Two candidates compete for ResSoc Vice-President of Judicial Affairs

Helen Wang and Vivian Yang focus platforms on student advocacy

Image supplied by: Supplied.
Helen Wang and Vivian Yang are running for the position.

Following the election of the Residence Society (ResSoc) President for the 2021-22 school year, two candidates are now competing for the position of ResSoc Vice-President of Judicial Affairs. 

Helen Wang

“There have obviously been a lot of issues in the past year that have contributed to residences not really being like a home away from home,” Helen Wang, Comm ’22, said in an interview with The Journal. “This role will help me create the residence experience I believe in and I believe all students should have.” 

Wang has held a number of leadership positions at Queen’s and currently serves as the co-chair for DECA Queen’s. She’s also the regional director of Trek for Teens, where she spearheads advocacy initiatives aimed at increasing awareness and accessibility for homeless youth living in the Kingston, Frontenac, and Lennox and Addington (KFL&A) region. 

Regarding her platform, Wang shared her campaign slogan: ‘Elect Your Champion. Vote Helen.’

“I spent a lot of time brainstorming. This slogan represents my belief in advocacy and being a champion for first year students and the student staff that works behind the scenes to support students,” Wang said. 

Her platform has a common theme of communication and accessibility, with her three platform pillars being champion, connect, and community. 

READ MORE: Roshael Chellappah voted next ResSoc President

To increase accessibility and build peer-to-peer connections, Wang proposed expanding the existing mentorship program and offering more wellness events. 

“We need to utilize student staff effectively to ensure mental and physical initiatives are ongoing, rather than just a one-time event.”

Vivian Yang 

“During my time here [at Queen’s] and living in residence for three years, I noticed a lot of gaps within residence that aren’t necessarily being addressed,” Vivian Yang, Sci ’22 and B.Ed. ’23, said in an interview with The Journal. “Through this position, I’ll hopefully have the power to make change.”

Regarding her prior experience, Yang noted her position as president of the Queen’s Yoga Club playing a big role in shaping the strong emphasis on active living and mental well-being in her platform. Yang has also held the position of residence staff member for the past two years. 

Yang’s platform can be broken down into three pillars: advocate, communicate, and engage. 

She said she’s most excited to advocate for free menstrual products in all residence bathrooms, if elected. 

“I noticed that [offering free menstrual products] is an AMS initiative. We have it in a lot of Queen’s bathrooms, but not in residences,” she said.

She also hopes to continue her commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusivity, and Indigeneity (EDII) initiatives by hanging Indigenous and Pride flags in all common rooms.

“Being a first-year student, as a BIPOC student specifically, it was definitely a culture shock,” Yang said. “For a lot of first year students, it’s their first time seeing a person that’s a different colour than they are, so it’s really important to push for EDII initiatives.”

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Tags

elections 2021, residence society, ResSoc

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