My favourite month has always been September. The thrill of a new academic year floods the campus with new faces and vibrancy. It is the start of an entirely new chapter for new Badgers. For returning Badgers, it's a chance to get back in touch with friends, reintegrate into campus life, and begin the year with renewed enthusiasm.
Seeing Brock come to life again and realizing how many opportunities, experiences, and connections are ahead is truly unique.
One message I want to make sure you hear, and one I will continue to repeat throughout the year, is simple: say yes.
Say Yes
Whether you are an incoming Badger or a returning student, say yes to trying something new. Say yes to attending the event, joining the club, introducing yourself to someone new, applying for the opportunity, or stepping into a space that feels unfamiliar.
Some of the most meaningful parts of university can begin with one small decision. You may not feel completely ready, and that is okay. Confidence often comes after you take the first step, not before it.
Saying yes does not mean overwhelming yourself or ignoring your limits. It means remaining open to the people, experiences, and opportunities that could help you grow. Your time at Brock will move quickly, and many of the moments that shape your university experience may come from the things you did not originally plan. BUSU offers so many opportunities to help you do exactly that. From clubs, free food events, activities that spark your creativity, and chances to unwind and focus on you during times you need it most, there is always something new and exciting to experience. BUSU is always here to provide opportunities to keep your time here on campus filled with energy and connection – make the most of it!
As this year begins, challenge yourself to stay open, take chances, and say yes to the experiences that could shape your Brock journey.
What BUSU Means for You
“The next year, the next day, the next hour are lying ready for you.” - Arnold Bennett
This quote captures what I hope BUSU can represent throughout your time at Brock: Possibility.
BUSU is more than an organization you hear about during orientation or see hosting events around campus. It is your Students’ Union, created to represent you, support you, and help you make the most of your university experience.
What BUSU means to you may look different depending on where you are in your journey. It may be the club where you meet your closest friends, the event that makes campus begin to feel like home, the service that supports you during a difficult time, or the voice that represents your concerns.
BUSU is ready to help you discover new opportunities, make Brock your own and your new home.
Finding Your Place
The leap from high school to university might be difficult, but it can take time to find your place, even as a returning student. Whether this is your first year at Brock or you have spent a number of years here everyone’s experience is distinct and I guarantee there is a place for you. Don't be discouraged if you have not found it. When I got to Brock, at first I was scared to venture out of my comfort zone and attempt new things. It was only in my third year that I felt settled and confident about where I belonged.
Some students will find their community quickly, while others may require more time to explore, meet people and figure out what feels right for them. Returning students might also realize that their hobbies, friendships or ambitions have changed and that’s entirely acceptable. At any moment in your Brock journey, you may start over, try something new and create a fresh experience for yourself. Everyone goes at their own pace. There is no timetable to find your spot and your university experience does not have to look like anyone else's.
It can be tempting to glance around and think that everyone else already knows where they belong, what they want to achieve or who they want to become.” The long and short of it is a lot of students are still working through those problems, no matter what year they are in.
Keep coming. Be open to new experiences. Give yourself time and space to grow. Go to the event, join the club, ask the question, talk to the person next to you. No matter if you’re a new
Brock student or coming back for another year, you never know which simple moment could develop into a crucial aspect of your university experience.
You belong here, even while you are still figuring out what that belonging looks like.
We Are Here for You
As your Students’ Union, BUSU is here to cheer you on, listen when you need support, connect you with opportunities, and help make your time at Brock meaningful.
As President, I want to hear directly from YOU about your experiences, concerns, and ideas. I am excited to meet our incoming Badgers, reconnect with returning students, and work alongside all of you throughout the year.
Here’s to new beginnings, fresh starts, finding your place, and saying yes to everything this year has to offer.
Have a wonderful year, Badgers. We are so glad you are here!
Aaliyah Ariella, President, Brock University Students’ Union