May 13, 2026
Hello everyone, and happy May!
Today is my last day as OUSA President, and I'd be lying if I said it didn't come with a lot of bittersweet emotions. Getting further involved with OUSA was one of the many reasons I sought the VP: Government & Stakeholder Relations role with the Wilfrid Laurier University Students' Union — and having the honour to serve as President has been a tremendous joy and privilege.
This year was filled with meaningful learning opportunities. From meeting with sector stakeholders, to presenting at conferences, to sitting across from key political decision-makers and advocating for important student issues, I learned a great deal. Throughout the year, I worked diligently to represent OUSA as best I could and to champion the evidence-based approach we bring to student advocacy. I truly believe in the impact of OUSA, and I hope I was able to leave a meaningful mark.
In truth, this year was not without its challenges. From massive government announcements which will shape the post-secondary sector for years to come, to supporting the hiring of four Home Office roles, serving as interim ED through January and February, and working alongside two Executive Directors — it's been one remarkable, whirlwind of a year. We have an Annual Report coming this week that will capture everything our team took on over the past year, including lobbying efforts, recaps of major conferences and events, and highlights from policy and advocacy work.
Throughout it all, I've had the privilege of working with the best of the best. To my kings, Omar and Stephen (VP: Finance and VP: Human Resources & Administration, respectively) — thank you for your support as we weathered many storms together. To Home Office of past and present — Tobi, Tiff, Claudia, Abi, and Alyssa — thank you for your expertise, dedication to the post-secondary sector, and constant encouragement. To Malika and Octave, thank you for being the best Executive Directors I could have asked to work with. And to Steering Committee — thank you for being such an incredible group of colleagues. Your passion and dedication to the student experience are truly inspiring.
A warm congratulations to our interns, Olivia, Chavi, and Chanice, who will be joining Home Office to support our research, policy, and communications efforts over the summer. I hope your time with OUSA is as fulfilling and meaningful as mine has been — thank you for spending your summer with us!
As our new Board of Directors steps into their roles, I send nothing but my best wishes for what I'm confident will be a busy and important year ahead. Congratulations to Rory on being elected President, Aisha on being elected VP: Finance, and Timna on being elected VP: Human Resources & Administration.
And now — for my very last monthly music recommendation — I have to shout out Kacey Musgraves' new album, Middle of Nowhere. As one of my all-time favourite country artists, I'm happy to report that this one is her best since Golden Hour. The album leans into her Texas roots, blending country with Western swing, bluegrass, and regional Mexican influences — all anchored by gorgeous traditional instrumentation. Highly recommend!
With that, my final blog is complete. Thank you all for a wonderful year!
In solidarity,
Sayak