Evangeline Cowie (SMC 2T3) is a Special Assistant in the Senate of Canada, supporting the work of Senator Krista Ross. Previously, she served as President of the University of St. Michael’s College Student Union (USMCSU), leading advocacy and campus initiatives. She was also a member of the University of Toronto’s women’s rugby team. Evangeline holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Toronto and a Master of Arts in Political Science from the University of Ottawa. She remains passionate about public service and policy development.
Student government can be a stepping-stone for those interested in leadership or politics. For me, it was much more than that. It truly shaped my experience at St. Mike’s and at U of T.
I first joined SMCSU in 2021 as Vice-President of Mental and Health and Accessibility and transitioned to the role of President in 2022. I wanted to make a difference in the student experience at St. Mike’s, however small. I had the opportunity to work alongside talented and dedicated leaders, administrators, and students alike, all working towards the goal of improving our academic, social, and personal lives. At the time, I didn’t think very much about the impact that it would have on my future which, in retrospect, has been life changing.
My most important experiences came from the coordination and compromises that are necessary ingredients for collective team success. Within that framework, I learned to embrace disagreement as a way of diversifying my perspective. I learned how to adapt, problem-solve, and to approach new challenges with confidence and an open-mind. I also learned the importance of keeping the bigger picture in mind; maintaining a collaborative environment ensured that our team could truly make a positive impact. When a team works towards a common goal, it can accomplish great things.
I also want to give a shout-out to the value of clear, thoughtful, and tactful communication. Whether I was leading SMCSU meetings, or speaking with students and members of the administration, I found that our ability to reach the student body and to achieve our goals depended in large part on our ability to communicate effectively, in a manner that was relatable to our student body.
These lessons have continued to inform my daily work at the Senate of Canada. Transitioning to this venerable institution was certainly a robust learning curve but one that I felt well-equipped to handle with the bank of skills that I developed through my work with SMCSU. The essence of Senate’s work is, in its purest form, to give a voice to regional and minority views that might not have been accounted for in the legislative process and communicating them clearly back to the House of Commons. As an institution of “sober second thought”, the Senate espouses diversity, teamwork, and effective communication. I can’t think of a more perfect “prep school” for my work than my experience with SMCSU.
In addition to all I have said, I believe that the most valuable takeaway from my time at St. Mike’s has been the importance of community. St. Mike’s taught me that there is strength in being part of a team, in supporting others and learning from those around you. Even on my last day as SMCSU President, passing the baton to another set of incredible student leaders, I was reminded that we were all part of a long history of students giving of their valuable time to improving our college, our home. It is a similar feeling to the one I have most days working in the Senate; that my contributions are part of a long history of talented individuals dedicating their time to having an impact, small or large, on the governance of our country. I feel incredibly fortunate to have the opportunity to contribute to the work of Senator Ross and to take part in the feeling of community that comes along with it.
As I write this from my laptop, which is still covered in St. Mike’s paraphernalia, I take pride in knowing that I will always be part of the St. Mike’s family. While I hope to have had a positive impact, however small, on the St. Mike’s community, the St. Mike’s community has left an inedible mark on me.
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