Trinity Western University Student Association president Brian Weir presented a novel challenge to the student body at the beginning of this semester. Weir offered any student $50 towards a project of their choice. The intention of this project was to improve TWU in some way.

Originally, Weir planned on accepting 10 students to whom he would allot the money and support their projects. However, he decided to allow 16 participants, as more students showed interest than he had initially anticipated.

Some of the students who have decided to take on this task are working solo, while others have teamed up with fellow participants to work together.

“There are a lot of ideas about how to make the school a better place for students,” said Weir, adding that these resources have gone untapped thus far.

The idea of empowering students to create their own ideas came while Weir was campaigning for his TWUSA position last spring. While meeting with many students, he heard a variety of good ideas that were prevented from further development due to lack of resources and encouragement. The concept Weir hopes to get across to students is that “with a good idea, anything is possible,” so although resources for this project are limited, it should not restrict students’ creativity.

Weir has decided to fund this initiative by donating his stipend to enable these ideas to take root. He added that he is thankful to have used his stipend in this way.

Weir has given the participants until February 7 to complete the project.

The project already has many ideas being put into place. Jacqueline Youm, one of the participants, has decided to focus her project on the modern languages department.

According to Youm, the department has little money to put on events and gain exposure on campus. She hopes that she will be able to draw attention to what this department offers and the community there. For example, she plans to host a large event that will bring these students together which will develop community and awareness of future events such as “movie nights, plays and other modern language events.”