Athletics: Teamwork, leadership and fun March 16, 2011
Posted by Chris Garbutt in Student Life.Tags: athletics, Camp U of T, intramurals, jobs, leadership, rugby, sports, volunteer, work
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Which university involvement opportunity allows you to combine elements of leadership, social interaction, learning new skills, and staying in shape? Athletics, of course! Being involved in athletics allows you to make new friends, learn a new skill, or refine skills you already have, while keeping active and having fun.
“Getting involved in athletics is a different way to colour your university experience,” says Catherine Morgan, a winger for the Women’s Varsity Rugby team. “Sports have always been a part of school for me, and it just gives me a good way to release my energy.”
Darcy Brioux, Senior Manager for Leadership Development at the Faculty of Physical Education and Health, says that being involved in athletics offers tremendous benefits to students, by “being able to work with others, helps build a diverse resume, helps balance your life and manage your time better.”
Catherine decided to join varsity rugby because sports were initially a big part of her high school experience, and she wanted to continue to reap the benefits that the sport provided.
“My coach and team create such an extensive support system, they’re here for me both on the field and off.”
She also says that sports are a great way to make friends “I’ve made friends with people from many different backgrounds. Everyone is united on a team for the same desire and passion for playing the sport at a high level, so you feed of everyone’s energy. “It’s definitely helped me network, because I’m involved with people of many ages,” Catherine says.
Not only does athletics offer social support, it also allows you to exercise your teamwork skills. “Sports in general are extremely dependent on teammates and you have to trust each other in order to accomplish a common goal,” Catherine says. “You each have a role and you all work as a unit towards a certain play.”
Sports have also allowed Catherine to improve her time management skills. “I actually manage my time better during the season, because I’m so busy that when you do have free time, you actually use it to be productive.” This also flows into the bigger picture: “I never know how long the season is going to last, especially in the playoffs, so you have to be on top of your work, so you’re caught up”
Catherine also says that sports have enriched her school experience “I’m motivated to work… I finish my work so I can go out and play.” This motivation allows Catherine to structure her life, to maintain a good balance between school work and extracurricular activities. “I’m committed to both school and sports, so I will finish that essay so I can go out to practice.”
Maybe you have the urge to get active, but you’re not about to try out for a Varsity team. Try joining an intramural team in your preferred sport area – U of T has its own Quidditch team – so there’s no doubt you’ll find an option that will interest you. Visit the intramurals website for more information.
The Athletic Centre also hires over 800 students every year. View job opportunities at the Athletics Centre Website. UTSC also offers job opportunities. And check out volunteer opportunities for Camp U of T.
Photo from the Varsity Blues website.
Viva Volunteering! November 9, 2010
Posted by Chris Garbutt in Student Life.Tags: abroad, travel, volunteer, volunteering
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Among the many experiences you’ve had at U of T, which ones have left you feeling all warm and fuzzy on the inside? Can you think of any warm and fuzzy experiences that also give you a competitive edge in your desired career path? Would you like that feeling? Have you considered volunteering?
Why volunteer? Volunteering offers students the opportunity to gain valuable work-related experience, while also making a difference. You can develop new skills and learn something new about yourself by finding interests and hobbies you didn’t think you’d enjoy. You will leave your volunteer experience with unique life experiences, knowing you’ve made a positive impact on a community in need.
There are many other opportunities to get your hands dirty in the world of volunteering. Volunteer Abroad, U of T Chapter, is heading down to Peru this May, and is recruiting volunteers to teach at an orphanage.
Providing great volunteer opportunities for those interested in pursuing careers in the medical field, Volunteers for Intercultural and Definitive Adventures (VIDA) at U of T is the first student-based chapter in Canada. They offer free medical, dental, and veterinary assistance to communities in South America.
The career Centre at St. George is teaming up with the department of politics to host Careers in NGOs and Government Wednesday November 17 from 4-6pm. This discussion panel invites guest speakers from the Government of Canada, the Toronto Office of Human Rights Watch, and the Office of the Ontario Minister of Citizenship & Immigration. See event details and What’s On at the Career Centre.
Volunteering abroad not your thing? Explore the Ulife website to find a volunteer opportunity that best suits you! You can find the hundreds of community outreach clubs at U of T, so you need not go far. Many more volunteer opportunities can be found on your career centre website’s Job Search option. (Click here for UTM, here for UTSC and here for downtown.)