My name is Laura Pazos, and I am an international student in the Psychology program. I am 21 years old and currently in my third year. I am running for the Thunder Bay Campus Board Director position because I want to actively listen to students and collaborate with other board members to determine the best direction and strategies for our university community.

I strongly believe that teamwork leads to better outcomes. Working together allows us to consider multiple perspectives and create solutions that truly benefit students rather than relying on the ideas of one individual.
As a psychology student, I am especially passionate about mental health. Improving access to mental health services on campus is essential for student success. University life can be demanding and stressful, and students should feel supported and safe when seeking help. If elected, I will advocate for initiatives that strengthen mental health resources and promote an environment where students are encouraged to prioritize their wellbeing.

My leadership and teamwork experience began in my first year of high school. My school required us to work in teams to prepare presentations, not only for our teachers and classmates, but for a larger public event called “English Fest.” This was a school wide fair where groups presented projects in English. This experience was very meaningful to me because it involved significant planning, time management, budgeting, collaboration, and most importantly, listening to others. Listening was truly the key to our success. My team won first place that year, and in the following years I also won first place again with different teams.

Last year, I was also involved with Cam’s Kids, where I supported the team by creating Instagram Last year, I was involved with Cam’s Kids, supporting the team by creating Instagram posts and assisting during Winter Wellness events. Cam’s Kids focuses on supporting young people experiencing mental health challenges, particularly anxiety, and aims to help students reach their full potential. Being involved reinforced my understanding of the real need for accessible mental health resources on campus.
I am also an active member of ALAS, the Association of Latin American Students. As someone from Mexico, this organization provides a meaningful space to celebrate my culture while engaging with a diverse community. I actively assist with organizing events and value the opportunity to contribute to a more inclusive campus environment.

My vision for the student body is to ensure that student voices are genuinely considered in board decisions. I aim to carefully listen to the ideas presented by executive team, and thoughtfully analyze whether their proposals truly benefit the student community.
If elected, I will approach every decision with responsibility and fairness, working closely with other board members to evaluate each proposal critically. My goal is to ensure that decisions provide meaningful benefits to students while maintaining balance and consideration for the entire community.

I am committed to making practical improvements that enhance the overall student experience. As a student, I have personally experienced burnout, and through that experience I realized that there are not enough designated spaces on campus where students can decompress and manage their stress. Many other students share this concern. Students often manage five or more courses at a time, in addition to personal responsibilities. However, there are limited spaces specifically designed to support mental wellbeing during difficult academic or personal periods. With nearly 7,900 students on the Thunder Bay campus and only two psychologists available, access to professional support is limited. In many cases, students must wait up to two weeks for an appointment. For someone needing urgent support, this delay is not ideal. We know that when mental health concerns are not addressed early, they can become more complex and harder to treat. If elected, I am committed to advocating for safe and supportive spaces where students can relax, recharge, and feel comfortable seeking help. I want to work toward reducing student burnout and creating an environment where everyone has equitable access to the tools and resources they need to succeed academically and personally.

I advocate for self operated food services that ensure high quality and affordable meal options on campus. While the main cafeteria offers good food choices, one recurring concern among students is that it closes too early. Many students look for meals later in the evening, especially after classes, study sessions, or extracurricular activities, and often find limited options available. This is a complaint I frequently hear from other students, and it reflects a genuine gap in accessibility. When nutritious and balanced meals are not available at convenient times, students may be forced to choose less healthy or more expensive alternatives.
For these reasons, I support expanding accessible food services that offer nutritious meals at affordable prices and remain open for extended hours. Access to proper nutrition is essential for academic success, energy levels, and overall wellbeing.

As the university expands, it is essential to ensure that infrastructure keeps pace with student needs. The recently announced Veterinary Medicine building is an excellent initiative that reflects growth and success. However, current space and residence limitations should also be addressed to prevent larger challenges in the future.
Off campus housing presents additional concerns, including affordability and rental scams. I propose creating a campus wide awareness campaign to educate students about identifying rental scams and safely securing housing.
University growth should be accompanied by responsible planning that prioritizes student wellbeing, safety, and access to adequate academic and residential spaces.

Last but not least, I want to advocate for gender equity on campus. I believe that all students, regardless of gender identity, deserve equal opportunities, representation, and access to resources. Promoting gender equity means ensuring that policies, services, and campus initiatives are inclusive and considerate of diverse experiences. It also involves creating safe spaces where students feel respected and heard. As a Board Director, I would support initiatives that advance fairness, representation, and equal treatment across all aspects of university life.

Students can learn more about my campaign through social media platforms such as Instagram (lau_p.r.2.0). However, I also believe that personal connection is extremely important. I plan to share my ideas in person, allowing students to meet me directly, ask questions, and better understand my intentions and commitment to serving the student body.