Notice to Our Membership

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The results of our 2023 General Election are being contested, and a formal investigation has been launched.

We are inviting our Members to contact the Students’ Association’s Chief Returning Officer (CRO) if they have any information that could be pertinent to the investigation. If you were witness to or experienced any uncomfortable interactions or concerning behavior during our election period, we encourage you to come forward.

The integrity of our election process is paramount to our democratic processes; our election staff and all candidates are aware of the election rules and regulations. We take all concerns seriously and are committed to the safety and well-being of our students.

Please contact our CRO at [email protected] no later than 4pm, Friday, March 31, 2023.

All information provided will be kept confidential and used solely for the purpose of the investigation.

Board of Governors: Student Member Vacancy

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Nominations are open for the position of Student Member on the Red Deer Polytechnic Board of Governors.

Red Deer Polytechnic’s Board of Governors is this institution’s highest governing body.  The Board of Governors is responsible for defining the role and mission of Red Deer Polytechnic, as well as setting the strategic direction.  The Board has responsibility for fiduciary oversight and institutional performance. All of its decision and policies are made for the best interest of the institution, not for particular constituents.

Members on the Board of Governors include Red Deer Polytechnic’s President, faculty, staff, students, and valued citizens from our surrounding communities.

As a Student Member on the Board of Governors, you are responsible for offering a student perspective on all matters.

Eligibility:
All members of the Association in Good Academic Standing are eligible for put their name forward for this position, provided they are not employed by the Institution or the Association.

Nomination:
Complete the Board of Governors Student Member Nomination Package and submit to [email protected]. Nomination Packages are available here or in the Students’ Association office (room 2010.) Nominations will remain open until a suitable candidate is selected.

Questions:
If you have further questions regarding the role of Student Member on the Board of Governors, please contact Savannah Snow, Students’ Association President at [email protected].

Interview Tips That Will Help You Get The Job

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By: Hannah Giannioudis, Career Services Consultant

POV: you’ve just heard back from your dream employer that you’ve been chosen to advance to the next step in your application process… Interviews! While it is exciting becoming closer to your dream job, likely, a lot of nervous feelings will begin to arise after the initial excitement has worn off.

“How should I dress?” and “How can I best prepare?” may be some questions you are internally posing, so let’s work through those together to get you interview ready.

First, attire. Deciding what to wear for an interview can be stressful in itself. As always, it is very dependable on the company. My suggestion to you is do your research! If possible, visit the company and observe what staff is wearing to gain a better idea on how to dress for your interview. If still unsure, your best bet is to dress along the lines of business casual. This may look different to everyone depending on your own personal style, but some ideas may be adding a blazer or choosing a button-up shirt over an everyday t-shirt. Interviews are essentially about presenting the best of yourself to the employer so, bottom-line, dress in something that makes you feel confident so that you can walk into your interview self-assured.

Next, how can you best prepare for an interview? Here, we are going to narrow in on three different ways to prepare for an interview. First, always be aware of not only what your strengths are, but what your weaknesses are that an employer may notice. For example, perhaps you don’t have experience in the field you are applying to considering you are a brand new graduate. Employers will likely ask you to speak on this weakness. Potentially through the question: “Why do you believe you are prepared to take on this role/position with relatively low experience?”. How we best respond to this question is highlighting what we have done. Although you may not have relative work experience, you do have education behind you that will have transferrable skills you can highlight have been accumulated. Skills such as adaptability, communication, experience using Microsoft, experience working within a team (group/partner projects), and experience receiving and applying constructive feedback to your work are some examples that can be utilized. So, although you may not have relevant work experience, you do have many transferrable skills that can be used to your advantage when answering any questions related to experience. Take some time ahead of the interview to reflect and see how you can speak on your potential weaknesses in a positive light.

The next way to best prepare for an interview is by doing your research on the company you are applying to. You can do this by checking out their website, understanding the company’s/organizations values, and visiting their locations to get a grasp on the atmosphere present.

Lastly, another way to best prepare for an interview is practicing before hand. To start, I encourage you to download the Sample Behavioural Interview Questions from the Career Services webpage (also under ‘Resources’) and rehearse what your answer would be to these questions. Practicing beforehand leaves little room for overconfidence to crowd your thoughts, during the actual interview, therefore limiting the possibility of over-talking or rambling. After some practice and once you’ve gotten a good sense of how you’d answer most behavioural questions, ask someone to run through a mock interview. When choosing this person, however, make sure it is someone you are not overly comfortable with like a close friend or family member. Instead, choose an individual you are not very familiar with in order to replicate the interview atmosphere.

I hope these interview tips help you in your job/career applying journey. Always remember to be your authentic self when interviewing and be confident in your skills and attributes! Throughout your education you will learn so many valuable skills that can be used to your advantage when applying and interviewing for jobs. Sometimes it just takes some reflection to recognize what those are and how you can highlight them to employers.

If you ever have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact Career Services here at Red Deer Polytechnic via our email: [email protected]. Make sure to also keep an eye on Career Services Calendar of Events! Here you will find all the dates and registration for our Career Workshops in collaboration with the Career Assistance Network.

Lastly, if you are needing any Career Assessment help, please look at booking a 1-on-1 appointment through the Student Connect Centre. Career Services is looking forward to assisting students in deciding what job/career pathways they may be interested in through assessments, career profiles and more!

2023/2024 General Election Candidates

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Our General Election is officially underway and we are excited to share the candidates with you! We are sharing the candidate profiles on our website and social media accounts to create awareness about our General Election and to encourage students to vote. The Students’ Association remains impartial and does not endorse any of the candidates.

Candidate profile requirements: Maximum of 150 words for social media and maximum of 500 words for Viewpoints. If the maximum word count is exceeded, profiles will be cut off at the maximum allotted. Profiles are not edited by the Students’ Association.

VOTE ON YOUR LOOP ACCOUNT
March 20 – 23

 

President Candidates

*profiles shared in alphabetical by last name*

 

Erin Bast

I am Erin Bast, and I am running for the position of Students’ Association President. Since October 2022, I have held the position of Vice President External. During my time in office, I have grown personally and professionally. I feel my journey has just begun with the Students’ Association, which is why I have decided to run for office again! Now in my final year of the Legal Assistant Diploma Program, I will further my education beyond what I have already committed. Which means I intend on being on campus for many more years.

Since I began my journey at Red Deer Polytechnic in 2021, my volunteering and organizational commitments have always led me to the Students’ Association, whether it was my involvement with student groups such as the Legal Assistant Student Society, which I was elected President of in 2022, or the Campus Wellness Advocate Program, where I became educated in mental health and volunteered to raise awareness of mental health on campus to and for the students of RDP; even simple tasks such as fundraising for scholarships with Students’ Association student groups. Or advocating for new computer chairs in the computer labs (907B); anything extra I seem to find myself involved in is to better the students of Red Deer Polytechnic. So, it’s fitting that I find myself so invested in the Students’ Association since they, as do I, live and breathe the well-being of the students of Red Deer Polytechnic.

I find it crucial to spread awareness regarding mental health issues and problems. It has been important to me to become more educated about mental health since working through my own mental health issues. Studying the law has also made me realize how much mental health and the legal system are intertwined. Education in this area has humbled me and made me more understanding and empathetic. I do my best with the knowledge that I have been provided for free from RDP’s Counselling Services. I am now certified with Mental Health First Aid and Community Helpers.

I am a wife and a mother to three little ones and our three fur babies, and I cherish them all. They are the reason that I am here furthering my education; they are the reason that I am pushing myself to step outside my comfort zone; they are the reason I succeed. They are my everything. I have a great support system at home, which has allowed me to find my way through juggling family, school, extracurricular and volunteering schedules.

As I said, I am passionate about mental health, so I know many things can affect a person’s mental health, such as money, food, employment opportunities and access to counselling services. Should I be elected as the President, I would advocate for the students of Red Deer Polytechnic to have access to all of these critical services.

 

Vice President Academic Candidates

*profiles shared in alphabetical by last name*

Jacq Patterson

Hi there, I am Jacq and I am from Red Deer county. I attended RDP back in 2013 where I took the transfer program in History. I completed my History Degree in 2016 at the University of Calgary and I am currently back at RDP boosting my GPA to apply for my Masters at U of C.
My academic focus is on East Asian History, and more specifically Japanese sexuality post WWII

I am also a registered massage therapist and own my own business. I love getting to connect with people and helping them feel their best so they can do their best.

On top of it all I am a mom of a happy little 2 year old.

And, being part of a multicultural family I find it important to make post secondary a welcoming safe space where everyone gets the opportunity to grow and follow their dreams.

 

Ali Sadeghi

Dear Fellow Students,

My name is Ali Sadeghi and I am happy to announce that I’m running for the Students’ Association’s Vice President Academic role for 2023-2024. I have dedicated my entire life to public service and I believe that with my given experience at Student’s Association’s council and my previous student body governing experiences, I have the proficiencies and capabilities necessary to lead our school community and make positive changes for each and every one of you and your peers.

Primarily, I believe that communication is key in any successful organization and body, and that includes Red Deer Polytechnic’s community. If elected as vice president academic, I will strive to keep students, educators, and parents informed about important school events and issues and plans. I will also make sure that everyone’s voice is heard, and that all opinions are taken into consideration regardless of their background, belief, mindsets etc.

Furthermore, I believe that it is important to have a positive and inclusive school culture. As Vice president academic, I will work relentlessly to ensure that every student feels welcomed and valued in our school. This means promoting diversity, celebrating different cultures and backgrounds, and creating a safe and supportive environment where everyone can thrive and create a better future.

I understand the importance of academic excellence. As Vice President academic, I will work with professors and administrators to ensure that our school provides the best possible education for all students. This means supporting innovative teaching methods, providing access to resources, and encouraging students to set extraordinary academic goals for themselves. I’m also proud to state that I have lots of extraordinary plans regarding the textbook prices, curriculum changes and courses, foodbank etc.

Lastly, I believe that extracurricular activities are an important part of a well-rounded education. I will work to support and promote a variety of extracurricular programs, from sports teams to academic clubs to volunteer organizations. These activities not only enhance students’ learning experiences, but also provide valuable opportunities for leadership, networking and personal growth.

In order to achieve these goals, I will work closely with the School Council and administration to develop and implement effective strategies. I am committed to being accessible and responsive to the needs of our school community, and I welcome your ideas and feedback. I’m here to make sure every student have a voice and I will assure you I will fight for that voice.

In brief, I believe that I am the right candidate to lead our school community as Vice President Academic. I have a clear vision for Red Deer Polytechnic’s future goals, plans and I am obligated to working hard to accomplish it.

I ask for your support and your vote, and I promise to work determinedly on behalf of Red Deer Polytechnic’s Student’s Association and its students. I’m eager for a better future for RDP and I’m sure with your help, we can make it happen.

Student Council Candidates

*profiles shared in alphabetical by last name*

 

Danilo JR Batac

LISTEN | PROTECT | RESPECT

Hello, fellow students! Danilo Batac here, a 2nd Year Business Administration Diploma in Marketing student, a PROUD FILIPINO, and an advocate of quality education for all students.I am aspiring to be part of the council to promote equality for all students in Red Deer Polytechnic. I have been working with different age groups throughout my professional journey in the Philippines and hoping to experience the same thing with the new environment that the Students’ Association can offer. I am here to listen for students’ concerns, protect their rights, and respect their differences.

Before migrating here in Canada last 2021, I have been a licensed language teacher in the Philippines and taught different age groups from grade school to college students. I learned from my professional life that understanding diversity is an important component in building a community that is inclusive, unique, and highly motivated to bring potential from its members, especially with my students before.

The ventures of migrating here in Canada, studying a new program, and possibly joining the student council are some of my greatest achievements so far because nothing can beat manifestation and taking risks. I am glad that my choices put me to a lot of learnings and realizations, which I can use in dealing with all students’ concerns.

Together, let us make RDP our inclusive learning companion!

 

Amanda Brouwer

Hey, Red Deer Polytechnic. I’m Amanda, a first-year student taking a Bachelor of Science in psychology. So far, I am in love with learning and can’t wait to start Psychiatry at the University of Calgary to pursue my dream of treating the elderly a passion that came from my grandmothers.

I’ve always been passionate about serving my community and have participated in many volunteer positions. I served on the student council in high school for two years during which I persuaded the school board to play the Canadian national anthem every Monday and to display the Canadian flags in every classroom. In grade 12 I served as vice president and got to experience more of what leadership and serving the community means.

My most impactful experience representing my peers was sitting on Adriana LaGrange’s Ministers Youth Council, where we met to discuss many topics concerning current and future students in Alberta. We were tasked with reviewing and critiquing the new K-12 curriculum where I encouraged Minister LaGrange to teach history in chronological order between grades. Our team was also part of Minister LaGrange’s decision to put students’ mental health first by decreasing the worth and eventually stopping diplomas during Covid.

I hope to make a lasting impact here at Red Deer Polytechnic by representing all of you in the Students Association.

 

Jalynn Chilibeck

Hello, my name is Jalynn Chilibeck and I am running for student council. I am a first year student and am just starting my journey through Red Deer Polytechnic. After starting off in a BoA of English I’m transferring to a BSc of Psychology and am hoping to go to grad school in the not so distant future. Learning is a never ending part of life and I want to help make changes that will ensure that this short part of life can help create as many opportunities and learning experiences as possible. College programs are short and impactful, as soon as you figure out your schedule and have it memorized, the term ends. In these brief times a lot can change. Learning takes practice and support and I want to help provide some of that and allow for others to share their thoughts on how we, as students, can provide tools and experiences to help that growth.

I have never really had the time to take on any leadership roles. I did choir for 8 years, band for 5, tried musical theatre (decided it wasn’t quite my jam). I have taken on the role of section leader a few times which was fun. I’m aiming towards figuring out why no one does performances in the Arts Centre anymore. The Auditorium has the most beautiful acoustics and I think it is a tragedy that after all that money and time put into it, it has fallen rather silent. As of yet I don’t know any of the costs or logistics, but I plan on figuring it out. A stage of that magnitude should be used and loved.

I am also a visual artist. I love painting and quilting, and have made more than one cool outfit! Massive projects that are made of intricate pieces give me a strong sense of comfort. To know that even the smallest piece can make a difference is a reassuring prospect to me and I hope that others share that feeling.  SThere is a distinct need for precision in quilting. If this aspect of a task is not met, then there is no chance for the quilt to come together perfectly. I love taking on tricky tasks and ensuring that all of their aspects are done as good as can be so that they fit into their spot like a perfect puzzle piece. I also enjoy puzzles, riddles, and books. When reading a book it feels like you’re learning about the world, potentially your own world, through someone else’s point of view which I think is pretty neat. Hearing others’ thoughts and opinions and being able to give their voices a place to be heard and amplified can have a huge impact and I hope to be a part of that.

I hope that you will give me a chance to help change the school for the better!

 

Ryan Henri

Ryan Henri is in the third year of the BA Psychology Program after previously completing a Journeyman Welding Certificate here at RDP. He knows RDP from the welding booths of the 800 wing to the social science classrooms in the 2500 halls. Ryan’s personal achievements include maintaining a standing on the President’s List of the Honour Roll each year and winning several scholarships and awards for creative writing, philosophy, and academic achievement.

The years spent in the student community have given him an understanding of the school identity and vibrant spirit of the student body. All students share the same goals of academic success, social connection, and a hope to build a brighter future. Belief in these goals has inspired Ryan to participate in student groups, social events, represent the student perspective in the Research Common, and take on leadership roles in the Psychology Society and student Governance in the 2022-23 school year. To help uphold the best interests of students, he has participated in Committees on mental health and EDII, has examined budgets and audits, and questioned Institution administrators and elected executives. The accomplishments Ryan is most proud of are being able to encourage his friends and classmates when they need it, supporting the Psychology Society in the events for their membership, and supporting the Student Mental Health Survey that has succeeded in showing what student needs are on campus.

Every student deserves to be supported, to be healthy, to pursue their own success, and to have their voices heard in decisions that affect them. A new school year brings new challenges and opportunities requiring the student voice to be heard. Electing Ryan Henri to Council for 2023-24 will allow him to keep working for the students, and his strong experience will allow him to keep their voice loud. This election, be heard! Vote Henri!

 

Sukhmanjit Kaur

Hello everyone! I am Sukhmanjit Kaur, a student in Early Learning and Childcare program. I am originally from India, and came to Canada for my post-secondary education in August, 2022. Its been a great experience for me from that time on. I had many experiences that taught me to never to lose hope. Moreover, the facilities and support provided by the various departments in college are helpful too, whether it is workshops with information, or virtual sessions, food facilities, everything was something helping every student in one or other way. Being in a course with children, I learnt that support and guidance can help in proper growth and development not only for children but also for adults. Moreover, adults do need someone to hear their problems, concerns and provide necessary support in every situation. I wish to join the Student’s Council to properly represent the needs, concerns, and thoughts of the students to make sure that students can have an enjoyable and supportive experience. Being an international student, I am well aware of what are the needs and requirements of being an international, and in the past term I learnt that domestic students experience difficulties too and some are just similar to what we face, so support is equally needed to both domestic and international student. SA is already doing things to facilitate this, and I want to be a part of their work and want to give my best to provide the necessary support to the students who helped me in making my experience in RDP a healthy, comfortable, and friendly. I want to give back what I took as I believe what you got, you need to give back too, as help, respect and kindness is not one sided, it requires partnership and balance. Furthermore, it is well known that if you have stress, it will affect your health, both mentally and physically that prevents us from learning, and living the life to the fullest, so I want to be the one who initiate or develop the activities, and be a part of those activities that can help students, and even staff to help them feel they are being cared for, and supported. I have spent many years of my school life as a class leader, thus have a little bit of knowledge of representing my classmates and even my school at a big level. I feel that this would guide my journey as a council member too and enhance my leadership skills. If selected I will sincerely serve RDP and the students and staff of RDP to repay their kindness and

support that they gave me by giving me the opportunity to learn here, and ensured that I have the best experience of my life here in college. Getting involved in other activities, initiatives like promoting clean and green RDP, mental health and wellness, food security, development opportunities, even financial support, will be my focus for my time in being a council member. Thank you RDP and …

 

Jhanvi Khanna

I am JHANVI KHANNA, and I am running for the position of councillor at Student’s Association. I am in my second year of bachelors of biological sciences and an inspiring medicine student. It has been an adventure to be part of student association for last 2 months and been able to grow out of my own shell was an incredible journey. But most importantly becoming a connection between students and able to be a voice for them was a pleasure. As being an international student, I could understand that standing up for issues such as understanding the cultural shocks and differences for international students have a huge impact on mental health and well-being of students, it is a liability as a part of student association and being able to provide support for them in any way possible. I always had deep interest in volunteering and have been acknowledging more volunteer methods which could enhance the communication between students and institution. This position gives me an opportunity to become a student’s person with whom students can open up to the challenges they are facing on the daily basis and be the one who is not only listening to them only for the sake of responsibility but as a friend. I am always looking forward to the day where our support towards all the student becomes the utmost priority as an institution. And at last, the process of becoming a part of student association is incredibly grateful which actually allowed me to enrich the skills as a person and will continue to do so.

 

Rachel Rex

My name is Rachel Rex, I use she/her pronouns, and I am a Neurodivergent Practical Nursing student. I am passionate about equity, diversity, and inclusion, specifically in education and healthcare contexts. Diversity can include intersectional identities of age, race, culture, sexual orientation, gender, and disability. In my experience, disability is often missing from discourse. Neurodivergence is occasionally discussed in classrooms, however it is rarely acknowledged that Neurodivergent students exist among us. Neurodivergent people think and experience the world differently. We bring unique perspectives and strengths when we are provided with the accommodation and safety to proudly exist as our authentic selves.

The term Neurodivergent/Neurodiverse or “ND”, is attributed to Australian Sociologist and Autistic Self-Advocate Judy Singer (1998). Neurodiversity uses a social model rather than the traditional medical model. We are disabled by society and institutions that are not designed by us or for us. Neurodiversity describes unique ways people experience, process, learn, and interact with the world that diverge from what is considered typical/Neurotypical or “NT”. Neurodiversity is a social category and has its own unique culture. My goal is to earn your vote to provide a Neurodiverse voice on student council, and to build an inclusive community, institution wide, and among Neurodiverse students, faculty, and staff.

I am older than the average student, I am a solo parent, and I have had a previous career that fulfilled me financially while forcing me to mask my Neurodivergence. I have found great freedom and empowerment within my identification and participation in the ND community. When a person is ND, it indicates that they experience life through one or more of the following lenses: Autism, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Giftedness, or other learning/cognitive/neurological disabilities. In a 1998 issue of The Atlantic, American writer Harvey Blume (para 1) stated “Neurodiversity may be every bit as crucial for the human race as biodiversity is for life in general. Who can say what form of wiring will prove best at any given moment?”

ND students face many barriers in education. We are the only ones who can subjectively determine if we are included, the state of our inclusion cannot be evaluated by Neurotypicals. There is currently a generation of Autistic and/or ADHD women and non-binary folks who were not or are not diagnosed until adulthood because of the traditionally male iterations of Autism and ADHD. Knowing that one is different, without having the advocacy, language, or support to define and/or understand those differences can be a deeply traumatic experience. Learning about ourselves, finding community, and unmasking can empower us as learners, and as people.

I humbly request your vote for Student Council. I plan to ensure definitions are operationalized, accountability measures are created, and outcomes are tracked. I believe strongly that the diversity that exists within populations, should be reflected in the people that serve them. Nothing should ever be decided for us, without including us.

 


Candidate profile requirements: Maximum of 150 words for social media and maximum of 500 words for Viewpoints. If the maximum word count is exceeded, profiles will be cut off at the maximum allotted. Profiles are not edited by the Students’ Association.

Questions about the Elections? Contact Martin Cruz, Chief Returning Officer at [email protected].

Taking a Break: Hobby Edition

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By: Alex Fuiten, VP Academic

It’s reading week as I start writing this and I hope you all got to do something you all love during that time away from the classrooms. Creating that space for yourself can be a hard task to do, but it is important when it comes to being successful as a student. Semesters are long and it’s great to have things that we can use to let us unplug and reset ourselves, while also being a way to build community.

Hobbies though for me are hard to classify because I seem to have so many and engaging with wildly different skillsets. Cosplay, photography, woodworking, DIY electronics and repair, and custom pc builds; while these activities may not be seemingly related they do have what I would call an overarching theme, they are all hobbies around making something. Though I don’t spend all my time doing that it is the biggest category for hobbies that I have.

The reason I enjoy making things is that I love getting into the flow and lost in the endless details. Let’s take one of the projects I worked on this week, I built another keyboard. Yes, you can build them, and it has actually gotten easier over the last 10 years compared to when I first started. Now the hardest choices for a keyboard build seem to be keycap profile, size, and switch type, because soldering is no longer required, and no programming skills are needed either. So, what are some of these details? Well, I love using a 60% keyboard, this is a keyboard that has a layout similar to a laptop but also does not have the function key row. Maybe it’s from all the years of using laptops or maybe I just know what I need and like but, others go even smaller with 40% and 30% which start requiring combinations to be pressed for all sorts of basic things like numbers or symbols. Others will pick specialty sizes because they are using them for a dedicated purpose like video editing or music production, or they are left-handed and want the number pad on the left. And this is just the size factor! There are also hundreds, if not thousands, of different switches and it seems everyone has a different preference. I like tactile switches, most in this hobby seem to prefer linear for that smooth gaming action, and there are some freaks out there who prefer clicky, ugh, so much noise. I also like using two different switches in the same keyboard. On my latest board, control keys like caps lock, or backspace, will be one type of switch while the alphabet and symbol keys will be a different type. This creates a unique typing feel but also helps with way finding on the keyboard and I can tell if I’m off the home row just by feel. Again, you can get ultra-specific about really any feature. The one area I tend to be indifferent when it comes to keyboards is keycap profile. They all feel similar so I just go with the one that looks the way I want that is made out of PBT material. ABS just sounds too hollow, to me anyways, loads of people love GMK and they sell only ABS. I haven’t even mentioned sound alteration, o-rings, and mounting types. Again, it’s the details I love.

I would like to take a moment to go back to what I said about I love worrying about the details. That to me is what makes for fun hobbies like building keyboards. I also understand this is not what many want in a hobby, where it is doesn’t involve a ton of in depth thinking. I get that. I’m also sorry if I have made anyone stressed out by informing them that there is so many options or seemingly worthless details about keyboards. The part I’d stress over is trying different and new things and going with what you love.

This is why hobbies though are important to maintain and have over the course of our studies. They are personal outlets that give us something to think about that isn’t just the same old grind of get paper in, worry about the next test, finish discussion board, go to work. The other reason it’s great to have a hobby, or 12 in my case, is that it allows you to build community and find people with similar interests. Some of my hobbies have yielded lifelong friends, who I now spend more time discussing things not related to the hobby, than the hobby itself. The hardest part is putting yourself out there, but it’s amazing to find those people that you love to have around you. Unsurprising, I have found myself spending time with other makers, and creators. While the exact hobby or interest may not be a 1:1 relationship I still learn skills and techniques that I can use in other places, that are applicable. For example, a friend of mine builds scale models of World War II vehicles, and dioramas. Yet, his painting skills have given me techniques I can use on Gunpla kits.

I guarantee that there is someone out there that has a shared interest with you. Don’t believe me? I’ve developed relationships with people that have started out with just talking about pens, or a specific anime. Just being your genuine self allows people in easier than anything else.

I also mentioned that since I’ve started my studies, I’ve had to put some of my more expensive hobbies to the side. That doesn’t mean I don’t have ways to enjoy some of my hobbies on a low budget. At the start of this blog post I mentioned photography, smartphones have become one of the best cameras you can buy and there are lots of information on how to use them more effectively. The best photos are the ones that require little to no post-processing, in my opinion anyways. Just find a genre you like to
take photos of  – product, fashion, portrait. I tend to enjoy product photography. Playing with colour balance and how the item is framed, it’s a wonderful way to make everyday things appear new and exciting. You can even mix it up and get a cheap desk lamp and an adjustable coloured light bulb and play with the colour easily. One of my other low-cost hobbies is that I also regularly use fountain pens. If you’ve seen me in class, you know that I tend to have a pen roll that has 4-6 pens all with a different colour and they can change from class to class. Not only does it make taking notes more fun, and I can colour code things, but I can use them for the mundane and everyday if I want, bullet journaling, or even just regular journaling are great exercises and mostly only require a small portion of time.

So, this is just a brief look at what I fill my time with outside of the classroom or work hours. Make sure to take some time for yourselves and find something that you love or haven’t done in a while. Get excited and share with your friends or seek out new community and connections.

Put Your Name Forward!

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By: Marian Young, Governance and Student Support Coordinator

Nominations for the Students’ Association 2023 General Elections have officially opened and we are looking to fill fifteen elected positions!

Every March, the students of Red Deer Polytechnic elect three of their peers to the offices of President, Vice President Academic, and Vice President External.  These individuals are the face and voice of the students of RDP.  They work to advocate to the institution, to the community, and to the Government on your behalf.

In the past they have advocated for more Counselors to be available to students in Counselling Services, for improved Student Services, and were instrumental in Red Deer College being granted Polytechnic status…twice.

In recent years, the Students’ Association had successfully lobbied for a Fall, Winter, and Spring/Summer Semester Transit Pass that is exclusive to our students and that is affordable, funding from the Alberta government to support campus sexual violence training and awareness programs, brining degrees to Central Alberta, and the permanent installation of Treaty 6 and Treaty 7, as well as the progressive pride flags at RDP’s front entrance.

But how do the Executives know what to advocate for?

The President and Vice Presidents work as directed by the highest governing body of the Association – Student Council.

Student Council is made up of twelve elected students who govern the affairs of the Association on behalf of the Membership and ensure that the opinions and concerns of their fellow students are represented in the decision making of the Council by promoting the interests of the Membership and putting the interests of the Membership above their own.

For more information about an Executive or Council Position and how to put your name forward, please contact the Association’s Governance and Student Support Coordinator, Marian Young at [email protected] or download a nomination package.

Nominations close March 14th, 2023

Our Bellies and Hearts are Happy

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By: Erin Bast, Vice President External

Do you have that one meal that just makes you feel happy? That just brings you so much comfort? I know my family and I do but I need to break this topic into categories because, as a family, we are complex. There are five of us; we all have different needs and wants.

I will admit that I am not the healthiest eater; I try, but that’s as far as I’ll go into it. I have an 11-year-old boy who would prefer to eat anything deep-fried, whereas my two younger kids still enjoy eating their vegetables. My husband is a healthy eater as well. Sometimes it’s hard to balance all of these foodie personalities, but we can all agree on my spaghetti.

I would say that as a whole, our family favourite “home cooked” meal is spaghetti. Usually once a week, I will make a big pot of spaghetti and meat sauce. Yes, once a week. We are addicted. My sneaky mom trick is to add shredded carrots into the sauce…see there’s some veg in there 😉 This Alberta girl ONLY uses ground beef in my sauce. Now I have tried alternatives such as mild sausage, or turkey or chicken BUT the mild sausage doesn’t seem to agree with anyone in my family and nothing beats a meat sauce with ground beef. I also love to make my tomato sauce with nutritional yeast. It thickens up the sauce and adds a delicious creaminess to it. Plus, it tastes fantastic. This meal seriously does not last long in my house!

Outside the home, we all ALWAYS agree on what we are going to eat out – sushi!! Yes, my children are sushi addicts! Our favourite sushi place has got to be Shiso, right here in Red Deer. The staff are excellent and their food is so very yummy. We have tried many other sushi restaurants in our travels, and nothing compares to what they offer at Shiso! Our number one appy  is tuna tataki…we literally will fight over it! My hubby loves his rainbow roll, my oldest son loves beef yakiniku, my middle boy loves to share the fresh and baked oysters and mussels with me and my daughter loves butterfish, which I do agree is so yummy! It tastes like butter, but she could eat ten in one sitting.

I think this is all I’m going to write. I’m starving all of a sudden!!

Notice to Membership: Proposed Bylaw Amendments

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Students’ Association of Red Deer Polytechnic

 

As per Article 13 of the Association Bylaws, notice of Bylaw changes must be submitted to the Membership 21 days prior to Council’s final vote. The Association’s Bylaw Amendment Review Committee submitted the following proposed changes to Council on January 20th, 2023, for review and consideration. Council will be discussing these changes on February 13th, 2023, and conducting a final vote on February 27th, 2023. If you have any questions about the proposed changes, please contact Savannah Snow, SARDP President at saprez@​rdpolytech.ca  

View the proposed bylaw amendments here

Notice to Membership: Proposed Bylaw Amendments

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Students’ Association of Red Deer Polytechnic

As per Article 13 of the Association Bylaws, notice of Bylaw changes must be submitted to the Membership 21 days prior to Council’s final vote. The Association’s Bylaw Amendment Review Committee submitted the following proposed changes to Council on January 13th, 2023, for review and consideration. Council will be discussing these changes on January 30th, 2023, and conducting a final vote on February 13th, 2023. If you have any questions about the proposed changes, please contact Savannah Snow, SARDP President at saprez@​rdpolytech.ca. 

View the proposed bylaw amendments here.

Our Holiday Traditions

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Savannah Snow, President

Christmas in our household is… unconventional at best. Neither my partner or I are big Christmas people and his daughter is old enough now that we don’t feel the need to do a whole lot in terms of Christmas magic. We don’t have a tree – instead we have a photo of Jesus in corpse paint that we lovingly refer to as “Black Metal Jesus” that goes up with a few lights and dollar store Christmas decorations, much to the horror of my mother. I have been avoiding the topic of Christmas with her because I am certain if she finds out we still don’t have a tree, she will order one and send it to our house. We do Christmas dinner, as my partner and I both love to cook. His mother typically throws a large family Christmas dinner and she is a phenomenal cook, so we go to her house at some point. Overall, Christmas tends to sneak by without any fanfare – and we like it that way!

Alex Fuiten, Vice President Academic

My holiday traditions tend to be in many respects similar to others celebrating Christmas. I watch Elf a few times, with Christmas Vacation thrown in for good measure. I drink an excessive amount of eggnog and eat way too much turkey when we sit done for Christmas dinner. I have also worked enough retail in my life that when I hear the first couple of notes of Mariah Carey, I immediately want to leave the store. Though the music from A Charlie Brown Christmas will always put me in a good mood. What likely makes my holiday traditions different are the little things. Yes, I decorate a tree, but I also use a mitten as a tree topper, the mitten also happens to change every year. This started as a joke with my fiancé our first year living together and is probably the holiday tradition I most look forward to. The Night Before Christmas is read but my mom still is the one reading to us, I’m 34. On boxing day, we play hockey, but I have enough family in the area that it becomes a family hockey tournament. Regardless of what you celebrate during this holiday season, enjoy and embrace the little things that make your time special.

Erin Bast, Vice President External

When I think about our family holiday traditions I think of my children. The sparkle of the holiday season shines so much brighter with them around. The magic and wonder of Christmas that they get to experience is so exciting for me to be a part of.

We normally attend a Christmas Eve Party every year. This will be our first time hosting this year but we are still in the process of moving so if we choose to move forward with it, it will be a small one. The Christmas Eve Party is something that our kids really enjoy. They run around and play with their friends, sneaking back to the TV to see where Santa’s at in the world, grab a quick snack and go back to playing all while my hubby and I hang out with our friends and family and catch up. I really value this time with my loved ones because my personal life has taken a back seat since being a student and trying to balance work and life.

Over Covid, my immediate family and I started a new tradition of cooking a crab and lobster meal for Christmas instead of turkey. Don’t get me wrong, we love a turkey supper but Thanksgiving and Christmas are so close that we sometimes are all turkeyed out! So on Christmas Day we do crab, lobster, and twice baked potatoes…YUM! And on New Years Day, we cook a traditional turkey supper with cherry cheesecake.

Another one of our traditions is getting pictures with Santa!! Even over Covid, we did pictures of the kids with Santa online – they even got to chat with him! My favourite is always the crying toddlers with Santa, it’s just so dang cute! I get my kids all dressed up and we make an evening out of it and pick up any last minute gifts from the mall. I just love the vibe of the mall at night during Christmas!

No matter how you all celebrate the holiday seasons, enjoy them! Happy Holidays!

 

Happy Holidays from the SA team!