I volunteered as a senior OL because I am passionate about fostering a warm welcome for new-to-KIN students of varied backgrounds and contexts. Reflecting on when I transferred to KIN as a second-year student, I found that my positive orientation experience helped to replace fear with excitement and affirm that I had made the right decision in joining the KIN community. I love being a part of other students’ first KIN memories and watching them discover what our faculty is all about!
My time as a senior OL was incredibly valuable and empowering. Whether it be leadership soft skills or problem-solving strategies, I gained insights from the senior OL experience that impacted my life in tangible ways. If I were to narrow it down, I’d say that the most important lesson I received from my role is to always approach individuals with a curiosity towards who they are and what they bring to the present moment, rather than to impose words of ‘wisdom’ or ‘help’ them find their way. This outlook definitely reshaped my understanding of how to form relationships with others and carry myself within society.
Being a senior OL is a rewarding experience that grounds you in your KIN community. For students who have previously been OLs, I think it is particularly special to be able to step into a senior role that offers a new lens and harnesses different skills, yet that is still within the realm of welcoming new-to-KIN students. I would highly recommend the senior OL role as a way to learn more about yourself, develop your leadership capacities, and give back to our KIN community in an enriching and fulfilling way!
Even with our very early wakeup time, the whole of Imagine Day was so exciting and memorable for me – I still remember every detail of the day almost half a year later! One of my top moments of the day was standing on the roof of Osborne to film the KIN Coaster cheer for the @ubckin Instagram. Seeing our giant sea of green (complete with KIN students, profs and staff) instilled a sense of happiness and belonging that I’ll never forget.