Hello fellow students!

My name is Vish, and I am excited to announce my candidacy for the Board of Directors at Lakehead University Student Union. I am currently pursuing a Bachelor’s of Science in Computer Science and actively contributing to our campus as an International Student Assistant at Lakehead University, an Event Manager for the Lakehead Esports Club, and the Treasurer for the ARIA Club. Additionally, I serve as a Peer Mentor, helping students navigate their academic and social life at Lakehead.

I am running for this position because I strongly believe that small but meaningful changes can make a big difference in student life. From academic affordability to student engagement, I am committed to making practical improvements that enhance the student experience.

Throughout my time at Lakehead, I have interacted with many students and witnessed the challenges they face—especially financial difficulties related to academics. Many courses require students to purchase online subscriptions, software, or digital textbooks that can cost $100-$200 per course. Some students take 2-3 such courses in a single term, making it a significant expense.

As an International Student Assistant, I have worked closely with students and understand the financial pressures they experience. This has motivated me to step up and work towards implementing small but impactful initiatives that can ease students’ financial burdens. I firmly believe that affordable education and accessible resources should be a priority, and I am committed to advocating for these changes.

If elected, my primary goal is to reduce the financial burden on students and create an environment where everyone has equal access to the tools they need for success. Here’s how I plan to do that:

Financial Support for Course Subscriptions – I will advocate for a partial reimbursement or subsidy program to help students cover some of their course subscription costs.

Promoting Open-Access Resources – I will work towards the adoption of free or lower-cost educational materials, such as open-source textbooks and software, wherever possible.

Enhancing Student Engagement and Transparency – I will ensure that students’ concerns are heard and addressed by improving communication between the student body and the union.

Organizing More Student-Centered Initiatives – From skill-building workshops to networking opportunities, I will work on bringing valuable events and activities to campus.

I strongly believe that small but meaningful changes can make a big difference in student life, and I am dedicated to making those changes happen.

Connect with me online or in person.