Name: Ilana Shecter
Candidate position: Student Representative on the Board of Governors
Year: 4
Major: Interdisciplinary Studies with a focus on Urban Studies
Hometown: Montreal, Québec
1. Why are you running for this position? Tell us about your motivations and inspiration to do so, as well as any current positions you hold.
I am running to be the next student rep for the BoG because I have a strong belief that I can bring a critical perspective on the Board of Governors. I have a unique combination of professional and academic experience that would help me better the operations of the university.
2. How have you been involved on campus so far?
My main contribution to campus culture has been to create a new home for arts students – the Arts Students Centre. The Arts Students Centre will be a brand new building – located between Irving K Barber and Brock Hall – which will serve as a hub for academic, professional, and social life for arts students.
3. How has your family, high school or hometown affected your progress so far? Do you have a mentor back home that has influenced you thus far?
Being part of a small and tight-knit community back home in Montreal has instilled in me the importance of creating bonds with one another. Knowing that people are supporting me on both coasts of the country has been a blessing that keeps me motivated during this campaign.
4. What are you aiming to accomplish, should you get elected?
I want to bring a more nuanced approach to how the university gets funded and how the university approaches topics such as stranger sexual assaults. Both these topics are crucial in offering a critical perspective on how UBC can create a better campus both in the short and long term.
5. Out of these goals, which one is most important to you, and why?
Broadening the conversation on divestment is the most important goal. We are living in a time where our planet is warming and climate change is happening. We have to take steps to address this reality, starting with our own campus at UBC.
Digging Deeper
1. What’s one thing your voters should know about you, besides what you’ve put out there already?
This summer I trekked up Machu Picchu in Peru. It was a turning point in my life and instilled in me a deep appreciation for the wonders of the world. We live in a pretty amazing place and it is our duty to build a relationship with our planet that is based on reciprocity, whether it be through individual actions or policy implications.
2. What is your dream job for the future?
Having any job would be nice.
3. What’s your number one experience at UBC so far?
Every time I go to Whistler it is the best experience at UBC. Long Live The Student Pass.
4. Tell us something surprising about yourself.
I have been banned from singing in the car with my friends, given my terrible singing voice, but I think I’m a pretty bad-ass rapper (Find me at The Gallery on Tuesday’s!)
5. If you don’t get elected, is there anything at UBC you would still try to accomplish?
I would continue to push UBC to be a leader in sustainability, both in its operations and in its fiduciary duties.
Voting for the AMS Elections begins on Monday. Find out more about remaining events that you can attend here!