Hadih! My name is Araiya Bernard, and I am a fourth-year nursing student at the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC). Over the past two years, the UNBC Nursing Club has been a central part of my student experience, first as a third-year representative and now as President for the 2025–2026 academic year. What began simply as a way to get involved has grown into one of the most meaningful leadership experiences of my time at UNBC.
The UNBC Nursing Club is a student-led organization under the Northern Undergraduate Student Society (NUGSS) that represents nursing students across all years and regional sites. At its core, the Club exists to support students academically, socially, culturally, and professionally, while also taking on the significant responsibility of planning and fundraising for the Nursing Pinning Ceremony held each year following Convocation. Pinning is a substantial undertaking, requiring a large budget, and each year the Club aims to raise well over $10,000 between September and May to fully plan, host, and deliver the ceremony. For many students, the Club serves as both a support system and a place of connection within an intensive and demanding nursing program.
During the 2024–2025 academic year, I served as a third-year representative and had the opportunity to learn how the Club functions behind the scenes. That year was foundational and prepared me for stepping into the President role. Entering this academic year, my goal was to strengthen student connection, improve communication across cohorts and campuses, and build sustainable systems that would support not only the current graduating class but future nursing students as well.
Semester One of the 2025–2026 academic year marked a strong start. One of our main priorities was rebuilding student engagement and community. Through events like SummerFest and Glowin’ Crazy at Crush Nightclub, we created opportunities for nursing students across years to connect outside of academic and clinical pressures. These events were not only successful fundraisers but also helped re-energize student involvement and foster a sense of belonging within the School of Nursing.
Academic and peer support was another key focus this semester. The Nursing Club supported Year 3 mentorship labs, where Year 4 students volunteered their time to assist peers in preparing for clinical assessments. We also coordinated OSCE and skills support, including sign-up surveys and early planning for peer-led practice sessions, with the goal of expanding this work in Semester Two. In addition, the Club advocated for rural placement bursary funding, which became available in November 2025 and helped reduce financial barriers for students relocating for clinical placements.
Fundraising and financial planning were central to our work as we prepare for the 2026 Nursing Pinning Ceremony. Through event fundraising, merchandise sales, and a silent auction supported by local businesses, the Club made meaningful progress toward building a stable financial foundation. We also prioritized giving back to the community, donating portions of proceeds to the Indian Residential School Survivors Society and the Prince George Hospice House.
Cultural involvement and relationship-building were woven throughout the semester. Club members supported events for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, including collaborating with Lheidli T’enneh Nation to help set up the event in the park and support the running of activities throughout the day. We also promoted cultural learning opportunities led by local Elders and strengthened partnerships across campus and the broader community. As President, I contributed a graphic design piece and designed orange shirts that were sold as a fundraiser to promote Truth and Reconciliation, with 25% of proceeds donated to the Indian Residential School Survivors Society. We also worked to improve representation for regional nursing students by extending vest orders to sites such as Quesnel, Terrace, and Fort St. John, a first for the Club. This year, we completed 94 vest orders, the most ever done in a single year, marking a significant milestone in reach, inclusion, and student engagement.
Behind the scenes, Semester One involved significant operational and administrative work. This included securing the Pinning Ceremony date, completing vest orders, maintaining regular general meetings, and ensuring the Club met all NUGSS requirements. One of the most significant milestones was successfully gaining official chapter status with the Canadian Nursing Students’ Association (CNSA) for the first time. CNSA is the national voice for nursing students in Canada, providing advocacy, leadership development, and representation at a national level. Becoming a registered chapter was a substantial undertaking, requiring documentation, coordination, and governance work, but it was a goal we were proud to achieve. As President, I serve as an official CNSA delegate, with our Vice President acting as the associate delegate, allowing UNBC nursing students to be formally represented at the national level. While much of this work happens quietly, it is essential for continuity, accountability, and long-term success.
I also want to acknowledge that I could not do this work alone. I am deeply grateful for the mentorship and guidance I received from the previous Nursing Club team (2024–2025), whose leadership helped lay the groundwork for this year. I am especially thankful for my fellow Vice President, Meghan Moore, and the entire Nursing Club team, which includes 13 dedicated members, myself included. I am also grateful for my broader community at UNBC, including the School of Nursing, the Office of Indigenous Initiatives (OII), and the First Nations Centre (FNC), whose ongoing support and collaboration have meant so much. Finally, I am thankful for my friends and family, who continue to support me behind the scenes.
Leading the UNBC Nursing Club has taught me that student leadership is not just about events or titles. It is about care, accountability, and showing up for others. I do this work for student experience and community, and I am proud of what we have built together. As I apply to begin my Master’s degree at UNBC next fall, this student experience, advocacy, and leadership work is exactly what I hope to continue building on in my future studies. As we move into Semester Two, I am excited to keep strengthening this work and supporting nursing students in meaningful, lasting ways.
