Every student has a set of priorities and between essays, exams and the everyday struggle to survive these obstacles, there are the few who expand their load in an effort to represent student interests. The executive officers of the Students’ Representative Council (SRC) coordinate this governing body, but it is the members at large that make the mechanism function to its fullest. These members concern themselves with the immediate issues that students bring to them about their experiences at UNBSJ, making them the most connected appendage of the SRC to the student body. Fourth year arts student, Carly Schofield, working on a double major in psychology and sociology, is one such member.
“I strongly believe that your university experience is what you make it. Aside from my studies, I have made it a top priority to take on many leadership roles both on and off campus. I wanted to get involved with the SRC because I know how important it is for students to [have] their voices heard,” says Schofield, “There are a lot of issues on campus that are never addressed solely because no one is aware of them. Students should feel comfortable enough to turn to me (or any of the council members) with their suggestions, knowing that they will be seriously considered by the council. I am excited to be a part of council and look forward to making some positive changes on campus.”
It takes a special breed to do the work that Schofield does. Her job is primarily human relations-based, which means a heavy dose of public interaction. The position is not for introverted personality types and Schofield is not apprehensive about being on the front lines.
“So far, the best part has been meeting lots of new people; both on council and around campus,” Schofield says, “if I wasn’t involved, I would have definitely missed out on some great networking opportunities and friendships.”
The key word with every SRC member like Schofield is “passion.” Understanding the responsibility that she has, she puts an extreme effort into truly representing how the student body feels. After four years, battling with a double major, she still has the energy to take care of the campus community, full tilt.
“There is a bit of added stress by being on council, but I enjoy every minute of it,” Schofield says, “I would rather be busy knowing that I am actively working to make change on campus than sitting on the sidelines and making everyone else do the work. The stress of everything I am involved in is worth it to me, because I know that aside from academic learning, being involved in things teaches you so much more.”
