Written by Del Pereira (BA '07)
To
serve,
empower,
and
represent
–
these
are
the
core
values
on
which
the
Federation
of
Students
(Feds)
was
founded
fifty
years
ago
(by
a
couple
of
couch
surfing
student
leaders,
as
it
turns
out).
The
Feds
50th
Gala,
fittingly
held
at
Federation
Hall
(or
rather
some
semblance
of
it
-
a
story
for
another
time)
on
April
22nd
was
a
congregation
of
former
and
current
staff,
students,
student
leaders,
and
executive—all
who
left,
or
continue
to
leave
their
mark,
on
a
historic
timeline.
I’m humbled, honored, and proud to have been part of a collective that has shaped the landscape of student representation, engagement, politics, and shenanigans for half a century. The Feds has always been an integral element of student life at Waterloo, and it was certainly the most significant chapter in mine. I had the opportunity to work as a full- and part-time staff member since 2003 in various capacities at iconic landmarks such as Ground Zero, The Bomber, and Federation Hall, literally serving students. Those venues were the hub of campus life for many, serving as the best restaurant and bar of course, but also as a study hall, movie theater (if you liked Top Gun or Super Troopers), and general space for relaxation. It was also the epicenter of marquee events and the home of the legendary Bomber Wednesday. Man, if those walls could talk...
This experience was a defining moment for me during my time at Waterloo. My employment was the gateway to discover the Feds as an organization and fully understanding the depth, breadth, and the impact it has on students every day, whether students realize it or not. Aside from being responsible for the aforementioned venues, which is no easy task, the Feds is student life. From governance to advocacy, and from representation to essential services and businesses, this organization is the cornerstone of campus culture. I had the distinct honor of being elected and serving as an executive (V.P. Administration & Finance) for a two-year term, a role and time I cherish and still carry with me today. It was a unique and rare opportunity, unlike any other classroom experience, that taught me cooperation, the art of negotiation, the meaning of compromise, and perhaps most importantly, the value of relationships.
As Ms. Burdett remarked during her address, "Feds is about the people," which is one of the reasons I came back to celebrate. My relationships from that era have stood the test of time. I was reunited with my executive team - Kevin Royal, Jonah Levine, and Darcy Higgins - for the first time in seven years (since Jonah's wedding). We reminisced about the late nights, the council/board meetings, the disagreements, the pranks, the work (oh, the work), and of course the list of accomplishments :) (*cough* the UPASS).
My time with the Feds and the University of Waterloo shaped me as an individual and is the reason I am where I am today. My life, perspective, and career path (which still includes working with student associations) are owed to this chapter in my life and I am deeply grateful to everyone that was part of that journey. I fortunately still have the pleasure of working with Feds and their new crop of executives as a partner every year. As such, I have seen firsthand how this organization continues to grow and lead across Canada. I also continue to work with the dedicated staff, the people I have known the longest outside my family. Congratulations on fifty years and I look forward to seeing what the next 50 years bring.
Here's to continuing to serve, empower, and represent every day.