By JOSH KENNEDY
Students at Conestoga College got the chance to see many different volunteer opportunities at the school’s annual Get Involved Fair.
The event was hosted by Student Life and was held to showcase diverse on- and off-campus volunteer positions to students. It was held over two days and featured exhibits from internal clubs and Student Services, as well as community organizations. The main goal was to bring these opportunities directly to the students, especially when they are looking for ways to challenge themselves and meet others.
“Studies have shown that students who get involved in their college experience are more successful at college,” said Laura Black, Student Life programmer. “Volunteering allows you to add to your professional portfolio, network, connect with diverse populations, develop your skills and self-confidence, apply your learning and give back to the community.”
The Get Involved Fair has taken place twice near the beginning of the fall and winter semesters at Conestoga since 2008.
On Jan. 14 the fair consisted of booths from campus clubs and service areas. These included Student Life, First Generation, Campus Safety and Security, Marketing, Recreation Centre & Athletics, Conestoga College Residence, Conestoga Students Inc. and Conestoga Acres. Staff at the marketing booth welcomed high school students who were interested in coming to Conestoga after they graduate and gave them a tour of the school.
“The thing I look forward to the most is interacting with the students who are willing to share their stories with us,” said Kim Crackel, event and tour co-ordinator for the marketing department.
The following day was for local community partners to showcase their volunteer opportunities. Those who attended included the Sexual Assault Support Centre of Waterloo Region, Cambridge Memorial Hospital, the Canadian Cancer Society, the Canadian Mental Health Association and the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Waterloo.
The Get Involved Fair is always a great way for people to reach out to one another.
“It is very important to reach out to youth in the community,” said Jamie Hastings, a volunteer service worker at Cambridge Memorial Hospital. “The youth want to volunteer for a number of reasons, but most importantly, they do it to learn more about potential career opportunities.”
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