Course Union Leaders, A Bridge Between Students & the Faculty

What is your role as a student leader? And why do you love it?

I am the First-Year Ambassador on the Ryerson Social Work Students' Union. My role is to represent my program and provide support to first-year students. I focus on ways to engage and make their transition to Ryerson as easy as possible.  

What do students connect with you about most often?

Most students reach out to me for mental health support, on-campus resources that aid in academia, and program information.  

What have you accomplished, or learned as a student leader?

As a student leader, I have learned to take accountability for the students who contact me for support. I learned that the time and effort I put into supporting these students have the best outcomes in terms of building relationships and fostering a comfortable space for them.  

What would you say to someone who is unsure if they should join or lead a student group?

Do it! It's an amazing opportunity to meet new people, gain skills, and represent the students of your program!

What is your role as a student leader? And why do you love it?

I am one of the Co-Chairs of the Social Work Students’ Union (SWSU), a Social Media Associate for Ryerson Students for Mental Awareness, Support and Health (SMASH), as well as a mentor. I love it because it is an advocacy platform, an opportunity to mobilize social change on every level, and ensure that social justice issues are actively addressed.  

What do students connect with you about most often?

Students connect with me about academic challenges such as courses, career planning, navigating minors and certificates, field practicum, seeking resources, as well as not seeing their lived experiences reflected in the program or on campus. Students also reach out to look for opportunities to get involved, or share their ideas of events they would like to see incorporated into the school year.  

What would you say to someone who is unsure if they should join or lead a student group?

It can be intimidating to put yourself out there to join a group, or be a leader but try anyways. Quite often, we underestimate ourselves and our abilities, but being involved is a way to strengthened skills and acquire new ones, as well as make meaningful connections and contributions to your program, student life, and Ryerson at large. You will learn so much about yourself both personally and professionally, and the experiences gained through student groups paves the way for future endeavours.

What is your role as a student leader? And why do you love it?

I'm the president of the Ryerson Home Economics Association (RHEA) as well as a student mentor for the Tri-Mentoring Program (TMP). I love being a part of RHEA because it has brougt me out of my comfort zone and it allows me to work in a team of amazing people. Being a mentor for TMP gave me the opertunity to give back for when I was a mentee and my TMP mentor helped me in my first year.

What do you want to accomplish, this year, at Ryerson?

I want my mentee to feel like they are not alone and if they are having a really hard time, or they just need a friend, I'll be there.

What would you say to someone who is unsure if they should join or lead a student group?

I would tell them there is no growth without discomfort. As long as you are willing to grow and learn, you should be willing to making mistakes. 

What is your role as a student leader? And why do you love it?

I am Events Coordinator for the Early Childhood Studies Course Union and President of the Council for Exceptional Children. I love being able to organize events while representing my program and advocating for equal education opportunities for all.  

What do students connect with you about most often?

Most Early Childhood Studies students connect with me in regards to questions about placements, academic resources and opportunities to get involved with the school.

What would you say to someone who is unsure if they should join or lead a student group?

I myself, always shied away from getting involved in school. It took me three years, but I came to a realization that change starts with YOU. As a school and as a community, we the students play a huge role in what occurs. If you want something, you need to go after it. A big chunk of our tuition not only goes towards quality education, but the overall post-secondary experience as well. Getting involved will not only bring you one step closer to making change, but you get to also meet some of the greatest people who you'll create the most mesmerizing memories with.

What is your role as a student leader? And why do you love it?

I am honoured to be a Co-President on the Child and Youth Care Course Union. In my current role I fiercely advocate and act for opportunities to build our student community. Being in the Faculty of Community Services, Child and Youth Care Students are passionate about building relationships and supporting fellow students! It’s incredible to work alongside folks who are on the same page right off the bat!

What do students connect with you about most often?

While course unions are typically viewed as a bridge between the student body and the school, course union executives are really just students supporting fellow students. I think folks are pleasantly surprised when they realize we have as much to learn as we have to share.

What would you say to someone who is unsure if they should join or lead a student group?

You know those life changing mentors you see in movies and read about in books? You have an opportunity to become one of those people when you join and meaningfully participate in student groups. You have nothing to lose and a million and one connections to gain.

What is your role as a student leader? And why do you love it?

As the President of the Nutrition Course Union and a student in my last year of Ryerson’s BASc, Nutrition and Food program, I am passionate about personal development and am excited to connect students with opportunities to learn about diverse career paths and explore professional interests within the field of nutrition through engaging event programming and collaborations.

What is your role as a student leader? And why do you love it?

I love to share information about the Nutrition and Food program, discussing anything from course work, to work life balance, to study tips! Or to chat about the best food spots around the city ;)

What would you say to someone who is unsure if they should join or lead a student group?

Do it! It is such a great way to get involved and immerse yourself in your field of interest. A highly valued experience and fantastic way to make friends.