Rana on the importance of social involvement and increasing event accessibility
The Strand: Why are you running?
Fatima Rana: I decided to run as an upper year councillor because I believe VUSAC and this position provide an amazing platform for me to pass down the valuable knowledge and resources I gained as a first year last year. I understand how overwhelming it can be coming into university, and I feel like this position would be a good place for me to pass down the wisdom I’ve collected. Additionally, VUSAC also has some amazing portfolios and initiatives that personally hold an invaluable meaning to me and working closely under, or for them, as a councillor would truly be a place of honour for me.
TS: What sets you apart from other candidates?
FR: I actually did not run or was not in VUSAC before, so this is my first time. While I was not an active part of VUSAC last year, it gave me time and space to not only observe, but learn and grow as a human as well and acquire the knowledge I need about hands- on resources as a student that are available to us. I was on the other side of things, so to speak, and I feel like having that fresh perspective gives me a boost and fresh mindset coming into these elections as a candidate.
TS: What events or programming do you plan to assist with during your time?
FR: I would love to plan events with Scarlet and Gold, like the Highball. As a first year, I felt like the events put out by Scarlet and Gold provided amazing grounds for socializing and communicating. As a commuter in first year last year, I felt like I was lacking valuable connections with other students and also felt like I did not have a good chance to meet everyone. Such social events allowed for commuters like me to mingle with the rest of Vic. That is why I would love to bring such events and work with such events, so that commuters and other students like me can get the chance to meet new and amazing people in their university careers. I would also love to work with planning the Art at the Intersections, because that show case is an amazing platform for women showcase their artwork, which is a really commendable initiative.
TS: What is one issue you are passionate about? (i.e.: equity, transit)
FR: The VUSAC Equity Commission has some amazing ideas and the whole basis at which this commission runs speaks true to me as a woman of colour in Canada. Growing up, I did face a lot of discrimination and stigma to the point where it seemed like that was all my life revolved around. And so, the work that this commission does shows me, a student, and hopefully other students too, that we are moving forwards and not backwards in the world and fostering a society of equity and rights to all humans.
TS: How do you plan to make events accessible?
FR: One of the ways that I plan on making events accessible is by ensuring that the needs and amenities of all students are prioritized and maximized. For example, going to a lot of socials or events around Vic can result in them ending pretty late, which can be problematic for commuter students. In order to increase accessibility and to ensure safely, one of my goals is to make sign-up sheets for commuter students to travel in transit with a group of friends or students. I think it is very important as event planners that the students’ safety is prioritized above anything else.
TS: How do you plan to increase event attendance or engagement in VUSAC?
FR: In my opinion, word-of-mouth is one of the best ways to increase marketing, and therefore attendance for events. While I believe that social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram are very accessible to students, a lot of the events created get lost in volume and can be forgotten about, as a result. However, by word of mouth and actually talking about the events in person not only communicates firsthand enthusiasm, but can be better remembered by students as well, in my opinion.
TS: What will do in your power to persuade students to opt in to VUSAC levy fees?
FR: I think the best way to go about this is to show students where the VUSAC levy fees go and what resources that the levies need and use to function and operate and how the fees allow them to do so. I think it is important to be honest and show students a plan and outline for the levies and clubs so that they have a better knowledge of where the fees go. I think that that would be the best way to persuade students to opt into the VUSAC levy fees, as students tend to opt out not knowing what the fees mean and where they go. Therefore, providing them with the standard information they need would be a good incentive for them to opt into the fees.
TS: What will you do if you do not win?
FR: The whole election process so far has already taught me so much about putting yourself out there, having confidence, and showing people all the amazing things one can offer, that even if I do not win, I would be walking out having learnt amazing things about myself. The campaigning process gave me a chance to talk to so many new people, therefore meeting new people. So even if I do not win, I will just try again and come back stronger! In the meantime, I would still join the commissions and work with them in other ways, because they mean a lot to me and I would love to work for VUSAC and contribute to Vic in any way shape or form, councillor or not!
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
You can vote now until Friday October 4th at voting.utoronto.ca
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