Badere discusses commuter programming, mental health resources, and accessibility
The Strand: Why are you running for councillor?
CB: I am running for councillor because as a first year at Vic, who would eventually like to involve myself with many clubs and levies at and outside of our college, I am confident that VUSAC would be a great opportunity for me to familiarize myself with how Victoria College events are planned, run, and executed. I would also love to contribute my own ideas and skills to improving the Victoria College experience for all those welcome! The VUSAC booth at Open Vic a few months ago also influenced me as I met a few of the many driven and passionate students that have so much hope and love for their community, that they sacrifice their precious time and resources for the greater good; something that I would love to contribute to as well.
TS: What sets you apart from other candidates?
CB: I take pride in the fact that I am the only first-year councillor that commutes (about one hour and a half exactly). Notably, my perspective as a first-year commuter student connects me more with others sharing my experience that may feel isolated from the community or unaware of all of the amazing events, opportunities, and resources here at Victoria College. I also think that I enjoy looking at issues and their many solutions with combined perspectives regarding my interests in meme and social media culture (which often reflects the current sentiments of students), philosophy, and as a person that has been longing to attend the University of Toronto since a child.
TS: What events or programming do you plan to assist with during your time?
CB: I primarily would like to involve myself with the Sustainability, Commuter, and Mental Wellness commissions at VUSAC.
As a firm advocate for climate change, I’d like to help make Vic a more eco-friendly place as well as encourage the community to engage in eco-friendly practices that are not only sustainable but enjoyable as well. One of my ideas regards making a map of accessible thrift stores and local food markets around the GTA and informing the community of ways to reduce our carbon footprint beyond metal straws and hydroflasks.
My commute is a three to four hour round trip so I am familiar with how tough it can be regarding feeling included in the community and finding time to unwind, though this year’s commuter-friendly events like CommuniTea and VOCA Pancakes greatly saves me money and makes me feel included here at Vic. And so, I’d like to contribute to making the commuter experience at Vic even more enjoyable for commuters, like myself, by reaching out to those who do not feel included at Vic and would like to get to know the community better.
Finally, I would primarily like to help coordinate mental health positive events and initiatives at Vic that helps make resources accessible, stress more manageable, and to help those who feel isolated more included in the Vic community. Ideas I have include group talk sessions after watching informative media (movies, tv episodes, music), self-care kits, and social media outreach.
TS: What is one issue you are passionate about?
CB: Mental wellness and the promotion of self-care is primarily important to me as my dear friend passed away this year due to suicide and I have made it one of my priorities to help wherever I can with those who are lonely as I myself have gone through and continue to struggle with mental health. And with the ongoing mental health crises at the University of Toronto and generally worldwide, it is important now more than ever, in an increasingly competitive and anxious climate (both metaphorically and literally), that students look out for themselves and each other through these tough times and that we address these issues not only among our social groups but to those in power that may or may not be enacting the change needed.
TS: How do you plan to make events accessible?
CB: I plan to make events accessible by trying to accommodate for those interested in specific events by using polls/surveys to gauge best times/dates for upcoming events. tant that equity be echoed in the many events at Vic, another candidate brought to mind the inclusion of pronoun buttons at all events, and I believe that a beneficial first step to reconciliation is that each event have a land acknowledgement from the start.
TS: How do you plan to increase event attendance or engagement in VUSAC?
CB: As previously mentioned, I believe that events should be catered towards those that are interested in them in the first place, and a good start would be to democratically vote for event dates and times that work for most interested. I am also a firm believer in the importance of graphic design and psychological marketing, so utilizing the power of humour, transparency, and minimalism are essential when advertising events to both residence and commuter students.
TS: What will do in your power to persuade students to opt into VUSAC levy fees?
CB: I would let students know of the different VUSAC levies, their missions, how they benefit us as well as the community and emphasize other ways to save money rather than refusing the funding of Victoria College levies that are essential to what makes our home at the University of Toronto special.
TS: What will you do if you do not win?
CB: If I do not win, I will continue to contribute to Vic clubs and levies through my involvement with the Cat’s Eye and planning events through that opportunity, running for first-year representative for VicXposure, as well as submitting poetry to Acta Victoriana or iCarly memes to you all at The Strand. Either way, I will try next year again, if I am not elected this year!
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
You can vote now until October 4th at voting.utoronto.ca
