Whether cruising by the security hut, on your way back to Trinity this January, was exhilarating or not, the fact of the matter is that you are back with friends. Hopefully you had the chance to get in some valuable R&R and recharge your mind. It's wonderful that time spent with family and friends can prepare your mind for the vigorous beating that is about to be bestowed upon it. So, to start off this semester I thought I would prose a question and then give a charge.

One evening I was firmly planted on the couch, after one of my mother's amazing meals and found myself reading Newsweek. The article titled "The End of Christian America" sparked my interest. Parts of the article parallel everyone's favourite class, IDIS. The authour, Jon Meacham writes "The decline and fall of the modern religious right's notion of a Christian America creates a calmer political environment and, for many believers, may help open the way for a more theologically serious religious life". Now this may seem rather logical to some and other might oppose the statement, part of the beauty of democracy. Jon's statement left me mulling over where Christians political responsibilities lie. Should we, as Christians, be pushing our moral agenda? Is it wrong to try to impose or is it a natural out pouring of love? How can we change the world for Christ in a non-political manner? These are just some of the questions I encountered and I'm sure you will have your own. You can read the entirety of Meacham's article via the link below.

If those questions sparked your interest or you are simply looking to get involved in leadership, I invite you to come to the TWUSA office and talk about possibilities for next year. TWUSA provides a place where students can begin to engage with critical questions on a realistic stage but within a safe environment. Moreover, the opportunity to improve and hone your leadership qualities is great experience. Keep an eye out in February for upcoming elections or email twusapresident@twu.ca with any questions.

For everyone else who is not jumping at the opportunity to get involved in TWUSA, I say: Get involved in something! Not only will it improve your resume and differentiate in a fiercely competitive job market, but also it will benefit you as a person. By taking advantage of all the opportunities, events, and services that TWUSA and the university provide, I promise your experience here will be enhanced.

http://www.newsweek.com/id/192583

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Recently, the Vice-President, Jason Brandl and myself had the privilege of traveling to Dallas, Texas. The purpose of our trip was to attend a conference that was tailored specifically towards improving student governments. This is the first time TWUSA has ever participated in a conference of this nature. The American Student Government Association (ASGA) hosted the conference at Northwood's University in Dallas. There was roughly 60 student government personnel present from all over the United States including Brooklyn College, Texas A&M, and University of Louisiana. This was a fully enriching experience and we were able to garner a lot of knowledge from the different perspectives. Although you may not be able to see many of the changes that will occur immediately, rest assured that there will be organizational improvements that have stemmed from this conference. At the beginning of the conference, the keynote speaker stressed that as leaders in student government we need to put Student's First. Ironically, this is our theme for the year. By attending this conference we were able to put things in perspective and learn how to better put Student's First. As always, if you have any comments or suggestions on how that could be accomplished email twusa@twu.ca or stop by the office.

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Is our campus apathetic? There are many facets that seek to solve the problem of student apathy; some universities even launch specific campaigns to combat apathy specifically. I believe that we are not merely apathetic but overloaded. There are so many wonderful ways to get involved at our university and the surrounding community. Let me list a few: TWUSA (not that I am biased or anything), Foreign Affairs Society, International Social Justice Club, Student Business Association, Nurses Association, Future Teachers Society, Pre Law Society, Music Guild, Chapel Teams, Student Ministries, Fall and Spring Missions Trips, and Open Mic Night. I could write pages about all the various opportunities provided for students at TWU. All these opportunities are coupled with rigorous studies and exciting social experimentation. During these four years at Trinity, I hope that you choose to get involved in every way that you are able. Do not seek to run yourself ragged but search to find the opportunities that are valuable to you. TWUSA is present not to collect student fees and be on our way. Its purpose is to provide meaningful ways for students to get plugged into campus life. We aim to provide beneficial services, proper advocacy, and great events. However, we also aim to be a resource that is able to plug students into all the different opportunities on campus. So, if you are in anyway shape or form looking to get involved or if you are overloaded and just looking for a free coffee or pancakes, stop by the TWUSA office. It's what we are here for.

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As I hope you have heard by now TWUSA's theme for this year is Students First. In order to put students first, we have to know what students are thinking. Revolutionary idea, I know. A big part of communication happens through student leaders. There are over 200 student leaders on campus that serve the community. And so TWUSA has decided to return to Qwanoes to get to know our fellow student leaders and open up channels of communication in order to better serve the entire student body. On Monday night, TWUSA voted to not suspend Pillar and to continue the search for a team to run Pillar. I would like to commend all the students who took it as their responsibility to show up and voice their concerns. Further, I would like to commend TWUSA for listening to student's concerns and voting accordingly. I feel like both students and council were able to come away from the meeting feeling like the right decision had been made. This is yet another representation of how much of a difference you can make if you make your voice heard. One way you are able to make your voice heard in the near future is at our Annual General Meeting on Wednesday, September 30th at 7 PM in Fraser Lounge. Our staff has worked very hard to put together a budget that will add value to your year while remaining fiscally responsible. Coming to AGM will allow you the opportunity to speak into how your student fees are spent. We need to hear whats important to you.

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