Eliza is the 2015-2016 recipient of the OVPS Emerging Leader Award
During my first week of school in September 2014, an upper year student said something to me that has been embedded in my mind ever since. He said, “When you graduate, thousands of other students are going to be leaving with the exact same piece of paper as you; your involvement is what will differentiate you from the others.”
Over my two years that I have been here at Ryerson, I have had the opportunity to be a part of many amazing student groups. In my first year, I was on the Ryerson Residence Council, an ambassador for the Ted Rogers Management Conference (TRMC), and the administrator for Ryerson Women in Leadership (RWIL). This year, I was a conference associate for RWIL, an events associate for TRMC, and am currently working as the administrative assistant for Student Initiative Funds. Every single one of these opportunities has positively impacted me personally and professionally.
It was a Thursday morning when I received a text message from my supervisor, Akeisha Lari, excitedly telling me to check my email. I immediately opened my computer and found that I had won the OVPS Emerging Leader Award. At first, I could not believe it. Thoughts were going through my head like “Did I really get awarded this? I need to call my mom!” I felt proud, excited and honoured, all at once.
This award will most definitely be an asset to my future. Personally, I now have seen how my hard work and involvement really pays off and makes a difference for your future. I have also learned that doing things you love, really will lead you to good things in turn. Professionally, I now have the title of “Emerging Leader”, and leadership is a valuable skill to have in every careers.
If I could give any piece of advice to a Ryerson student it would be to get involved! Doing so has made an immense difference in my university career and personal life. As a result of getting involved, I have met some amazing people, made strong relationships, applied the skills I have learned in class and learned completely new skills in general! I am thankful for the opportunities that have come upon me, and look forward to see what I approach in the future!
