+ Read Tanvir's Bio

What is your favourite thing about your role and your work for SUS?

The best aspect of working for an organization such as the UFV Student Union Society is the ability to continue learning about politics, government, and effective advocacy. As I pursue my Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Political Science, obtaining the role of Vice President Internal after serving as a Student Representative at Large for two years allows me to continue to apply my academic knowledge, and experience to improve campus life. I value the opportunity to continue acknowledging, addressing, and advocating on behalf of the student body for the things that are most impactful to their lives. Engaging in meaningful dialogue with students and having the ability to act on feedback is the most rewarding aspect of the role.

Is there anything that your colleagues would be surprised to know about you?

I think my colleagues may be surprised to know that I am a rather quiet person, especially in new environments, even though I am often engaged or participate in public, and leadership-type roles. Therefore, I often find ways to enjoy the quiet and calm parts of the day, which includes waking up early almost every day. I actually find it difficult to sleep in and cannot remember the last time I have slept past 8am.

Who or what has been the biggest influence in your life?

I believe the people I am closely surrounded by are some of the biggest influences in my life. Much of this is attributed to the fact that I have seen them all navigate life in such unique ways and have overcome a variety of adversities'. This is not only empowering, but also extremely influential to the type of outlook and values I have in life after witnessing their lived experiences.

What was your first job?

My first job was within my family business. I still do actively participate in supporting the family business, but it has become more difficult overtime with attending university, volunteering, working, and maintaining a balance between my personal goals and attending to friends and family. However, working in the family business has had a profound impact on the work, and volunteer commitments that I pursue, therefore, I find ways to incorporate many of the skills, values, and beliefs I obtained from this job to my current pursuits in life.

If you could do anything in the world, what would it be?

Answering what I would do if I could do anything in the world is difficult because it truly depends on what resources I have available and the funds I have to support a certain lifestyle. However, some of the top things would be, reading and travelling much more often, especially with friends and family. I would love to explore different places, learn new languages, cultures, and challenge my perspective. I think being a life-long learner is something that I truly hope to carry with me. In terms of a job, I think I have always had a dream of owning a shop that sells baked goods and has an expansive café and dessert menu that features global delicacies. However, this place would also sell flower and allow people to read or borrow books.

What is the most useful advice you would give other students from your experience?

Although this is rather common, and often easier stated than done, I would encourage students to try as many things as possible. Having opportunities and resources are often overlooked, and daunting to take part in, but I truly believe it is important to engage in, nonetheless. Most people regret what they do not partake in, and if you do regret something that you partake in, at least you are more prepared to avoid or navigate that event or situation better in the future. Therefore, I truly encourage students to try everything that they can, because it truly never is too late, and it is genuinely better late than never. My life has truly changed, and impacted the person I have become due to my willingness and to participate and engage with a variety of different things.

What is your mandate, why did you choose it, and what do you want to do with it?

The mandate I chose this semester was the College of Arts. I chose this mandate as I have had the opportunity to build a strong academic foundation through the various different faculties and departments that are within the College of Arts. This has enabled me to better understand the needs, wants, priorities, and experiences of students within this mandate. Therefore, I hope to gather feedback from both students and faculty, improve awareness of programs and resources that are available, and continue to improve upon what is offered to ensure students feel supported, and well-represented at UFV.

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What is your favourite thing about your role and your work for SUS?

There are so many cool things about working at SUS. My role as Vice President External means I get to network and communicate with a lot of people, both internally at SUS and UFV, and externally with other student unions and advocacy organizations. My daily schedule is less rigid than the other executives, meaning this role can be molded by whomever holds it. I am most looking forward to traveling to Ottawa for the Canadian Alliance of Students' Association (CASA) conference, where we will advocate for student interests such as the recent federal government decision to remove the requirement for international students to obtain a separate co-op work permit for work placements that are required as part of their academic program.

Is there anything that your colleagues would be surprised to know about you?

In the past I have written to, and conducted interviews with several Canadian politicians. I got a letter back from former Prime Minister Jean Chretien describing what running a country is like. I also did a zoom interviews with former B.C. premier John Horgan, and former Ontario premier Kathleen Wynne. Whenever I do interviews I always try to ask questions that they have never been asked before.

Who or what has been the biggest influence in your life?

My grandfather, Syd. He is the hardest working, most ethical person I know. He came to Canada from the Netherlands at age 12 with his family, and worked hard to become an independent family man. At 86 years old he still finds ways to work and keep himself busy, such as tearing apart old appliances to collect the scrap metal. During the pandemic I would drive with him all over the Fraser Valley picking up old fridges and stoves that he could use for scrap. He is also extremely generous and will always go out of his way to lend a helping hand even if it disadvantages himself.

What was your first job?

My grandfather used to own a landscaping company. Growing up I would work for him on and off as a labourer gardening, laying gravel, and building water fountains.

If you could do anything in the world what would it be?

I would love to road trip across Canada. I have only ever been to two provinces, and I would love to get a first hand look at all of Canada.

What is the most useful advice you would give other students from your experience?

Get involved on campus early. As you near the end of your degree you will feel shocked by how quickly the time went by. When I came to UFV I was very introverted, and waited until my third year before I started participating with clubs, and now working at SUS. It can be scary to put yourself out there at first, but it will be well worth it and you will thank yourself for it!

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What is your favourite thing about your role and the work you do for SUS?

One of the best things about working at SUS (there are many) is our team. There is a wealth of knowledge, experience and a variety of backgrounds that make being part of SUS dynamic and meaningful.

Is there anything that your colleagues would be surprised to know about you?

I am a huge Formula 1 motor-racing fan. I grew up watching the sport with my father in England and now enjoy watching every race with my husband and my young son, who is actually named after a famous F1 driver.

Who or what has been the biggest influence in your life?

I lived and volunteered in the North End of Winnipeg 2001/02. It was a particularly cold winter with many days hitting -45C after windchill. I had very little money, no phone, TV or vehicle and the work was very challenging at times. I met some life-long friends and found much beauty in unexpected places. While it was an intense character-building experience, Winnipeg will always hold a special place in my heart.

What was your first job?

My first full-time job was as a Travel Agent booking ski vacations in Europe. I continued working as a Specialist Travel Consultant for several years before attending University as a mature student.

If you could do anything in the world, what would it be?

I’m a fairly ambitious person so it is tough for me to narrow it down to one thing but I would really like to take my son to watch a live F1 race in Hanoi, Vietnam when he is a bit older.

What is the most useful advice you would give to other students from your own experience?

Tap into community. Whether it is through extra-curricular activities, joining a club, or through part-time work, a community can help you through the intensity of studying and keeps you connected to people and the world.