Over 90 student staff and volunteers gathered at the Kitchener - Doon campus on August 20 to celebrate their work and contributions throughout the spring term. The appreciation event, hosted by Student Engagement, included custom craft stations, a photo booth, food, therapy dogs and a chance to socialize with fellow students.
Student staff and volunteers participate in various activities at an appreciation event held at the college's Kitchener - Doon campus on August 20.
“The appreciation event is a great way to recognize the many student staff and volunteers who play an integral part in bringing our campuses to life. Their involvement in various events and committees truly makes Conestoga a vibrant and dynamic place to learn and grow, which is integral to our success as a college,” said Carley Webb, Student Engagement programmer.
“It’s one of my favourite events that we provide in Student Engagement as it’s designed to give students a place to decompress, socialize, celebrate and create a thank you token to take with them,” added Webb.
Sonam Bhote, a student ambassador, spoke of how helping fellow students has contributed to her student experience and knowledge of supports at Conestoga.
“Working as a student ambassador gave me a lot of insights on college resources that I wouldn’t have necessarily explored if I didn’t have the opportunity. I know a lot more about college resources because of my job as a student ambassador.”
Bhote’s advice is that students become as involved as possible.
“We have this pressure to work and study, and in between that, we forget to explore college resources. I would suggest that students be more involved in college activities.”
Fellow student ambassador Simran Luthra, a graduating student in the Health and Social Systems Navigation program, has also been involved in college activities, also serving as both a peer mentor and mentee in addition to participating in various workshops that Student Engagement facilitates and creates. She noted how this involvement has played an active role in making her a career-ready graduate.
“I have become more confident interacting with different individuals in the health-care space. The volunteer experiences have also helped me with building skills. I have participated in a lot of professional development sessions, especially focused on diversity, equity and inclusion, 2SLGBTQIA+ and many more, so that helps me stand out.”
Student ambassadors are upper-level students who help other students learn more about college services and find opportunities to get involved in the Conestoga community. They can be followed on Student Engagement’s Instagram feed, and are available at virtual drop-in sessions, live events and at various campus locations.
Student Engagement provides many other ways for students to get involved, from peer mentorship and peer inclusion roles to volunteering at events such as orientation. Opportunities to develop leadership skills are also available through workshops and positions on committees, many of which are focused on leadership, skill development and inclusion. To learn more about initiatives and how to get involved, visit Student Engagement.
“The dedication, enthusiasm, and hard work of our students have enriched our campus life and also sets a remarkable example for their peers. Whether students participated in community projects, orientation, peer mentoring or committee work, their contributions have made a significant and lasting impact,” said Amy Baird, associate director, Student Experience.
“I am incredibly impressed with each one of our students because they have demonstrated leadership, creativity, and a commitment to excellence that will undoubtedly serve them well in their future endeavors. Our appreciation event each term is just one small but important way that we can give back and celebrate the work that these students do on a daily basis.”
Conestoga's Student Engagement meets the needs of students through innovative programming designed to achieve goals with learning outcomes-based initiatives, including the Co-Curricular Record; Orientation; diversity, equity and inclusion education and programming; the Leadership Workshop series; and various student volunteer, leadership and committee opportunities.