“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.”
– Helen Keller
What happens when students turn their concerns into action? Through IGNITE’s recent Students Write Back campaign events at Humber Lakeshore and North, students learned about changes to the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) and shared their perspectives with their respective Members of Provincial Parliament (MPPs).
This campaign invites Humber Polytechnic and University of Guelph-Humber students to put their feelings into words and send their concerns directly to the decision-makers. By writing letters to their MPPs, students are speaking up about the financial barriers they face and advocating for a more accessible post-secondary experience. The event brought students together for a shared goal: making sure their voices are heard.
Hosted by IGNITE Student Advocates Michael Apostol and Emily Edwards, the events provided students with an opportunity to identify their provincial representatives and take meaningful action. Over the past year, Emily has advocated for post-secondary affordability and access to education across Ontario.
Here’s a look at what students experienced, the messages they shared, and how you can take part in it as well.
Learning about OSAP
Students who stopped by had the opportunity to learn about recent OSAP changes, including grant reductions and increased minimum loan amounts, on top of the end of Ontario’s tuition freeze.
Amirali Hamidianshiruzi, a practical nursing student who does not personally use OSAP, expressed support for the program because of the opportunities it provides to students who may struggle to afford their education.
“Not all of [my friends] can afford the education they deserve. So I want to support them to get the education they need and deserve.”
Amirali’s perspective highlights an important part of advocacy: an issue does not have to affect you personally for you to care about it. Students experience financial barriers differently, but when it comes to access to education— it is a shared concern.
Finding your MPP
Understanding an issue is an important first step. Knowing who has the power to address it is what helps turn concern into advocacy.
Students at the event identified their local MPP with the help of IGNITE and learned about the role provincial representatives play in their communities.
Ragini D., a marketing management student, shared what she hopes decision-makers will consider when making changes that affect students.
“I hope for them to plan things better… It’s vital for growth. I’m sure they do not make decisions by an overnight thought… but then again, planning things better phase-wise would have been a better call.”
Mohammed Abbas, a first-year police foundations student, says he wants to see OSAP provide more support to students facing financial difficulties.
“I would recommend the MPP to put the OSAP loans back down and funds up for the people who are struggling with financial needs. Because it’s not fair for everyone.”
“The pricing is really high for Humber nowadays, plus it’s 2026. Right? The gas, the oil, everything’s really high,” Abbas said as he pointed out the financial burdens affecting students while they try to attend classes, complete assignments and prepare for their futures.
Sharing student experiences
Students could co-sign IGNITE’s OSAP recommendations letter or write their own message on an IGNITE postcard. The letter outlines recommendations for OSAP changes, including zero-interest loan repayments, an extension to the repayment grace period, and an Ontario workers’ retention grant.
Another student explained how OSAP has helped her focus on her studies.
“When I was using OSAP versus when I wasn’t, I wasn’t able to prioritize school and focus more on finances, just to be able to keep myself up during school. But with OSAP, I’m able to just really focus on school,” said Jareh Junio, a Paramedic diploma student.
Deron Kong, a paramedic student, also emphasized the role financial assistance plays in students’ lives.
“A lot of students really rely on OSAP to be able to keep their quality of life. A lot of people would really have to take out loans, compromise their health, their sleep and work. With OSAP, we’re able to uphold our quality of life and really be able to pass, which is what we’re all here for.”
Post-secondary students like Jareh, Deron, and potentially you reading this, depend on OSAP to afford their education, stay healthy, and have the breathing room focus on the reason they are at school in the first place: to learn.
A strong start
The first day of Students Write Back resulted in over 500 letters being sent to government officials by Humber students, and that number has now doubled.
Criminal justice student Ashley Wettlaufer believes events like these help students understand the issues affecting them and emphasized the importance of collective action.
“I think that we should definitely have more events that show what is actually truly happening in the world, and how OSAP can help students,” she explained. “Everyone makes a difference. Even the smallest vote makes a complete difference. You shouldn’t believe that your vote is smaller than somebody else’s.”
500 letters sent on the first day alone is an amazing start, but the fight is not over yet.
Your voice matters
Missed the campaign? Don’t worry, join the conversation at our next dates at the University of Guelph-Humber Atrium:
- Monday, October 26, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Tuesday, October 27, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
And if you are feeling like your voice won’t make a difference, just remember the words that Aastha Jariwala, a marketing management student shared with us:
“Every voice matters in a country like Canada, because we have our own voice, we should just speak up. You never know when they will consider your [opinion].”
We all deserve access to equitable, affordable education. And IGNITE will continue to fight for you to have it.
Feature image by IGNITE
Want to meet IGNITE’s newest Student Advocate? Check out Your voice amplified. Meet Micheal Apostol.
