My name is Youssef Essaafi and I’m running for Vice President Education at Toronto Metropolitan University because I believe students deserve an academic system that is transparent, fair, and responsive to their needs.

As a student in International Economics and Finance and a former member of the TMU Bold fencing team and current president of one of the largest student clubs, I understand firsthand the challenges of balancing rigorous academics, extracurricular commitments, and career development. Many students face unnecessary stress due to unclear grading policies, inconsistent course structures, and difficulty accessing academic support.

Beyond campus, I have had the opportunity to represent Canadian youth internationally through the NATO Association of Canada and YATA NATO Canada at DSEI Japan/ECOSOC UN 2025, engaging with global leaders in security and policy. These experiences have shown me the importance of strong institutions, transparency, and effective leadership.

As Vice President of Education, I will advocate for clearer grading policies, better academic support resources, and stronger student representation in university decision-making.

TMU students are ambitious, hardworking, and globally minded. Our academic systems should reflect that same ambition.