Committed to student concerns

BY JACQUI WIENS

Natalie Dixon is one of the new members of the Students’ Association Board of Directors and recently gave an interview to the Algonquin Times. We started off asking her why she was interested in the position.

“Working on behalf of the student body has been a focus of mine throughout my high school and post-secondary experience,” said Dixon. “For the amount of time that a student spends in school it is so important that the experience is as pleasurable and as manageable as possible. In every educational institution there is always room for improvement. As time passes, so does the needs of the Algonquin College student body and I am so excited to do whatever I can to work to fulfill the current needs.”

She added, “I had also seen great things from the current SA board and that definitely played a role in my interest to explore becoming a director.”

We asked how her program had helped prepare her and what traits she would bring to the Board of Directors.

“Time management and organizational skills are an integral part of being successful in the practical nursing program,” Dixon said. “Fun, approachable, intelligent, caring, organized, committed, driven, and an incredibly loud laugh… I added the last one simply as a warning.”

Dixon was asked how her program enabled her to connect with the student body and the needs of other students.

“As a class representative for the practical nursing program, I have had the great pleasure of meeting students from different other programs at the Students’ Association Forums. I look forward to meeting many more members of the student body in the coming year,” said Dixon. “Simply by listening and asking questions to various students I have learned so much about what the strengths and opportunities are for bettering the student experience at this great college.  It has been a focus of mine to be approachable and non-judgemental in everything I do. Every student is different and has varied needs and wants and it is so important that their opinions are heard.”

When asked if she had any past credentials which could be applied to the position, Dixon replied, “As I mentioned previously, I have spent a considerable amount of time working for students on various councils and associations.  I also have a wealth of leadership and management experience which I’m confident will come in handy during the term.”