Q&A With Alizeh Khan, Clubs Coordinator
With elections season underway, we sat down with former Board of Directors( BOD) member, Alizeh Khan to chat about her experience as a part of the BOD! She is currently the Clubs Coordinator at TRAF and took the time to talk to us about her experience as a BOD member, her responsibilities and the transition to a new position. Let’s check out what she had to say!
Q: What did you learn during your time as a BOD member?
A: “I learned how governance and politics work from a closer point of view. We were taught to think in a strategic manner and make decisions that put students into priority.”
Q: Tell us about yourself & your first role at the SSU
A: “I'm in my third year here at Sheridan! I am currently in the Honors Bachelor of Computer Science program, and I am based at the Trafalgar campus. My first role at the SSU was serving as a Board of Directors (BOD) member, which lasted for a year. The role included being the voice of the students at a governance level and assisted in being part of decisions for what student's need on campus.”
Q: What made you want to apply for the position?
A: “I applied because I wanted to do my part of helping out the student community here in Sheridan. I wanted to step into a leadership role where I was able to grow and represent students.”
“When things get overwhelming, I remind myself why I’m doing this and use affirmations to slow myself down”
- Alizeh Khan
Q: What did you learn during your time as a BOD member?
A: “I learned how governance and politics work from a closer point of view. We were taught to think in a strategic manner and make decisions that put students into priority.”
Q: Why do you think it’s important for students to know about and engage with the Board?
A: "It is important because the Board is what makes up the SSU. These are the chosen students who make big decisions that directly affect student life on campus."
Q:What advice would you give to students interested in becoming a BOD member?
A: "Even though it is a bit overwhelming at the start, you will learn everything you need to know! Don’t be scared to ask questions and be confident in your voice while being open-minded to listening to others.”
Q: What did a typical day look like as a member?
A: "Every day as a BOD member was different. Our work consisted of doing office hours and meetings to discuss various aspects concerning the student body.”
“My favourite thing about bring a BOD member was being able to learn so many new skills and making decisions that actually had an impact.” - Alizeh Khan
Q: After your term ended, what made you decide to continue working at the SSU?
A: "The community at the SSU! I chose to stay because I felt like my work truly matters. Being a student, already balancing so much, having people who are there to push you is really motivating.
Q: What is your current SSU position?
A: "Clubs coordinator at the TRC campus.”
Q: Why did you decide to go into the club’s department?
A: "I’ve always loved working directly with students. I wanted to help create spaces for students to connect and grow.”
Q: What is 1 difference and 1 similarity between the positions?
A: “One difference between the two positions was that as a Board member I focused more on big-picture governance while in clubs I get to connect with students more directly for day-to-day operations. One similarity is that both the roles represent students and make sure they feel heard.”
Q: What’s something you’ve learned about yourself or about life while working at the SSU?
A: “I’ve learned that I am more capable of handling things at once when I step out of my comfort zone. Working at SSU taught me that growth can only happen when you say yes to opportunities.”
Q: What does a typical day working at the SSU look like for you now?
A: “I start the day by checking and answering emails. I go through forms submitted by clubs in regard to upcoming initiatives. Sometimes I will hop onto a meeting if it’s booked by a club or one with my team. At times we have club events that I'm supporting such as club fairs, pop-ups or just assisting a club with something.”
Q: What’s been you favorite part of working at the SSU so far?
A: “The people are for sure! Getting to work with passionate students who turn their ideas into real initiatives is something really rewarding to watch.”
Q: Any advice for people choosing a program or starting college?
A: “You don't need to have everything figured out! Put yourself out there, join clubs, and connect with people around you.”
Q: What excites you about what’s next in your life?
A: “I'm excited to grow both in my job and personally. I look forward to bigger leadership opportunities and helping to build a community that leaves an impact.”
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