The Peak

SFSS Profile: 20 questions with Karan Cheema

1. What is your favourite thing about SFU?

I like that we’re perched up on a mountain, I think that’s cool. I remember two years ago when we had that big snowstorm and everyone was trapped up here, I was in the Pub and there was such diversity camaraderie amongst the students. I’ve also met some great people up here, profs and students. I think a place is only as good as the people there.

2. What is your greatest achievement?

Still to come, but when I was 15, I was quite overweight. That summer I bunkered down, I went on diets and crazy runs, and by the end of the summer I lost 15 pounds.

3. What’s your guilty pleasure?

I have a large sweet tooth. I love homemade cookies, cakes, brownies, gelatos; I’m a sucker for sweets.

4. Where do you hope to be in 10 years?

I hope to either have a successful business or a rewarding career, I’m not quite sure in what yet, but those are the two aspirations I have. [I also hope to] have a family and meet that significant other.

5. What was the last book you read?

My business law book over the summer. It was one of my favourite business classes because it gave you so much background about people in the real world . . . and how to legally take care of yourself.

6. What was your most embarrassing moment?

Two years ago I went to Hawaii, I went to this beach that had a cliff that was around 30 to 40 feet high. Everybody was jumping off of it, so I climbed up, I got to the top, and I was looking down [and I was hesitant] on doing it. The people I went up with kept asking me if I was going to jump off. So finally as I mustered the courage to jump off, I looked down and saw a giant sea turtle right in the vicinity of where I was going to land. I could see the headline now, “man hits turtle and dies.” I turned back and took the walk of shame down. I went back the next year and [jumped off three times.]

7. If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be?

Australia, [I want to see] the beaches and the scenery. It’s on my list of things to do, hopefully, after I graduate [I will go there.] It looks like such an intriguing place.

8. What is your greatest fear?

The Canucks not winning the Stanley Cup in my lifetime. I’ve followed the team since [I was young], I’m a die-hard fan. It really sucks to not see your team win a cup. I’m pretty sure with Luongo signing we have a better chance. I hope it happens within five years.

9. Who do you admire the most?

My family because they’ve had a diligent work ethic since the day they came to Canada, but more particularly my younger sister, she inspired me to come to SFU. I attended one of her lectures and decided it was definitely a place I wanted to go to. She’s well rounded, and she just started med school after graduating from SFU. She’s been that educational role model for me.

10. What is your biggest regret?

Delaying my post-secondary education. I took some time off after high school, worked, got real life experience, learned what the outside world and what people are about, you can’t discount that . . . it really opens your eyes. But I wish I came to school sooner.

11. If you could switch lives with anyone, who would it be?

Barack Obama. The whole story, the journey, how he’s inspired the world, brought respect back to the States, how he conducts himself, and just having that power to affect that kind of change.

12. What are your top five favourite movies?

Oceans Eleven, Casino Royale, The Bourne trilogy, Training Day, and the Prison Break movie because it brought closure to the show.

13. What are your favourite TV shows?

Prison Break, Entourage, Boston Legal, and ER.

14. What is your biggest pet peeve?

The inconsistency with three door buses up here at school. Most of the time there are three doors open, the students get on, and the bus drives away but every now and then the bus driver makes you go through the front door and show your U-Pass.

15. What is the most important thing you look for in a potential partner?

Someone who is genuine and honest, I definitely [look for] other things like appreciating laughter, but somebody that can keep me in check and let me know when I’m slipping up. [I want] someone that keeps me honest, as well.

16. What’s the worst date you’ve ever been on?

I don’t have anything juicy other than a blind date. It was awkward and didn’t really go anywhere. I don’t have any worst dates but I guess that’s a good thing.

17. If you could choose any five people to have an imaginary dinner with, who would they be?

Barack Obama, Bono, Tupac, my sister, Mike Gillis.

18. If you could play any instrument, what would it be?

The drums, and be good at them, it would be cool to get your passion out.

19. Finish this sentence: Student politicians are . . .

Dependent on the people involved, [and are] dedicated individuals trying to enhance the student experience. But [there is so much variation with all the different Boards.] This year’s Board is dedicated and wants to get stuff done.

20. What made you want to run for the business rep position?

During my three years up here, I’ve met a lot of people who are dissatisfied with their student experience. For me, it’s about giving a voice back to the average student. We have different clubs and DSUs who get together and get to know each other. But there is also a large segment, who included me, who wanted to have their ideas heard. Finally, I had ideas on how to improve SFSS spaces, I thought I had the passion, and that’s why I got involved.