Diabetes Canada at Ryerson
What is your role as a student leader? And why do you love it?
I am the Co-Chair of Diabetes Canada at Ryerson (DCR), the affiliated group of Diabetes Canada. I am devoted to creating and promoting a collaborative and inclusive atmosphere within my team so that my members can enjoy and learn from their experiences at DCR.
What do students connect with you about most often?
Students often connect with me and DCR with collaboration opportunities so that we can together raise public awareness about diabetes management and useful student resources.
What have you accomplished, or learned as a student leader?
I learned from my two years of Co-Chair experience that the success of a student group is a team effort. My greatest accomplishment at DCR has been to coordinate and maintain a supportive and collaborative environment so that my members can enjoy and contribute to DCR that makes us a stronger team.
What would you say to someone who is unsure if they should join or lead a student group?
I would like to say that please trust your potential and give yourself a little push---you will find your true potential once you get there!
What is your role as a student leader? And why do you love it?
As a student leader, I represent Diabetes Canada at Ryerson (DCR) as one of the Co-Chairs. I love all the learning and engagement opportunities it comes with. I also enjoy representing my program on campus while providing health education to fellow students about diabetes prevention and management.
What have you accomplished, or learned as a student leader?
I have been with DCR since my second year at Ryerson and I originally started off as an Events Member. Currently, I’m in my fourth year and this is my second year as a DCR Co-Chair. These past few years have taught me a lot about teamwork, leadership, and time management. I’ve also met some great people along the way!
What do you want to accomplish, this year, at the Faculty of Community Services?
With COVID-19, many first-year students haven’t been able to experience in-person campus life. This year, my goal is to ensure DCR can make the most of our year despite these circumstances and provide students with fun and educational events to look forward to.
What would you say to someone who is unsure if they should join or lead a student group?
Go for it! Becoming involved in student groups is a great way to meet others outside your program, develop your leadership skills, and engage in self discovery. You will develop so much professionally, and it puts your foot in the door when networking with others.
Can you share about how you may have made a difference that we might not know about?
Over the past year, I have been working in a paediatric rehab hospital on the brain injury and specialized orthopaedics inpatient units. With COVID-19, it’s been a very difficult time for children and families. Children are so resilient, and they have a strength which gets them through these hard times. I was so happy to be a part of their experience to transition back home and I aspire to have the same drive that they do.
Do you have any final thoughts?
Your university life at Ryerson is a once in a lifetime experience so make the most of the programs and resources on campus. It will be something you can reflect on and remember for the rest of your life.
