Jessica's December's reflection
As we approach the end of the term, what is one key takeaway from your experience as a whole/so far at U+/YRES? How will you integrate this into your life moving forward?
A significant takeaway from my time at U+/YRES is the importance of balancing creativity with structure. Learning to ideate freely while adhering to deadlines and goals has enhanced my productivity. Going forward, I realize that it’s always good to integrate yourself into the workplace and have a vision, especially when working at a non-profit organization. By proposing ideas that align, it’ll help perpetuate the growth of our organization and find a sense of meaning during this journey. Personally, it makes tasks a lot more meaningful once you build that attachment and relationship with the organization and members within it too.
Who was someone that made your experience at U+/YRES more memorable? Explain your choice.
One person who made my experience at U+/YRES unforgettable was Tanya. Their mentorship, positivity, and willingness to lend a helping hand created an inspiring and supportive work environment. Tanya ‘s ability to lead by example and genuinely care for the team’s success motivated me to push my boundaries and take initiative in my tasks. Their kindness and approachability left a lasting impression, making this term not only productive but also enjoyable. Christina and Zhen, as a duo, also left a strong impression because they were so fun and joyous to be around, when working with them in person. Last but not least, Neeha is always there to help coordinate my work when it relates to our websites and she is so delightful to be around as well.
What is some advice/tips that you would offer to future staff?
“Motivation is key, dreams can come true, even without wishing on a shooting star. It’s the dreamers and doers that make accomplishments possible!”
I would choose the Elevate festival photo for YRES or the one with the Markham Mayor. For U+ any previous Toastmaster session photos are fine!
If there was a yearbook for all employees at YRES, what photo and quote would you choose to display as we approach the end of the year?
As a returning staff for next term, some advice I would give to future staff is to be proactive in seeking out opportunities to learn and grow. If you take on challenges that push you out of your comfort zone – you’ll be surprised by how much you can achieve. Furthermore, there’s a lot more flexibility than you think working at YRES and you’re able to literally try a bit of everything, as long as you pitch your idea! Being open to many events, experiences, and roles will really help during your work here as well as a warm heart dedicated to helping others.
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