Kristy Gao (She/Her), Computer Science ‘22
What Waterloo volunteer opportunities have you participated in?:
- Hack the North - Logistics & Backend
- StarterHacks - Logistics
- Mathsoc - First Year Rep & Council
- Math Orientation - Devisor & Orientation Leader
- UW Hip Hop
- Queer++ - Founder
- Tech+ - Mentor
Get to know Kristy...
1. Why did you choose Waterloo and the Faculty of Math?
Like many Computer Science students, in high school, I took programming class thinking it had something to do with video games. I got hooked on the interesting and unique challenges that can be overcome with technology, and luckily had older friends who went to Waterloo for Math and Computer Science. Learning about the innovation-driven, competitive atmosphere at the Faculty of Math got me so excited, and the course offerings were so interesting. It is a great pleasure to learn unique subjects from such talented faculty.
2. What campus and extracurricular activities do you participate in?
Queer++ has been my main focus as of late. Queer++ is an organization aiming to empower LGBTQ+ students in the Faculty of Math, and introduce a discourse on campus of the intersection of queer issues and tech. I also enjoy UW Hip Hop when I get the chance to!
3. What’s your favourite Waterloo memory so far?
There are so many great memories! It's hard to choose a favourite, but the first one at the top of mind was after Math Orientation week. At our last event, we had many trays of cupcakes and cookies untouched, and some friends and I wandered around campus handing out the snacks. It was so fun, and really brightened up people's day.
4. What motivates you to volunteer?
It warms my heart when my hard work pays off and helps someone in my community. I was quite a slacker in highschool and didn't do much volunteering until I decided to start a Hackathon. Planning and executing the event was so much work, but really paid off when I saw the participants live the joy of learning and building something new. Ever since then, volunteering became addicting for me. My favorite part is seeing the positive improvements I can make in my community.
5. Why do you choose to donate your time to Waterloo?
Waterloo is a special place for the students who inhabit it - as it should be. It is an amazing testing ground for new ideas and projects that students want to see changes happen in their community. I want to test run ideas and projects to see how they impact their communities - through both compartmentalized projects in large organizations like Hack the North, and brand new organizations like Queer++. I'm also motivated to volunteer to grow Waterloo's community, and to pay it forward to the school and students that have given me so much.
6. What would you tell others about the positive benefits of volunteering?
If you want to see a change in your community or start something new, now is always the time! The barriers to accomplishing any fleeting goal are thin. And forgive my cheesiness, but there's no feeling better than giving back to your community.
7. Is there anything else you would like to add?
Just because the world is standing still with the COVID19 situation, doesn't mean you can't volunteer! Many school organizations, especially tech related organizations like Blueprint or Hack the North, can operate remotely. It's also a great way to stay connected during these potentially lonely times.
Visit Volunteer Ties to view the Spotlight of the Day for National Volunteer Week. #NVW2020