Profiles in Leadership: Mathieu Sasseville May 28, 2012
Posted by Crystal in Leadership.add a comment
Mathieu Sasseville, EFUT (St. George)
In his third year at the University of Toronto studying International Relations, Mathieu, dividing his time between studies and the EFUT, a club for students interested in engaging and learning French, at the St. George campus. He has always been involved in student life, and decided to help spread French language and culture on campus through EFUT, where is serves as vice-president.
What is your definition of leadership?
Leadership, especially good leadership is a confluence of several different things inspiration, communication, encouragement, discipline and dedication. To lead is not simply to order others, but rather to guide, to help and to teach. In this way, a good leader is a trustworthy person, who is at once mentor and friend.
What are your favourite campus events?
I must confess, I have a bit of a bias towards EFUT’s awesome club nights. However, I’m also a big fan of UC’s Fireball, and social gatherings of all stripes.
How do you maintain the balance of your club, school and other responsibilities, especially at busy times of the year?
It’s a hard equilibrium to find; I often have to sacrifice one aspect of my life and activities in order to meet my commitments. I’m lucky enough to be surrounded by highly competent execs at EFUT, who are able to help me out with running things there in busy times. A good idea is to work ahead, writing papers one or two weeks in advance. Unplanned things always come up, so it’s good to not be left desperate.
What do you feel you’ve gained from taking a leadership role in your group?
I’ve gained a wealth of experience dealing with administering a large group, but also the value of a good team. I’ve met a number of EFUT members and execs from other clubs, all of whom are great people. These relationships, and the positive contribution I’ve been able to make to their successes, are well worth the effort I invest in EFUT.
What have you learned from being involved with student life?
I’ve learned that the personal aspect of a large school like U of T is often well-hidden behind a morass of acronyms, group names and procedures. However, it is the students of U of T who make the university what it is; it is only alive because of us, and only be interacting amongst ourselves can we enrich our university experiences beyond academe.
When you graduate, what do you think you will miss the most about university life?
I will likely miss the carefree good times I’ve shared with friends and acquaintances and the camaraderie which appears everywhere, all the time.
What are your future plans?
In a word, I plan to be happy, and to make the most of my life. I suspect that’s not quite what you were asking—in truth, I’ve got many ideas. I know I want to travel and work at the same time; perhaps I’ll join an NGO or government agency, for a while at least, before perhaps looking to get a master’s degree or going to law school.
Any advice for students who feel they want to get involved, but don’t know where to start?
Be adventurous, and don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. U of T offers ad huge number of opportunities to partake in extracurricular activities, so the more you try, the higher the chances you’ll find something you love. A good place to start is just looking at poster boards in libraries, at Sid Smith, etc. Or, you can just check out EFUT’s facebook page, we’ve got loads of ways to get involved!
Do you have a favourite quote?
If you’re not living on the edge, you’re just taking up space.
Interview by Redon Hoxhaj, 2011-2012 Communications Assistant, Office of Student Life
Profiles in Leadership: Annie Simpson May 21, 2012
Posted by Crystal in Leadership.add a comment
Annie Simpson, Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering (St. George)
Annie Simpson discovered her passion for teaching during her time in college. She knew that she wanted to worked with university aged students and help guide them through the most exciting time of their life. The Coordinator of the Leaders of Tomorrow Program and Asisstant Director of the Institute for Leadership Education in Engineering believes that in order to achieve, students must take care of themselves in order to reach their highest potential, and Annie wants to be there to help them along the way.
What is your definition of leadership?
Leadership is the confident expression of one’s gifts and talents in service of other’s growth and contributing to an equitable and sustainable world. It is also a process of people working together to effect positive change.
What made you choose to work in student life?
I discovered my love for teaching when I was at George Brown College and knew that I wanted to design a curriculum and work with university aged students. It’s such a special time in life when there is so much transformation happening and a real opportunity for exploration of self and the world.
Were you not working in a campus, where could you see yourself?
I think I’d be teaching in a classroom or else I’d be working in some other context on behalf of the environment, strong relationships, self-awareness and beauty creation.
What are your favourite campus events?
I love many of the events held at Hart House. I am inspired by how they offer programming in the arts, social justice, faith based discussions, literary speakers etc. The multi-disciplinary programming appeals to me. I also think that what we do in engineering is pretty great.
How do you maintain balance of your work, campus events and other responsibilities, especially at busy times of the year?
I think that many people struggle with this. I try to prioritize sleep and self-care so that I can sustain myself and enjoy all of the amazing opportunities that I have. Regular time out of the city and time in nature helps me keep balanced. I also create deliberate ‘downtime’ to recharge.
Any tips for students who might be struggling with the balance between their studies and their involvement on campus?
Push yourself to be involved in at least one thing outside of class – this is where some really important learning happens and relationships are formed. For those student leaders who are super involved, make sure you are meeting your basic needs for sleep and nutritious food.
What accomplishments are you most proud of, either as a student or as a student life professional?
For a number of years I was coordinating the Leaders of Tomorrow program while working towards a PhD at OISE. It was a lot to juggle but I feel really fortunate to have had the opportunity. I am also really proud of putting my heart into what we have built here in engineering. The Leaders of Tomorrow program is inspiring to me… check out our website!
Any advice for students who feel they want to get involved, but don’t know where to start?
Ask yourself what you care about and what kinds of activities or issues you enjoy engaging in. Do some research and talk to people (staff, fellow students) about clubs and certificates that are available to participate in. Take one small step and then the next. Be courageous.
Do you have a favourite quote?
“Life shrinks or expands according to ones courage” – Anais Nin
Interview by Redon Hoxhaj, 2011-2012 Communications Assistant, Office of Student Life
Profiles in Leadership: Tajrean Kassam May 14, 2012
Posted by Crystal in Leadership.add a comment
Tajrean Kassam, South Asian Alliance (Scarborough)
Tajrean got her feet wet in her first year, when she walked into a general meeting wanting to learn more about the South Asian Alliance and walked out as an executive member. The third year Political Science, Economics and Public Policy student has since taken part and organized many projects on UTSC campus. It all comes down to planning, organizing and – most importantly- taking the initiative to lead. Even when the going gets tough, Tajrean makes a list, takes a deep breath, and just keeps going.
What is your definition of leadership?
A leader is someone who leads in a positive manner without feeling superior towards others, someone who takes initiative and can manage a variety of different components successfully.
How did you get involved at U of T? Why?
I needed to spend my time on something besides studying, I walked into the Annual General Meeting of SAA without knowing anyone but walked out as a first year representative in the 3rd week of September. It’s been a pleasure being part of this organization past three years. There are many things I wouldn’t have learned in my courses but was capable to do so through SAA.
What are your favourite campus events?
My favourite campus events would definitely be the Charity events SCSU & other Campus Clubs coordinate. We’ve had events such as Think Pink, Think Japan, Step Up for the Kids and our latest one, Arabian Night.
How do you maintain the balance of your club, school and other responsibilities, especially at busy times of the year?
I maintain the balance of my clubs, school and other responsibilities by having a ‘to do list’ and agenda. They allow me to stay organized on a daily basis and stay on task. By having a To Do list, I can check off the most important tasks first and work my way down the list. By having an agenda I’m always aware of all my due dates whether it’s for assignments, exams, tests or funding proposals, table bookings and meetings for my clubs.
What do you feel you’ve gained from taking a leadership role in your group?
I gained a lot by taking a leadership role in both SAA and JAAGO. I’ve gained the ability to multi-task and take initiative, delegate tasks, stay organized, manage time wisely and a lot of patience.
When you graduate, what do you think you will miss the most about university life?
After I graduate, what I think I might miss the most about university life is meeting my friends on a regular basis, having meetings with my executive members for both of my clubs and coordinating events.
Any advice for students who feel they want to get involved, but don’t know where to start?
Don’t know where to start? Just walk into an Annual General Meeting of your desired club with confidence and you may just walk out as an executive member like I did back in my first year. Students should also check their Campus Union’s website regularly as there are always numerous volunteer opportunities listed.
Do you have a favourite quote?
‘When you know better, you do better.’ – Maya Angelou
Interview by Redon Hoxhaj, 2011-2012 Communications Assistant, Office of Student Life
Profiles in Leadership: Emzhei Chen May 7, 2012
Posted by Crystal in Leadership.add a comment
Emzhei, left. Her collegue, Nadia, will be featured in a future leadership profile.
Emzhei Chen, Campus Life & Special Events Coordinator (U of T Scarborough)
The excellent campus life coordinators during Emzhei’s university career helped her have such a great student experience, they inspired Emzhei to get involved more and more in student life. So after getting her B.Ed., she decided to work in campus life rather than teaching, to provide future students with the same great experience she had. It has made for a great combination as Emzhei has become an irreplaceable part of UTSC.
What is your definition of leadership?
Leadership is cultivating the ability to create and support positive change in oneself, others and in communities.
What made you choose to work in student life?
I chose to work in student life because of my own student experience. I learned so much outside of the classroom through clubs, orientation and service learning. Having the opportunity to help other students do the same is a real privilege!
Were you not working in a campus, where could you see yourself?
If I wasn’t working in a campus, I would be a high school Biology/English teacher. I was in teacher’s college when I made the decision to pursue a career in student life, after working with fantastic students on dances, fundraisers and councils after school.
What are your favourite campus events?
There are so many to choose from! Orientation is definitely on the list because it’s an opportunity to highlight the tightly-knit community at UTSC for new students. Watching guest speakers on our campus is also a real treat! Through the Leadership Program, Jessica Holmes and Neil Pasricha have shared their stories to motivate and inspire me to do better. Lastly, Cultural Mosaic hosted by the Scarborough Campus Students’Unionis something I look forward to every year. It showcases the breadth and depth of talentScarboroughstudents have in song and dance.
How do you maintain balance of your work, campus events and other responsibilities, especially at busy times of the year?
I always schedule ‘me’ time in the mix in order to balance work, campus events and classes! This ‘me’ time includes things like: coffee conversations with friends, reading a book, and volunteering. By doing these things, I am able to recharge and bring my best whole self forward to focus on upcoming tasks.
Any tips for students who might be struggling with the balance between their studies and their involvement on campus?
I have always felt that the busier I was, the better I did in school. Having many things to juggle helped me time manage effectively. Also, in the age of the smart phone many people forget the agenda as an amazing tool. I have been a faithful user of agendas since high school which helped me map out my academic and extracurricular commitments.
I remember in my undergraduate studies, I wanted to tackle it all. When I sat down and discovered what experiences would be most meaningful to partake in, things became less hectic.
What accomplishments are you most proud of, either as a student or as a student life professional?
As a student, I am most proud of being a first generation student. I was the first in my nuclear family to go onto post secondary education. As a student life professional, I am most proud of supporting Orientation’s record number of participants (over 1300), the introduction of a conference specifically geared to student organizations and almost completing my M.Ed. (one course to go).
Any advice for students who feel they want to get involved, but don’t know where to start?
First off, discover what you’re interested in, whether it’s video games, dance or photography. Student organizations are formed all the time based on these interests, so join a club! Ask your classmates and friends what they’re doing after school and join them if it’s something that you want to get involved in. Check out poster boards, visit the Student Life office, and connect with your student union!
Do you have a favourite quote?
“It always seems impossible, until it is done.” – Nelson Mandela
Interview by Redon Hoxhaj, 2011-2012 Communications Assistant, Office of Student Life