) is our team. There is a wealth of knowledge, experience and a variety of backgrounds that make being part of SUS dynamic and meaningful.

Is there anything that your colleagues would be surprised to know about you?

I am a huge Formula 1 motor-racing fan. I grew up watching the sport with my father in England and now enjoy watching every race with my husband and my young son, who is actually named after a famous F1 driver.

Who or what has been the biggest influence in your life?

I lived and volunteered in the North End of Winnipeg 2001/02. It was a particularly cold winter with many days hitting -45C after windchill. I had very little money, no phone, TV or vehicle and the work was very challenging at times. I met some life-long friends and found much beauty in unexpected places. While it was an intense character-building experience, Winnipeg will always hold a special place in my heart.

What was your first job?

My first full-time job was as a Travel Agent booking ski vacations in Europe. I continued working as a Specialist Travel Consultant for several years before attending University as a mature student.

If you could do anything in the world, what would it be?

I’m a fairly ambitious person so it is tough for me to narrow it down to one thing but I would really like to take my son to watch a live F1 race in Hanoi, Vietnam when he is a bit older.

What is the most useful advice you would give to other students from your own experience?

Tap into community. Whether it is through extra-curricular activities, joining a club, or through part-time work, a community can help you through the intensity of studying and keeps you connected to people and the world.