Leadership Profile: Darcy Brioux July 16, 2012
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Darcy Brioux, Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education, Centre for Leadership Training and Education (St. George)
Darcy is the Manager of the Centre for Leadership Training and Education, but that’s just a fancy name for what he really is: a mentor, advisor, coach, supervisor and friend. He enjoys spending his time with others, sharing ideas and getting to know students. He was instrumental in making Camp U of T, a program that has been attended by over 3000 students in the city, be the amazing program it is today. Oh, did we mention he’s even on the radio? Darcy is a DJ at U of T’s very own radio station. Pretty awesome, huh?
What is your definition of leadership?
Leadership is people with passion sharing their vision with others to work towards a common goal.
What made you choose to work in student life?
I like people and I enjoy sharing my time, ideas and values with others who care about improving the quality of life for students while working, studying and playing at university.
Were you not working in a campus, where could you see yourself?
Professional athlete (ha!). Actually in an outdoor educational environment.
What are your favourite campus events?
Our Faculty’s Outdoor Projects (ODP) Camp, orientation week, leadership certification training weekend and the Gordon Cressy Awards.
How do you maintain balance of your work, campus events and other responsibilities, especially at busy times of the year?
By identifying priorities, staying on top of things, creating lists, rewriting lists, and crossing off lists. Also, taking time to exercise, breathe and enjoy friends and family.
Any tips for students who might be struggling with the balance between their studies and their involvement on campus?
“It’s all going to be okay in the end. If it’s not okay, it’s not the end.”
No, seriously, remember that although your academics are a priority, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t make time for being involved on campus. As someone who has been there and has hired hundreds of staff over the years, it is the ‘outside the classroom’ experience, such as organizing events, being an active member of a campus club, providing community service, etc. that are most valued attributes and experiences you can attain.
What accomplishments are you most proud of, either as a student or as a student life professional?
In my undergraduate days at theUniversityofWaterloo, a team of student leaders organized a National Student Leadership Conference that attracted hundreds of students from acrossCanada. Here at U of T, I am proud of developingCAMPUof T from a small program back in the early 90’s to a program that is currently serving 3,000 plus boys/girls and youth. I am most proud of playing a small role in hundreds of students’ lives, mostly here in the Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education, as a mentor, advisor, coach, supervisor, but mostly friend.
Any advice for students who feel they want to get involved, but don’t know where to start?
Ask other students with like interests, talk to student life staff, search online for the things you enjoy doing and who is doing them on campus or in your community. Also, visit and take advantage of the wonderful staff at the Career Centre, the Centre for Community Partnerships and the Centre for Leadership Training and Education in the Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education – all great places to inquire.
Do you have a favourite quote?
“Learn from the past, plan for the future, but live in the moment!”
Interview by Redon Hoxhaj, 2011-2012 Communications Assistant, Office of Student Life
Profiles in Leadership: Jelum Raval July 9, 2012
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Jelum Raval, Hindi Student Council (St. George)
Jelum is a Neuroscience, Molecular Genetics and Microbiology student. She is also serving as Co-President of the Hindu Students’ Council (HSC) at St. George Campus. You can imagine that she is one busy student, but it didn’t start out that way. Back in her early U of T days, she remembers feeling intimidated walking into Convocation Hall and overwhelmed at the many extra curricular activities and events. Most of all, she didn’t know with which club to get involved! After realizing that everyone around her was in the same boat, Jelum buckled up, went into an event hosted by HSC, and the rest is history. She believes that every student should experience the amazing atmosphere, go to the numerous on campus, make friends, and enjoy university life to the fullest.
What is your definition of leadership?
To quote Gandhi: “I suppose leadership at one time meant muscles; but today it means getting along with people.” Leadership doesn’t always mean giving out orders, and to me it is almost analogous to teamwork.
How did you get involved at U of T? Why?
I wanted to get involved on campus but never really knew what to get involved with or where to go. There are so many clubs at U of T, besides which there are a million other things one could get involved with! Then I went to an event hosted by HSC that I really enjoyed, and thought this is what I want to get involved in. It is a great way to meet people who share similar backgrounds and beliefs and be part of a community.
What are your favourite campus events?
There are way too many amazing events on campus that even I am sometimes overwhelmed at which one to go to! If I had to absolutely list a favourite, it would be Holi, an event which we schedule in March. It’s the festival of colours, and basically you get to throw powdered colour at everyone! Lots of fun!
How do you maintain the balance of your club, school and other responsibilities, especially at busy times of the year?
Yes, it can get definitely get pretty hectic and stressful. Honestly, I think we have a great executive team at HSC, everyone is responsible and the teamwork is excellent. A great team coupled with some time management makes it a lot easier to manage school, club and other responsibilities. It’s always important to sort out one’s priorities, and keeping a list of things to get done helps.
What do you feel you’ve gained from taking a leadership role in your group?
Firstly, social skills. Its great meeting new people and making connections. Secondly, I have learned how to be calmer and more composed, along with some problem solving skills. Lastly, I have gained insight about myself. I have learned a lot about myself, what I am capable of doing and what skills I still need to work on.
What have you learned from being involved with student life?
A lot! Getting involved on campus gives you so many practical skills that that are applicable in your daily life. I have learnt to be more outgoing. You know, people keep saying how large U of T is especially if you’re a first year student, walking into Con Hall on your first day surrounded by 1500 other people – it can be intimidating. I’ve learned that all it takes is talking to people. Those 1500 other students are just as shy and intimidated as you. Take the first step and you will find so many great people at U of T that are helpful and friendly. Finally, everything is a learning experience, it’s just a matter of whether you actually take away something from it or not.
When you graduate, what do you think you will miss the most about university life?
Hanging out in Gerstein! It’s like our second home!
What are your future plans?
Grad School, and Med School down the line.
Any advice for students who feel they want to get involved, but don’t know where to start?
If you’re interested in say a particular club, their profiles are on the ULife website. Look them up, shoot them an e-mail or call the number that is listed there. Go to their events and talk to them in person. Don’t hesitate to go up to the exec and ask them how to get involved. There’s some amazing clubs at UofT. Don’t be shy!
Do you have a favourite quote?
“Everything that can be counted does not necessarily count; everything that counts cannot necessarily be counted.” – Albert Einstein
Interview by Redon Hoxhaj, 2011-2012 Communications Assistant, Office of Student Life
Profiles In Leadership: Kristina Minella July 2, 2012
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Kristina Minnella, Campus Life Coordinator, Victoria College (St. George)
Kristina can be found at Victoria College, where she engages with students every day. She loves sharing what she knows with her students, and helping them make the most of their university experience. Her positive attitude inspires students, and her energy makes her a great team player. Having her as Campus Life Coordinator really helps students see all the possibilities!
What is your definition of leadership?
Leadership is a process of working together toward a common civic purpose.
What are your favourite campus events?
Among my favourites are productions put on by the Victoria College Drama Society and Orientation.
How do you maintain balance of your work, campus events and other responsibilities, especially at busy times of the year?
Leaving unstructured room in my day or my week so that I can fill it with something I haven’t gotten enough of and not feeling bad if I want to fill that with watching TV.
Any tips for students who might be struggling with the balance between their studies and their involvement on campus?
Make a list – seriously. Find a quiet space to think sit down and think about what you want and need to get done – then write down when you are going to do them. Make sure you don’t forget to include doing things that make you happy on that list.
Any advice for students who feel they want to get involved, but don’t know where to start?
The University of Toronto is a learning laboratory. There are so many opportunities and no one is expecting you to be an expert. Think about one thing you want to learn more about and there is probably a club or society that you can do that with. There are many people at the University who want to help you connect and get involved. Contacting the student society or the dean of students at your division or faculty is a great start.
Interview by Redon Hoxhaj, 2011-2012 Communications Assistant, Office of Student Life