Library ambassadors: written by Anna Quijano

Greetings all! My name is Anna Quijano, a fellow student at the University of Waterloo. I am currently in my 1B term of Honours Arts, majoring in English. I was scrolling through Instagram one day, when all of a sudden I came  across a post made by the official UWaterloo library account, saying that they were recruiting new Library Ambassadors for the Winter term. Reading through the job description instantly made me want to apply. I sent in my application and went through the interview process. I started being a Library Ambassador in the Winter term. I am happy to say that I have been enjoying my time in the position since!

Being a Library Ambassador has taught me new skills as well as enhanced ones that I already had. In high school, I was not involved in many things, so I wanted to make sure I broke out of my comfort zone in University.  Being a Library Ambassador has certainly allowed me to achieve my goal! This program has helped to develop my ability to work effectively independently or on a team, to be accountable for my actions, and has helped me become more confident in my voice and what I am saying. In addition, being a Library Ambassador has taught me all kinds of new things about the University of Waterloo, which my love for has grown substantially. For instance, did you know the Dana Porter Library has a rare books collection, which is open for tours all year long?  Incredible! In my position, I have also learned about what it means to be an example and a leader for others, and what kind of responsibility that entails. My job as a Library Ambassador has grown my presence at the school and it has introduced me to new people and ideas I never would have seen before.

I find that being a Library Ambassador is having a job that is unlike any other.  Being a Library Ambassador is so multifaceted, and it's one of the reasons why I love being one so much. My duties range from setting up and answering students’ questions during the first two weeks of the semester, to speaking at the Marketing Roundtable meeting in Ira Needles Hall to 150 UWaterloo staff, to promoting Academic Integrity with some questions and free candy in Dana Porter and Davis Centre Library. It is an amazing job to show your school spirit and pride while getting to know your fellow Waterloo students. Not to mention, the upper year Library Ambassadors are equally as excited about Waterloo as you, and always have your back if ever you have a question about the duties you’re responsible for.

In addition to promoting the library, Library Ambassadors are also able to create their own projects, with endless possibilities. Our main goal is to show the UWaterloo student body what their library can do for them and with them throughout their academic careers. My project this term, which will also carry over to the Fall term of this upcoming year will be working closely with Special Collections & Archives in Dana Porter Library. I will be implementing special tours for students to visit the Rare Books room and learn about the resources available to them in order to promote the Special Collections & Archives department as well as the library in general. There’s not much I am able to share at this point, other than the fact that I am really excited and honoured to be doing something to help my school and fellow students so early on in my academic career.

This is a call for all students who want the opportunity to grow and learn more about themselves and their school, as well as make a difference in the lives of others. It is a chance for you to be a leader as well as a team player, to be heard and to be seen, to grow in approachability and responsibility all right on your campus.  If all this sounds appealing to you, being a Library Ambassador just might be in your near future!