Leadership Profile: Darcy Brioux July 16, 2012
Posted by Crystal in Leadership.4 comments
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