My name is Jessica Look, and I’m the Vice President of External Affairs at Western’s University Students’ Council (USC). I recently graduated from Western University, where I studied Political Science and French Studies. I’m beyond excited to be a part of OUSA this year, and can’t wait to start working with the incredible individuals that make up Steering Committee and Home Office.
A little bit about myself — I started at Western as a science student (#womeninSTEM LOL), but, after much denial and procrastination, I realized it wasn’t for me. I switched to the social sciences, where I was lucky enough to find a home in our faculty council. In my co-curricular life, I was also involved with the orientation program and Western’s Chinese Students’ Association. In my spare time, you’ll probably find me watching a Raptors game, finding a new food to try, or playing Animal Crossing! I haven’t always engaged in advocacy and politics, but I gradually started understanding the power of the student voice, collective action, and policy. I’m still learning, but I’m grateful for all the experiences and mentors that have led me to where I am today.
I initially heard of OUSA in my first year, where I stumbled upon OUSA’s policy briefs that I didn’t understand at the time. I was too intimidated to explore, but kept up with OUSA from a distance. My first involvement with OUSA was last year as a part of the USC’s delegation to Fall General Assembly. Despite it being my first time, I felt so supported and learned so much from that experience, that I decided to come back again as a delegate for Spring General Assembly. The passion, dedication, and pure desire to inspire positive change are palpable among OUSA folks, and I’m so excited to see what we can do together this year.
As a political science student, a lot of my passion for policy and government stems from inside the classroom. However, so much of my learning has happened outside of the classroom, from mentors, friends, and strangers alike. Some issues I feel particularly passionate about are: student financial aid, anti-sexual and gender based violence efforts, and amplifying and uplifting voices from the BIPOC community. Combined with my personal experiences as a woman of colour, my advocacy interests feel innate and deeply connected to my identity. As VP External Affairs and a part of OUSA, I plan to advocate on these issues and other priorities of students to promote accessible post-secondary education for all.
With the world learning how to transition to a post-pandemic world, the post-secondary sector will also need to figure out how to move forward. There’s lots to be done, and I look forward to working with all of Steering Committee this year to represent the student voice. I’m sure this isn’t the last you’ll hear from me, but goodbye for now!