Introduction of Presidential Candidate by Brendan William Cross
Good morning, everyone. This morning we come together to hear the speeches of 11 candidates who are campaigning for your vote in this year’s Students’ Association election. Next year’s executive will be determined by your vote and the votes of others, which in turn, might be affected by the speeches given today.
We must never under-estimate the power of words. Words have the ability to inspire us, to make us laugh, even to make us cry. Words convey ideas, ideas born in the mind of whoever is speaking, ideas that represent more than just a picture of the world around us, but the dreams of the spirits inside us. In a world where we can sometimes feel so disconnected with each other, words are the audible sound of our connection with one another, spoken rarely for any other reason than to be heard by someone.
Today, we have all come together to hear the words of these candidates who will communicate to us their hopes and dreams, their stories and achievements, and their views and opinions. I urge you all to pay close attention to the words spoken here today. Where there is a promise, remember it. Where there is an argument, examine it. Where there is a challenge, accept it.
Throughout history, kingdoms have been built and destroyed by the words spoken within them. That’s because some words are eternal. Truth and love can be communicated to each other through the words we use each and every day, words which have been used for thousands of years, and although they might have changed in form, they have not changed in meaning. When we describe the reality in which we live, certain concepts can be recognized as being ubiquitous like the energy we are all comprised of. They have always existed and always will, at every time, at every place.
“Leadership” is one of those words. In every community of people, leadership exists. In every time, leadership arises. In every crisis, leadership leads. I have the great honour of being able to introduce a person who has not only shown great leadership in the outgoing executive as Internal Vice-President, but a person who is now showing great leadership by being the only one to submit their name as this year’s Presidential candidate.
Like all candidates who speak here today, Justin Brown will require the endorsement of his fellow students in order to sit on the executive. Like all the candidates who speak here today, Justin Brown will share his ideas in pursuit of your endorsement. I am proud to introduce our only candidate for President, Justin Brown.
