From the Lecture Hall to the Red Chamber: My Model Parliament Journey

(February 26, 2026) - Returning to university after a 20-year hiatus is a masterclass in "imposter syndrome." You worry about the age gap, the tech curve, and whether you’ll find a place in campus life beyond the library stacks. Last month, however, that uncertainty vanished when I walked through the doors of the Senate of Canada in Ottawa.

Selected to participate in Model Parliament - la pièce de résistance in Laurentian’s experiential learning for the past 30 years - I traded my backpack for a suit and my student ID for a seat in the Red Chamber. For a few days, I wasn’t just a mature student; I was the Member of Parliament for Edmonton-West.

The highlight of the experience was standing to deliver a one-minute Member’s Statement. I focused on the intersection of social, physical and economic safety for Canadians. These intertwined factors determine the quality of life and form our social safety net. They’re also elements, along with social justice, that we evaluate deeply in my program.

There is a unique gravity to speaking in a room where history is made. In those sixty seconds, the nerves of being a "non-traditional" student fell away. I realized that my two decades of life experience weren't a barrier—they were my greatest asset, providing a grounded perspective that resonated with peers and mentors alike.

The event was more than just legislative roleplay. It was a rare opportunity to network across the entire university ecosystem.

I found myself collaborating with brilliant twenty-somethings who offered fresh insights, while I shared "real-world" context from my career. I took it all in as I was speaking with former students who are now policy makers or advocates who gave me a clear roadmap for my own post-grad life. It was also a chance to see our educators and administrators as partners in our professional growth and the great lengths they go through to ensure we gain a rewarding academic experience.

For many mature students, "getting involved" feels like a luxury we don't have time for between work and family. However, this experience proved that campus life isn't just about the social clubs; it’s about the opportunities that bridge the gap between education and impact.

Stepping into the Senate chambers reminded me that my return to school isn't just about the degree on the wall; it’s about the seats I’m now brave enough to occupy.

If you’re a mature student wondering if these experiences are "for you," I have your answer: The Chamber is waiting.