Profiles in Leadership: Tom Gleason June 25, 2012
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Tom Gleason, LGBTOUT (St. George)
When Tom first arrived at U of T, he was surprised to see there wasn’t a collegiate group similar to LGBTOUT. The Policital Science and Sexual Diversity Studies student decided to create one for his college, and thus WINC (Woodsworth Inclusive) was born. Tom hasn’t limited himself though – he has gotten involved with other groups on campus as well. On top of being President of WINC, he is also Special Events Coordinator for LGBTOUT and LGBT Issues Director of the U of T Liberals. For Tom, it’s all about helping others get involved in what they’re passionate about.
What is your definition of leadership?
It’s about empowering and encouraging people to get involved in what they are passionate about.
How did you get involved at U of T? Why?
Organizations for the LGBTQ community and their allies like LGBTOUT and WINC have always been passions of mine. I tried to start one in my high school, but it became clear quickly that the school wasn’t ready at that time. I came to U of T wanting to get involved and noticed that Woodsworth is larger than Trinity and Victoria, yet it did not have a group for its queer students. After starting WINC, my involvement with LGBTOUT followed naturally.
What are your favourite campus events?
I’m going to be biased and say that I’ve really enjoyed WINC’s events. There have only been a couple, and they are small, intimate and lots of fun. I also really enjoy LGBTOUT’s Meet & Greets. They are a great place to meet new people and make connections in the community.
How do you maintain the balance of your club, school and other responsibilities, especially at busy times of the year?
School work always comes first. That being said, I always make sure that my commitments to both organizations are fulfilled to the best of my ability.
What do you feel you’ve gained from taking a leadership role in your group?
I’ve really learned a lot about U of T from being involved. You meet lots of different people, most of whom are very helpful and encouraging. There are many amazing examples of leaders here on campus and knowing them has been an amazing gain in my opinion. I have also gained confidence from knowing I have made a unique place for myself at a school that has 40,000 undergraduate students.
What have you learned from being involved with student life?
Getting involved is extremely rewarding. People are always willing to offer up insights and opinions, whether it be on what classes to take or what sort of programming gets the best response. You gain insight into the university and your studies and skills that will be very helpful in the future.
When you graduate, what do you think you will miss the most about university life?
Campus life. It’s like a small city and it’s easy to become familiar with. You almost always come across someone you know. Also, from a programming perspective, there are 6,000 students in residence on campus that are ready to come out to events. You will never have that a base like that again.
What are your future plans?
I still have another 3 and a half years of undergrad and I’m not too sure about what comes after that. I know that while I’m here I want to continue my level of involvement with both LGBTOUT and WINC and maybe branch out into a few other groups as well.
Any advice for students who feel they want to get involved, but don’t know where to start?
Your college is always a great place to start. The dons and student association are great resources for getting involved, so use them. Go out to any event that sparks your interest. There are dozens of events every week, there is going to be one that is right for you.
Do you have a favourite quote?
“In three words I can sum up everything I’ve learned about life: it goes on.” -Robert Frost
Interview by Redon Hoxhaj, 2011-2012 Communications Assistant, Office of Student Life
Profiles in Leadership: Kate Bowers June 18, 2012
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Kate Bowers, Leadership Program (St. George)
Kate has been involved with student life at U of T since her undergraduate days, so it’s no surprise seeing her as the Student Life Coordinator of the Leadership Program at St. George Campus. Her role in Student Life means that she helps create programming and workshops that help create student leaders. Because of her experience during her time as a student, she brings valuable insight both from the staff point of view and the student point of view. When it comes to helping students become successful leaders, there is no one better for the job.
What is your definition of leadership?
I like to succinctly define leadership as ‘doing what needs to be done’. I like this definition because it’s simple and catchy, applies across a variety of situations and scales, but is actually quite complex. To me leadership is about knowing yourself – what you’re capable of and what you’re interested in or passionate about. It’s also knowing your community or your context – what are the issues and challenges that exist, and what collaborative solutions might there be. And lastly, it’s about actually getting up and doing something!
What made you choose to work in student life?
To work in a field where I spend my time encouraging young people to get involved, to think of themselves as leaders, and to connect to their communities is an amazing job!
Were you not working in a campus, where could you see yourself?
One of the best parts of my job is facilitating workshops so I think wherever I might be working, facilitating learning amongst others would probably be a big part of it.
What are your favourite campus events?
My favourite campus events are the ones that sort of catch you off guard on a university campus. Things like poetry workshops, button making events, farmer’s markets – I love the events that bring people together across academic lines, and engage people in activities that are complementary to school, but not always focused on it.
How do you maintain balance of your work, campus events and other responsibilities, especially at busy times of the year?
During the busiest times, I pay extra attention – to how busy I am, to how I feel mentally and physically, and to how I’m interacting with others. The signs of stress and being out of balance are always there if you look for them so it’s important to learn what yours are, and understand that taking care of yourself is just another opportunity to practice self-leadership.
Any tips for students who might be struggling with the balance between their studies and their involvement on campus?
As a student, I always tried to build down time into my schedule. I leave evenings open, sometimes cancel or re-schedule plans so that I can follow my own energy and not constantly be caught up in ‘busyness’. Also, learn what works for you in terms of being the most productive. Try not to be too hard on yourself! Remember the things you have accomplished, and treat yourself to something nice once in a while.
What accomplishments are you most proud of, either as a student or as a student life professional?
The thing I’m most proud of from my involvement as a student was being the co-president of the Engineers Without Borders chapter at U of T (especially since I wasn’t an engineering student!). I stepped up to the role without much sense of what it would actually require, but felt confident that I could figure it out along the way. I was blessed with an amazing team of committed and passionate executives and somehow we pulled it all off. Being involved to that degree was a phenomenal experience both in terms of my own development as a leader, but also in terms of the unique experiences it gave me and the connections I have with the people from that year.
Any advice for students who feel they want to get involved, but don’t know where to start?
There are plenty of amazing things happening on campus all of the time. Find something cool and make a friend go with you.
Do you have a favourite quote?
“We make the world significant by the courage of our questions, and the depth of our answers.” – Carl Sagan
Interview by Redon Hoxhaj, 2011-2012 Communications Assistant, Office of Student Life
Profiles in Leadership: Ayyaz Aamer June 11, 2012
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Ayyaz Aamar, LGBTOUT (St. George)
Ayyaz wants to make university a great place. The third year English and Equity Students student found support with LGBTOUT when he entered university, and decided to get involved through the campus group. As the coordinator of the LGBTOUT drop-in centre, Ayyaz is able share his experiences and cultivate his love of helping people. His goal of helping create a space for every student adds to the diversity of our campus.
What is your definition of leadership?
A leader is a role model for students on campus. A leader is that person who takes a stand for something that they believe in, and do their best to ensure that it stays standing. It’s about caring for people, and letting them know that you care for them. It’s not about being rigid and inflexible, but recognizing the diversity that exists, without compromising the original goal, and not losing the idea that inspired you in the first place
How did you get involved at U of T? Why?
I felt that there wasn’t a space for me on campus – there were issues and experiences that I was going through, and I felt that support wasn’t there until I visited the Drop-In Centre. They helped me deal with some difficult things and provided support. After that, I wanted to do more. I wanted to make sure that other students in my position knew that there was a place that they could go to for help, that there was a place where they were recognized and validated, and to know they were not alone on campus. I was elected Coordinator, and have been involved since.
What are your favourite campus events?
I would have to say Orientation Week is my most favourite occasion of the year. It’s a fresh start, excitement is everywhere, and you get to run around yelling and screaming. I love the events that UTSU organizes, though I can’t always get around to them – I missed the Pancake brunch this year , which was quite sad.
How do you maintain the balance of your club, school and other responsibilities, especially at busy times of the year?
Organizing, prioritizing, and scheduling. I am very fortunate that the job I do is amazingly fun, and gives me genuine satisfaction that I can help people. It’s sometimes difficult to tear myself away and focus on school. I enjoy being busy, and so that helps as well – the pressure of staying on top of things , and solving problems that come up , all add up to making me feel that I’ve made a difference in the world today.
What do you feel you’ve gained from taking a leadership role in your group?
I’ve learnt to empathize very strongly with people, and have really gained a very solid understanding of the students at U of T, and admire the character and determination of all of them. The people that I meet, and the experiences they share, are all incredibly inspiring, and I feel that they have been the most incredible part of this leadership role. My time management and scheduling skills have also improved, so, that’s a definite plus.
What have you learned from being involved with student life?
Every student needs to be recognized, and it’s not enough to just have clubs and groups – the mandates behind it, and the people selected to uphold that mandate are all extremely important factors. It’s not always about the fabulous clubbing events, or the pub crawls, or the free food – sometimes it’s just about sitting and listening, and validating someone, eating some (free) pizza and watching a movie. Maintaining the small connections are just as important, if not more so.
When you graduate, what do you think you will miss the most about university life?
I’m probably going to miss seeing all the people that will have an impact on our future – each and every student has the power to change the world, and every now and then you meet one that you know will be doing something incredible. I’m also probably going to miss Robarts at 3am and the requisite late night Chinese take-outs.
What are your future plans?
Ideally I’d love to get into a social field of some sort, working with equity – potentially something in the law arena, or heading into journalism and bringing equity issues to the main masses. It’s a bit up in the air at the moment, but, there are a lot of things to choose from, and its tough narrowing it down.
Any advice for students who feel they want to get involved, but don’t know where to start?
Come by the Drop-In Centre of course! I would say ask yourself what it is you want to do, or even, what you want someone out there to be doing for you. What do you want to accomplish? What is the gut feeling that’s pushing you to do something? When you find what that is, you’ll know where to go – for me, I wanted to help people, and I wanted them to feel welcome and know that there was a space for them, because that’s what I would have wanted someone to do for me.
Do you have a favourite quote?
“No weapons… no friends… no hope. Take all that away and what’s left? Me.” – Buffy the Vampire Slayer
Interview by Redon Hoxhaj, 2011-2012 Communications Assistant, Office of Student Life
Profiles in Leadership: Nadia Rosemond June 4, 2012
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Nadia, right; Emzhei, left.
Nadia Rosemond, Student Life Coordinator & Leadership Development (Scarborough)
Nadia is the sort of person you would go to talk about your problems: she would listen, give you a hug, and then point you in the right direction. That’s why she such a hit at Residence Life and Student Life at UTSC. It is that genuine and down-to-earth personality that has helped students develop into leaders in UTSU’s leadership program. With someone like Nadia lending a helping hand in the student life office, you’re sure to find everything you need to make the most out of university.
What is your definition of leadership?
For me, leadership is an emotional process and it’s something you develop through relationships. The more you work within an atmosphere of a team, group project, or staff the more you develop your leadership senses and skills.
What made you choose to work in student life?
My work with students began in Residence Life, a very demanding environment, since my position required me to live in residence. Student Life felt like a natural progression and it allows me to work with another student population. I’ve learned so much about life for a commuter student.
Were you not working in a campus, where could you see yourself?
If I didn’t work on campus I would be in television production – I would love to be a writer for a TV show.
What are your favourite campus events?
My favourite events are free guest speakers because you get to hear and meet famous people! I also like the larger celebrations that have a variety of food and celebrate cultures.
How do you maintain balance of your work, campus events and other responsibilities, especially at busy times of the year?
To stay on top of things I use calendars. I’m ole fashion and don’t rely on technology – I like the stationary calendars! I also keep sheets of blank paper on my desk to use as a ‘dashboard.’ It allows me to jot down ideas and last minute requests I receive during the day—instead of trying to keep everything in my head, I write it down.
Any tips for students who might be struggling with the balance between their studies and their involvement on campus?
Do students know the more they get involved the better they become at time management? True story! I don’t know why but it happens. Don’t bite more than you can chew: Enjoy academics and getting involved but don’t go to either extreme. Everything in moderation.
What accomplishments are you most proud of, either as a student or as a student life professional?
As a professional I’m proud of the new leadership program we’ve created.
Any advice for students who feel they want to get involved, but don’t know where to start?
If you’re feeling lost and don’t know how to get involved, visit your student life offices. Talk to someone in person, once you share your interests and needs we can point you in the right direction! Sometimes all the posters on campus can be overwhelming, we’re here to guide you.
Do you have a favourite quote?
“Hope is a good thing, perhaps the best of things and no good thing ever dies…”
Interview by Redon Hoxhaj, 2011-2012 Communications Assistant, Office of Student Life