Hard to believe it took me just over half an hour to figure out how to do basic things on a Mac (I'm in the special lab near the library). So simple after I figured it out. All I had to do was switch computers to realize that no, it wasn't just me who couldn't do something as dorky as properly plugging in a USB key.

Friends have said that my posters look good so far, and they like the variety of pop and recognizability between the two. I'll most likely use the more 'realistic' one as a new display photo, despite my 'melonhead' fears. I'll try and post them later in the day.

Two other candidates have started putting up posters, but they're not in my category. Surprised how slow it is with 38 candidates running this year. I'm excited about who I'm running against, and already hopeful about the possibilities of who might be on next year's board. That being said, my new boss at Bank of Montreal called me today regarding coming in and filling out some paperwork for my new job. Must remember to contact the present Vice-Chair of the Board to talk about how to time-manage job, SCSU and school while still maintaining an decent/excellent average.

I'm a little disappointed that Copycats' colour printer is broken, was really excited about printing up my posters in colour. Hopefully they're eye catching without being overbearing, but I know that in itself will happen as the days pass and the number of candidate posters gets higher.

Here's to another crazy election! -karen

P.S. I realize that many websites for candidacy give a more professional tone in regards to discussing platform, experience and general accounts, but hopefully, this blog serves as a much more accessible way for you, the voter to get to know me. I'm a student, just like you, and I don't want to appear otherwise in a way that might seem like I'm a person you can't relate to.

Yee gods. It is 6 am. I have not slept. I have class in like, 6 hours, and I am lucky if I get 4, because I need to wake early, do some sort of reading for my tutorial at one, get my posters printed, stamped and approved (I made one and my bf made one, despite his utter hate for the whole SCSU-and-it-makes-karen-stressed-out-stupidly argument), as well as get the okay for this website (no strikes this time for that one) and possibly pick up my mother while not driving drunk at 2:30 pm. Egads.

It is election time people! EEEEE!

I am so glad I decided to drop a course, and doubly glad I made instant coffee infused chocolate today. I will eat it all tomorrow.

Grog! I work hard for you people!

(P.S. Officially, the last two entries will be posted up posthumously, because I can't officially post them until I get approval from the elections committee. You know, rules and stuff.)

38 Candidates!!! I am deeply afraid of the posters in the meeting place. (Sob. I forgot I have no tape.)

Goooooood night!

So, it's the night before campaigning starts, and I'm pleased to see who else is running in my category for Humanities. Established candidates and new candidates and me, the lonely first year (I think).

There has definitely been debating considerations regarding whether I should have even submitted a nomination form after watching the drama and endless debate of the last 6 months in the SCSU with the many changes and resignations that have happened. And in the end, I'm glad I'm running, because I know that I'm a candidate that is serious about what the SCSU does. But I'm also coming into this election with a much different view than the one I had regarding the first year elections I ran in earlier. That is, the SCSU is not the only significant thing to get involved in at UTSC, and isn't my highest priority.

That being said, I'm still definitely going to take this election seriously, and any resulting consequences of it regarding a role in the SCSU seriously as well. I have seen what happens when people go into this without realizing the amount of commitment and understanding needed, and I don't wish to repeat their actions if I come into office. And I believe that my experience of being a member of the Standing Commitee of Academics as well as Human Resources, along with attending most of this year's Board Meetings says a lot about my research into the job, and my willingness to learn and commit to it.

That basically sums up why I decided to run.

My next post will most likely be about my platform issues, my stresses regarding posters (and my concerns regarding the barrage over public space at UTSC for the next two weeks and my contribution to that), addressing any concerns I feel students might have overall and in Humanities particularly, and general stuff.

Thanks for reading and being informed.