My Closing Thoughts
Well, another election has come to an end. The detailed results can be found here, if you haven’t seen them yet. As we wrap up, I’d like to share some closing thoughts with our loyal readers.
I’ve seen a lot of DSU Elections in my (excessive length of) time at Dalhousie. I’ve been an observer, a failed candidate, a successful candidate, a failed Presidential candidate, a pundit, and official agent and a referendum spokesperson. I can tell you that a tremendous amount of work goes into a campaign, whether you win it or not. I can also tell you from experience that I’ve felt nearly every sentiment that one can from viewing the election results. Lord knows there are a lot of them.
To our newly elected leaders, Saulnier, Bouchard, Kurin, Arron, Griffin, Ma, MaGill and Scrimgeour, I wish you the best of luck. Your hard work (well, mostly) has paid off. There is still more work to come, but hopefully this gauntlet has helped prepare you for the challenges you will face in your respective roles. That goes for you, too, Loaded Ladle volunteers; if anything, you’ve got the biggest challenge of all ahead of you.
Given the high profile roles that all of the successful candidates have had in the DSU this year (respectfully including our new Senate Reps), I’d say there has been a pretty resounding show of support for the current direction of the DSU. That doesn’t mean the status quo is okay; rather, the things you’re talking about for further improving the Union are getting some traction. I’m hopeful and optimistic that you can live up to those commitments.
As for the other candidates, don’t despair. Believe me when I say that some of the most amazing people I know are unsuccessful DSU election candidates who have gone on to do incredible things. You’ve participated in an incredibly valuable learning experience. No doubt you all know much more about our community, our issues and our fellow students than you did before you began (if you don’t, I think you now know why things didn’t pan out 
). I know I did. But don’t worry, most unsuccessful candidates don’t end up like me.
Looking back on it, would we really have been in such bad shape if some of these candidates had won? The passion and effort so many of you have put into this is considerable. Sebastian, I know a lot of people you won over with your charisma and the heart you put into your campaign. John, you’ve injected some much needed light-heartedness into this DSU and reminded us not to take ourselves too seriously. Evan, you’ve accomplished so much and with your dedication and creativity, I have no doubt you’ll continue to go and do amazing things.
Tom, Andrew and Chris R., all of you are still young and have come a long way in a short time. Stay involved and don’t let your great ideas fall to the wayside. Imad, Adam and Chris C., your commitments to the DSU have been considerable and we all owe you thanks for it. I’ve no doubt that you’ll find success in wherever you each decide to go next. Last but not least, Karl, I’ve probably enjoyed our chats on the campaign trail than those I’ve had with any other candidates. Don’t let go of your passion. I hope you’ll be willing to find a continued, valued place in the DSU.
After all, the game’s not over yet. We still need a Vice President (Finance and Operations), two more Senators, Members-at-Large, seats on the Board, Commissioners and numerous others who are willing to participate and keep the DSU active and vibrant. Many of you have demonstrated that potential. Just because things didn’t pan out how you initially hoped doesn’t mean you don’t have reason to be proud. After all, each and every one of you managed to get at least ~200 students behind your cause. That is no small feat. Don’t take that for granted.
Thank you to you all. I wish all of our candidates the best and I look forward to hearing about all of your student leadership successes and exciting new opportunities in the coming year.
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