Hi everyone!
My name is Alyssa Hall (she/her), and I am so excited to be joining OUSA as a Manager of Research and Policy (MRP)!
I was first introduced to OUSA in 2022 when I attended the Fall General Assembly as a delegate for the Brock University Students’ Union (BUSU). Fast forward to 2023, where my involvement with the organization took another step forward after I became the Vice President, External Affairs, cementing my spot on OUSA’s Steering Committee. Since then, I have authored three OUSA policy papers, attended multiple Student Advocacy Conferences, and survived four General Assemblies.
The mantra for many student leaders in Ontario is “sometimes leadership is planting trees under whose shade you will never sit” -Jennifer Granholm. So, when the possibility of returning to OUSA, two years later as an MRP was presented to me, I knew I had to jump on that opportunity because I needed to see if the trees that I planted had started to bloom.
During my hiatus from the world of student government, I went back to school to pursue my Master of Arts degree in Political Science. While completing this degree at Brock University, I was able to put my research and writing skills to the test during my Major Research Project. This project looked at the extent to which public consultation was integrated into the content of sexual violence policy at a provincial level. While the research was enlightening in a number of different ways, a theme that was consistently clear was the role that post-secondary students play in sexual violence prevention advocacy. The testimonials that I read from students across the province helped to solidify the importance and impact of student voices in the policy-making process.
Outside of work, I really enjoy crafting as a way to keep my hands busy. While I can’t choose a favourite craft, I think what I enjoy the most about this type of creative process is getting to look through the craft and stationery sections at thrift stores to find materials that I can either upcycle into collages or that allow me to try a new hobby in an affordable and sustainable way (before it can be committed to my regular craft rotation).
As an incoming MRP, I think that I am most excited about getting to see, mentor, and work alongside the future of student leadership in Ontario. I cannot wait to see where this portion of my advocacy/OUSA journey takes me!
If you need to get in touch, please don’t hesitate to send me an email at [email protected].