Why Student Advocacy Matters: My Journey with OUSA
By Aaditya Gupta, Vice President of External Affairs, Brock University Students’ Union (BUSU)
When I attended my first OUSA General Assembly in Spring 2024, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect. I had been involved in student life at Brock University for years, serving as President of the Esports Club, Vice-President of the Anime Club, and a Goodman Ambassador, but this was my first step into the world of provincial advocacy. That GA changed everything for me.
Over the course of the weekend, I had the opportunity to collaborate with students from across Ontario on three key policy papers: Addressing Racism and Religious Discrimination, International Students and International Education, and Gender-Based and Sexual Violence Prevention and Response. These were not just abstract policy discussions. They reflected the real experiences of students on our campuses, and being part of the conversation reminded me why student voices are so essential in shaping change.
Since then, I have returned to another General Assembly in the fall of 2024 and taken on the role of Vice President of External Affairs at the Brock University Students’ Union. I now see it as my responsibility to make sure the concerns of students are not only heard but acted upon. Whether it is fighting for more support for Marginalized students or advocating for stronger prevention strategies around gender-based violence, I believe in the power of student advocacy to influence real outcomes.
What drew me to OUSA and keeps me involved is the shared commitment to equity, accessibility, and student well-being. These are not just buzzwords. They are the foundation of a better campus experience for everyone, and they require action from all of us.
If you are a student who wants to make a difference but is not sure where to start, I encourage you to get involved. You do not need to be an expert to advocate for what you believe in. All you need is a voice and the willingness to use it. Organizations like OUSA are here to amplify that voice, and I am proud to be a part of that mission.