Vision.

There are many choices that come up each day. What we should do, when we should do it, why we should do it, and so on.
The Atlantic Baptist University Student Association has many choices with what to do with the funds that have been given to us. So, regarding the topic, I thought I should make public what I want to see done in the school.
1. I want less money to be spent on events that have been serving primarily only one demographic. I want to see some money put into spaces instead. I want to see specific spaces be turned into better areas for students to study, hang out, or just relax. That being said, I want the money that is spent on events to be used as wisely as possible, so that we can hold the best events possible.
2. I want to find ways to reach demographics that have barely been reached before. This is one of my primary concerns. Although all full time students pay a student association fee, many do not take advantage of the opportunities that we have for them, and this is (at least) partially our fault. We need to take strides in finding ways to help people out who we have not helped before.
3. Student Council must have a much stronger presence in the school than we presently have. Each and every person should know who they can go see if they have an issue. People should know who we are.
4. Finally, I want to ensure that all student concerns are heard. I think it is tremendously important that, as representatives, we find how to truly represent the people. I believe that every person's voice is worth hearing, and I want to ensure that each person's voice is heard.

I am sure things will be added to this as the campaign goes in, because I am constantly seeing things that we do well, and things we can improve on. So I will probably update, but these are the top four things that I feel passionately about.

Why Vote?

Typically, at ABU, we have a low voter turnout. To me, this is quite disappointing, and yet I understand. As students, we have limited time in a day, and voting is often not at the top of our list of things to do, especially when it is something that we are not involved in, or feel we have no voice in. I think we should change that. So, to you, the students of ABU, I ask: 'why not vote?'. You pay a student fee each year. And as your representatives, we delegate this money out. Why not have a say as to where it goes? In my next post I will be talking about what I want to see done with that money. But you need to ensure that whoever you vote for will listen to you. They will listen to what you want to see done at this school. So, please vote. Even if it is not for me. You have the right, so why not take advantage of it? I hope to see you on election days! If you have any questions feel free to comment or email amy.kirsten.jones@gmail.com

Me.

For those of you who do not know me, my name is Amy Kirsten Jones. I was born November 26th, 1988 in the small town of Sackville, New Brunswick. When I was four, I moved to Riverview, New Brunswick, and in high school made my final move to Quispamsis. My father is a regional minister, and director of development for the Convention of Atlantic Baptist Churches, and my mother works for a wealth management firm. I have two fantastic sisters, Laura and Molly, and a great brother-in-law, Dan. I have been blessed to have been raised in a wonderful family.

My experience at ABU started in the Fall of 2006, and I was dead-set against coming here. I was all ready to head out West and do an outdoor discipleship program. However, one day, when talking to a friend of mine, I was encouraged to stay closer to home and attend ABU instead. And so I did, but with many fears, and with an unsteady heart. I was not sure what I was looking for, and I was nearly positive that whatever it was, ABU was not the place to receive it. Hindsight is 20/20 though, and I see now that ABU was the best option for me in many ways; I created great friendships by coming here, I have been blessed to be able to concurrently complete my Bachelor of Business Administration, as well as my Bachelor of Arts in communications in only four years. I have also had great opportunities to serve while here. My first year, I took part in two drama productions, and volunteered at Harvest House. It was in my second year that I first experienced student council, as on-campus rep. I am now in my third year, and am the Vice President of Student Affairs for the council, and am very grateful to have had this wonderful opportunity.

I have worked for libraries, insurance companies, camps, and empire theatres (I love theatre popcorn!). I also am presesntly the treasurer for the Atlantic Baptist Youth, and have had many other great volunteer opportunities. I enjoy spending time with people, outdoor activities (hiking, kayaking, camping, rock climbing, etc.), but I also enjoy sitting down with a good book to read (presently I am enjoying Jodi Piccoult an awful lot). I like to watch the Waltons, and any CSI or Law and Order program, and am somewhat obsessed with the television show "Lost".

So, now that you know me, please feel free to get to know me in person! If you have any questions, shoot me off an email at amy.kirsten.jones@gmail.com, or come up and talk to me! I would love to get to know you as well!