Hello! My name is Danny Chang, and I am so excited to be working out of the OUSA office this summer!
In September, I will be entering my third year, pursuing an Honors Specialization in Astrophysics at Western University. Thanks to a chance encounter with a former President of the University Students’ Council during my first week at Western (we were sharing a squat-rack at the gym; I promise, you can’t make this stuff up), I was able to learn more about student government and soon found a passion for student advocacy. Along the way, I have had the privilege of meeting numerous student leaders who have provided invaluable mentorship and have inspired me to work tirelessly to represent the best interest of my peers. In the fall as President of the Western Science Students’ Council, I am hoping to continue working to improve the student experience at the faculty level.
OUSA holds a special place in my heart as the 2015 Fall General Assembly was my first time experiencing how much power that students could have over their own university careers. This was the GA where we passed OUSA’s policy on Reforming Ontario’s Financial Assistance System which helped shaped various aspects of the 2016 Ontario budget. This budget was a revolutionary change towards student financial assistance, making university education more accessible and affordable for countless students across the province. When I first heard the news, I was shocked: how was I, Danny Chang, the guy with the hair from little LaSalle, Ontario, a part of the process in helping create this huge change for students? But then, I realized, student advocacy is something so much bigger than just individual students or the institutions we come from. It is a team effort at so many different levels with students and other stakeholders working towards a unified vision: the best interest of students. To me, OUSA is an invaluable platform to help turn this vision into a reality.
It is so exciting to be working for an organization that so vocally puts students across the province first in their efforts. I know I have much to learn in my role here at OUSA, but I am eager to hit the ground running and look forward to growing with this organization. I believe my time with OUSA will only strengthen my passion for improving the student experience.
While my move to the big city has been daunting at times, I took a chance to pursue one of my biggest passions. Not only have I learned so much about the city and about the amazing work that OUSA does, but I have also discovered so much more about myself and of my own capacity for success. While at times, “constant vigilance” may come in handy, take those chances you have on your mind and don’t be afraid to fail. It might just pay off.
Talk to you soon!
Danny Chang
OUSA Summer Research Intern