Liz Chen
Liz Chen: HMC candidate
“Treat people with respect and empathy, because everyone is fighting their own battles”
Meet Liz, an Honours BBA (Finance) student at HMC Campus! An adaptable leader passionate about promoting Financial Support: Scholarships, Bursaries and Awards across all campuses.
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My biggest inspiration as a leader is my parents. Watching them work hard, stay patient, and support others has taught me the importance of leading with empathy and responsibility. They’ve shown me that real leadership is not about authority, but about setting a positive example and helping others succeed.
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The biggest challenge for students across Ontario is the combined pressure of finances, mental health, and academic demands. I would advocate for province-wide policies that provide support, improve accessibility, and ensure students feel heard at the Board level.
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A major challenge students face today is the growing pressure from academic demands and financial stress, which impacts mental health and overall well-being. I would focus on strengthening student support systems and ensuring that student voices are represented when decisions are made.
What are some of the student issues that you would like to bring to the Board table?
Why is Financial support the area you are most passionate about?
Advocating for financial support through scholarships, bursaries, and awards is deeply important to me because I have personally experienced how stressful and uncertain it can feel to afford an education. As an international student, I know how expensive it is to study in another country. Beyond tuition, there are many other costs, such as rent, food, transportation, and daily living expenses. On top of that, being far away from home means you don’t always have the same emotional or financial support from family. Carrying that pressure while trying to succeed in school is not easy, and it has helped me understand how much financial support truly matters.
At the same time, through my work and involvement at Sheridan, I have learned that financial struggles affect both international and domestic students. I have met many domestic students who work long hours while studying full-time or help support their families. I have seen how worrying about money can impact their mental health, confidence, and academic performance. Financial stress does not discriminate, and it can make students feel isolated or discouraged even when they are doing their best.
My involvement with the Sheridan Student Union and my work in Food Services have given me the opportunity to listen to students’ stories and understand their realities. I have spoken with students who were unsure whether they could continue their studies due to financial pressure, and others who felt embarrassed to ask for help. These moments made me realize that scholarships, bursaries, and awards are not just about financial assistance. They are about giving students peace of mind and reminding them that someone believes in them.
I believe education should be something students can pursue based on their goals and potential, not limited by their financial situation. When students receive financial support, they are given breathing room. They can focus more on learning, participating in campus life, and planning their future instead of constantly worrying about money. Support like this can change the direction of a student’s life in
ways that are bigger than we often realize.
This is why advocating for scholarships, bursaries, and awards matters so much to me. I want to be a voice for students who feel overwhelmed, unheard, or unsure of where to turn. I want students to feel supported, understood, and encouraged to keep going, even when things feel difficult. Whether a student is international or domestic, everyone deserves a fair chance to succeed.
For me, this is not just an issue of funding; it is about compassion, opportunity, and community. I care deeply about helping create an environment at Sheridan where students feel safe asking for help and confident that their dreams are worth supporting. Education has the power to change lives, and I want to be part of making that possible for as many students as I can.
“I want to make a mark on campus by creating a positive impact”
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I am a Business Administration – Finance student at Sheridan College who genuinely enjoys being involved in campus life and connecting with others. Over the past year, I have had the opportunity to work in Food Services and with the Sheridan Student Union Promotions and Engagement team. These experiences have allowed me to meet students from many different programs and backgrounds and have helped me feel truly part of the Sheridan community.
Outside of my work roles, I make an effort to attend campus events whenever I can because I like staying connected and learning more about what students care about and enjoy. Whether it is cultural celebrations, awareness campaigns, or social events, I value being present and involved.
Through my involvement at Sheridan, I have grown both personally and professionally. I have become more confident in my communication skills, more comfortable working in teams, and more motivated to take initiative and contribute wherever I can. Most importantly, these experiences have taught me the importance of giving back and supporting others.
For me, Sheridan is more than just a place to study. It is a community where I have built meaningful relationships, developed leadership skills, and discovered a passion for student engagement. I take pride in being part of the Sheridan Student Union and the wider Sheridan community, and I look forward to continuing to support and represent students in a positive and impactful way.
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I believe the SSU should prioritize mental health and well-being as a core part of its mission and values. Students today face increasing academic pressure, financial stress, and social challenges, so strengthening accessible mental health supports, wellness programs, and initiatives that foster community connection would have a meaningful impact on both current and future students.
Liz’s leadership style:
As a leader, what is Liz more likely to?
"Student leadership should feel more inclusive and less intimidating.” –liz
As a reminder, you will need to vote for campus specific representatives, but all Board discussions are passed when every Board member is involved. Take look at all of your campus reps, stop by their campaign booths and make an informed decision on March 16 - March 20.