Wednesday, November 25, 2015

Where in the World!? contest winners named

by Nicole Simec.

Entries in this year’s annual international photo contest once again exemplify the global reputation of Waterloo co-op students. With over 2,300 work terms taking place last year in 60+ countries, co-op allows students to explore international experiences while also building their résumé.

After a record-setting 273 votes were cast by students, staff, faculty, and employers, six students have been named winners for capturing striking images of the countries they visited while working abroad on co-op.

With her photo of the famous “half built, half carved” city of Petra – also known as the “Rose City” because of the colour of the stone throughout – Juana Attieh took first place in the international category.

Juana says she is grateful for her time working in such a historical, archaeological city.

“What inspired me to submit this photo is how beautifully integrated nature and man-made structure can be,” she said.

The first place winner in the USA category is Yahya Wahbeh, who captured what he calls the “desolation wilderness” of Fremont, California.

“I was on a backpacking and camping trip with other fellow Waterloo interns and grads,” explained Yahya. “I feel that this photo summed up the weekend and our adventures perfectly.”

Congratulations to Juana and Yahya, and also to the runners up:

International category:

2^nd place - Julia Michniewicz – Matterhorn Mountain on the border of Switzerland and Italy

3^rd place – Mackenzie Van Dam – Phnom Penh, Cambodia

USA category: 

2^nd place – Suril Shah – Yosemite Valley, California

3^rd place – Si Rui Wang – Pacific Coast Highway, California

Year after year, CECA staff build relationships with employers around the globe, who continue to hire Waterloo students for international work terms. Our reputation partnered with our high standards, and the excellence of our students has brought employers to the Tatham Centre from locations such as Saudi Arabia and the United Kingdom.

Thank you to all the students who submitted photos, to everyone who voted, and to the winners. Larger versions of these images can be found on the co-op website.  ​

Think safety as we slide into the slippery season

With the effects of the first significant snowfall of the season still lingering, all members of the University community should begin to think about taking precautions as they travel around campus.

Helpfully, the Safety Office has prepared prevention posters that can be printed, placed, and otherwise passed around to remind students, faculty, and staff of the dangers this season poses to unsuspecting pedestrians.

“Watch out for icy conditions,” says one poster that features an image of the sort of sand bin that sits at many spots near building entrances, parking lots and walkways. “Play your part,” says the poster. “Use sand/salt from the bins." It adds that people on campus should report unsafe walking conditions to the plant operations 24-hour line at ext. 33793.

Another poster encourages all to "give falls the slip" by watching out and avoiding black ice. "Do not get caught by surprise — monitor the weather," the poster says. "Wear winter footwear, even for short walks."

"During storms UW's first priority is main road routes to ensure emergency access and then primary walkways. Attention to some walkways and parking lots may not be possible until at least 24 hours after a storm has subsided," reads the poster. "Keep clear of snow removal equipment for your safety and to expedite their response to storm conditions."

You can request a poster from the Safety Office by contacting Sheila Hurley.

Wednesday's notes

Jenny MacIntyre from Housing and Residences is retiring. Campus colleagues and friends are invited to come and wish Jenny well in her retirement on Tuesday, December 15 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at MKV. Remarks will begin at 2:30 p.m. and light refreshments will be served.

Employers on campus next week hosting employer information sessions include: CPP Investment Board and the Ontario Public Service.