[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/Sharma_Arati.jpg” caption=”Arati Sharma, fourth-year political science student and former VP education for the MSU. “]Former MSU VP education Arati Sharma has spent the majority of her university career fighting on behalf of students. The VP education is essentially the spokesperson for students on academic issues. In this capacity, Sharma coordinated the MSU's lobbying efforts in conjunction with the Ontario University Students Association (OUSA).

“The most compelling thing about student politics is the ability to do something about the things that frustrate you about higher education,” says Sharma. “For instance, I was always frustrated by student financial aid in Ontario, and this year I was able to work on a tuition paper for OUSA that called upon many frustrations students had about financial aid.”

Financial aid was just one of many issues Sharma took on. She also expanded the role of the McMaster food bank, increased election awareness, served on the Learning Commons Steering Committee, strengthened alumni relations and helped pioneer the REACH early outreach program, an MSU project aimed at getting local elementary students thinking about post-secondary education.

Sharma also served as treasurer for OUSA, contributing to the MSU's reputation as one of the most active and influential student governments in the province.

Originally from Brampton, the 23-year old student advocate describes her work lobbying for elementary school outreach programs as one of her most rewarding experiences. After a massive lobbying campaign by OUSA and the MSU, the provincial government announced $16 million in funding for early outreach programs. She plans to spend the coming year helping shape the curriculum and activities of the program.

Despite the uphill-battle that characterizes many of the MSU's lobbying efforts, Sharma's only frustration with student politics is perceived apathy.

“Students are a busy, involved and socially-minded group,” she says. “They're part of clubs, have part-time jobs, full-time academics, and all the while trying to balance having a social life and developing into the individuals they will be for the rest of their lives.”

Sharma is a firm believer that even if students do not choose to be political, they are active and involved in other aspects of their lives. To those who are similarly passionate about the politics of education, Sharma's portfolio is a compelling one.

“I wish every student had the experience of being involved in student government in some capacity,” she says. “The amount of knowledge and hands-on, real life experience one gains is diverse. However, whether you are a student representative assembly member, a Silhouette writer, or one of those superhuman EFRT-types who ride on bikes and save people, I say get involved. It gives you the chance to contribute to something for your peers, and you'll develop life-long friendships.”

Sharma is currently in her fourth-year, pursuing a degree in political science. She also serves on the Provost's Task Force for Learning and Education, volunteers for the McMaster Alumni Association, and will continue to play a leadership role in the REACH program she helped start.