Here I am in mid-April, two weeks until I’m finally done. The time has just flown right by, it seems as if March was yesterday, and November was last week. My office decorations are slowly disappearing, and all across Ontario, items taken from the McMaster Students’ Union are finding their way back. Daud is readying himself to take the reins and responsibilities, but refuses to sit in the VPUA chair until his time comes on May 1st.
It’s easy to reflect on two years of service to BUSU and OUSA, but tough to know where to start in terms of blogging. I’ve been through two steering committees, and 8 staff members at home office. Four General Assemblies and two Lobby Conferences. That alone is a lifetime of experiences and memories, strategizing and lobbying, writing and research. OUSA can trumpet successful partnerships inside and outside the sector, and of course our biggest win during my term, last month when five financial aid recommendations from our Ontario: A Province of Knowledge submission appeared directly in the government’s announcement. As VP Finance this year, I was able to overhaul OUSA’s books and accounts, and write stronger financial policies to shape us moving forward. And our Food for Thought campaign this year generated more buzz about OUSA than anything we’ve done in the last few years within the media.
I hesitate to look back too much, when OUSA has such a Bright Future ahead, pun intended. For all the successes I have helped with or watched, I will be just as proud when next year’s team, or any subsequent OUSA Steering Committees, accomplish the goals as laid out in our strategic plan, OUSA’s Bright Future. We’ve set a series of tough but achievable targets moving forward, to grow and strengthen our organization and its capacity to affect change in Ontario. My next steps are as of yet unknown, but I can relax comfortably (lending a helping hand when necessary, if asked) knowing that OUSA will be on solid footing for years to come, continuing our record of excellence on behalf of our students.
As this is my last blog, I would like to publicly thank this year’s OUSA team. Dan, Justin, Chris, Kory, Adam, Sus, Robert, Alexi, Alvin, Paul, Sam, Tammy and Howie. Thank you for pushing me to be the best representative I could be, helping me learn and grow, and for all the hard work you have contributed towards OUSA and the postsecondary sector this year.
Rob Lanteigne
Vice President University Affairs
Brock University Students’ Union
