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
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
Profiles in Leadership: Mathieu Sasseville May 28, 2012
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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
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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
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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