College of DuPage's new student trustee Naila Sabahat advocates for her peers
When College of DuPage Student Trustee Naila Sabahat began taking classes, she did so without visiting campus due to COVID-19.
As a result, she knew very little about COD beyond her coursework and was unaware of the many opportunities available to students, even during a pandemic.
"I was not involved, and I wanted to become an active student," she said. "A lot of people were not aware of what was happening at COD, especially new students."
The Oakbrook Terrace resident began attending Student Leadership Council meetings to learn more about the college and discovered a group of students engaged with the campus, even though they were doing so remotely.
Now as the new student trustee on the college's board of trustees, she provides updates on student needs and activities to the board while reporting back to the council.
"I want to be a voice for the students," she said. "For example, the SLC discussed how the federal relief funds that the college is receiving due to COVID-19 can best help students. I was able to bring our thoughts to the board in order to help them understand the student perspective on this important financial support issue."
Sabahat initially planned to attend COD in order to save money while completing her general education requirements for transfer. This also would allow her to stay at home. As she began to learn more about COD, she realized what it had to offer.
"The diversity is amazing," she said. "When I went to meetings, I knew I wanted to be a part of COD."
Sabahat is currently planning to transfer and pursue a pre-med track but is still exploring her options. As for her new role as student trustee, Sabahat encourages any student to contact her or reach out to the Student Leadership Council.
"Students are welcome to join us at SLC meetings," she said. "Come as a guest or bring a project for us to discuss. We want our peers to be included and to understand what is happening at COD."
Learn more about the Board of Trustees at College of DuPage at www.cod.edu/about/board_of_trustees/index.aspx.