Interview with Fourth Year Rep
Updated: Apr 27, 2020
We sat down with a few members of the 2017-2018 exec team to discuss why they joined, what they hope you get out of CUSS if you decide to run for a position and their challenges you might face. Michelle Vuong is a 4th year rep who has been in CUSS since her first year and will be graduating this year! We love you Michelle! Check out her interview below.
Q: When/Why did you join CUSS?
A: I joined CUSS 4 years ago, in my first year. I immediate fell in love with the idea of being involved in my student society, when I saw CUSS at academic orientation. I was heavily involved in clubs in high school, so to me, this was the perfect opportunity for me to integrate into Carleton.
Q: What has been your favourite thing about your position?
A: Being involved in CUSS has given me long lasting friends and a personal connection to my program. Not only have I gotten to hold a variety of leadership positions, but have developed relationships with our AMAZING faculty and talking to so many of my classmate.
Q: What did you learn from this specific position?
A: Being a year-rep means you are leading promotion for events, and being the point of contact for your classmates. I love how many people I can talk to, persuade into coming to our events, and then seeing them there!
Q: Why did you run for the current position you have?
A: It’s my fourth year in CUSS – it’s time for me to set back and watch the next generation blossom. I ran for this position to remain involved in exec, but also to foster leadership and growth in our younger members! It’s been incredibly satisfying to watch our 2nd and 3rd year lead events and their own projects, with our support.
Q: What is your favourite thing about CUSS?
A: CUSS is my home – it’s the first thing I did at Carleton. I really don’t know my identity without CUSS, which is a little strange. Honestly, CUSS made me fall in love with COMS and it gave me my first friend in university, so what’s not to love?
Q: What was the most challenging aspect of your position
A: I am usually late, because who I am as a person. Sometimes I struggle making it to class with enough time to make an announcement. I’ve learned to make it up during class breaks, or emails!
Q: Do you think being on CUSS is manageable for students (explain)
A: CUSS emphasizes going to class and interacting with your classmates (at least for me) and being open to online communication! It really depends on what position you hold, but exec is incredible with working with everyone’s schedules and studies.
Q: If you had any advice for anyone in Communications thinking about running for CUSS exec, what would you say?
A: What do you have to lose by not running? Putting yourself out there to love you program, give back and pursue a leadership opportunity – please do it!
Q: Is there anything you wish you got to accomplish this year as a member of the EXEC team?
A: I wish I could have gone to more events! Being a fourth year and working is rough. I have 2 more months to make up for it though.
Q: If you could describe your year on the 2017-2018 CUSS team in one word, what would it be?
A: INNOVATIVE. This year we’ve seen so many new ideas in our tour and events. I’m incredibly impressed with our exec and excited to see what they accomplish next!
