Library ambassadors: written by Mariam Rizvi

Hello UWaterloo! My name is Mariam Rizvi and I am in 2B Environment and Business. This is my second term as a Library Ambassador and I am extremely delighted to be back after being away for a co-op term. I wanted to return as a Library Ambassador because I love representing the library. It has changed my perspective from the library being a gloomy place to study or a place just filled with books, to a place that is so much more than that. Given the opportunity to return for the Spring semester, I did not think twice!

Being a Library Ambassador allows me to explore and enhance a number of skills, and gives me the opportunity to apply them in creative ways. These skills range from public speaking to project management to blog writing, this job is a complete package! I get to represent the library at campus fairs and events, promote the Office of Academic Integrity, learn more about the library and its resources, and receive mentorship by a library staff ranging from managers, supervisors to liaison librarians!

One of the most interesting aspects about this job is that I get to work on a personal project that promotes student engagement that can be done anytime during the term. Last fall, two of my fellow Ambassadors and I worked on a Harry Potter theme photo booth along with trivia questions from the seven books. We developed a project proposal, created props for the photo booth, handled marketing and logistics, and executed a very successful event. I am happy to announce that another fellow Library Ambassador, Samantha, and I are bringing the Harry Potter theme photo booth back this term! It is more exciting this semester as it is the 20^th anniversary of the first Harry Potter book! This experience will definitely enhance my project management skills, and I am eagerly looking forward to working on it. 

During co-op interviews, I found myself talking about the experiences and skills I gained as a Library Ambassador, and I believe that this is a great addition to my portfolio. Aside from adding to my professional experience, I genuinely have fun in this job. Interacting with students is something that I enjoy, and a main component of this role is engaging with them on a student-to-student basis. I can confidently say that I have grown as a leader, public speaker, and team player by being a Library Ambassador.

I have had the opportunity to meet some amazing people through this program in the form of friends, mentors, well-wishers, and connections. The people in the library are some of the nicest individuals that I have come across, and I am so grateful that I was able to build good relationships with them.

I encourage everyone who wants a manageable and fun extracurricular involvement right on campus to apply to be a Library Ambassador, because it definitely is a rewarding experience.