Becoming the 3rd Year Representative for the Human Ecology Students' Association (HESA) from January to March 2022 marked my initial foray into actively engaging with the department and the student club. Charged with addressing concerns specific to third-year students, I intended to be a voice for my peers. However, the challenges posed by the hybrid class format limited the extent of my involvement during this period.
Transitioning to Vice President of Finance after the annual general meeting in March 2022 presented a new set of responsibilities. Managing the HESA bank account, overseeing budget records, and handling financial transactions became my focus. Despite lacking prior training, I navigated the complexities, ensuring the club operated profitably throughout the academic year. This experience honed my organizational skills and provided insights into budget planning.
Stepping into the 2023-2024 school year as one of the Co-Presidents, alongside Jenelle Libo-on, marked a significant shift in my involvement with student clubs. As co-president, I oversee executive members, conduct regular meetings for idea generation and member check-ins, and organize monthly events to enhance student engagement and foster a sense of community on campus. Simultaneously handling VP Finance responsibilities until October 2023, I worked to strike a balance in financial management.
Navigating meetings in a leadership role proved to be a nerve-wracking but transformative experience. While initially challenging, especially in the absence of my co-president during meetings, I gradually refined my skills and became a more effective meeting host. The position also presented the challenge of managing conflicts within the executive team. Acknowledging their lack of prior experience, I approached conflicts with empathy, fostering a supportive and collaborative environment.
My journey within HESA has expanded my confidence and deepened my connections within the department. Through overcoming challenges and refining my leadership skills, I've aligned this experience with my broader mission of supporting individuals and communities through collaborative learning for holistic well-being and social equity. As the past co-president, I was committed to fostering an inclusive and engaging environment within HESA, contributing to the well-being of our members and the broader campus community.
Video clip after setting up HESA's Fall 2023 Swap and Shop. Video was taken by me on October 18, 2023.
Picture of the 2022-2023 HESA team. Top row (left to right): Helena, Ann, Katja, Anika, Cynthia, Melissa. Bottom row (left to right): Vanessa, Lauren, Danielle, Hannah Macenzie, Me, Jenelle, Jessica. Not pictured: Isabelle R., Victoria, Nadia, and Nancy.
Picture of the 2023-2024 HESA team. On the top/screen (left to right): Anna, Nancy, Cynthia. Middle row (left to right): Katie, Isabelle M., Isabelle R., Rebecca, Sonya, Me. Bottom row (left to right): Elisha, Anzelle, Jenelle, Ann, Katja.
Screenshot of SFW's Instagram page from when I was VP Marketing.
Joining Students for Wishes (SFW) amid the challenges posed by the Canadian government's COVID-19 restrictions was a transformative experience for me. Seeking connection with fellow students on campus, I became one of the Co-Vice Presidents of Events from September 2020 to April 2022, playing a pivotal role in coordinating fundraising events. This responsibility involved decision-making on external resources and managing event processes and required adept budget preparation.
Beginning this role in a virtual setting took a lot of work; finding a way to stand out among other student groups was challenging, as there were limited options for virtual events. I had the idea of creating a virtual silent auction; in my role, I set up the website using 32auctions.com and sought sponsors, mainly partnering with local small businesses in Edmonton.
Working towards SFW's philanthropic cause, I found my confidence steadily increasing. Being entrusted with supervising a team of six directors, I navigated the intricate terrain of event planning, learning to synthesize ideas and execute successful fundraisers. My experience contributed to the group's mission of supporting Make-A-Wish Canada. It aligned with my mission of fostering collaborative learning for holistic well-being and social equity as I dealt with the emotional and social dimensions of well-being.
In my subsequent role as the Vice President of Marketing from September 2022 to April 2023, I integrated fundraising, social events, and general information through various social media platforms. My efforts were directed toward creating and promoting advertisements on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, aligning the group's online presence with its mission. The youthful theme of the group we maintained on the Instagram page reflected the heart of SFW, encapsulating our commitment to granting wishes and creating a positive impact.
Supervising a marketing director to craft monthly newsletters, I learned the importance of effective communication in advancing the organization's objectives. This hands-on experience strengthened my marketing skills and deepened my understanding of the impact of clear communication on fostering a sense of community.
My journey with SFW has been instrumental in shaping my confidence and refining my collaborative and leadership skills. It has instilled in me a commitment to contributing to the well-being of others through collective efforts, aligning with my mission to support individuals, families, and communities in our pursuit of holistic well-being and social equity.
Picture of SFW's booth at ActiveMind's Mental Health Carnival. One self-care technique we introduced to students was finger painting. Picture was captured on February 27, 2023 by Brandon Der.
Screenshot of an Instagram post by SFW in collaboration with staff from the Make-a-Wish Northern Alberta foundation. Through our combined efforts, we had the privilege of granting a wish during the 2021 holiday season.
Flaticon. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.flaticon.com/ *All icons on this page were made by photo3idea_studio from www.flaticon.com*