“Stay positive and look for the good
It has only been a few months since I joined as a new Fellow and I already hold so much value in the SAF Fellowship program. From giving advice to first-year students to training to be a peer support learning champion (PSLC), I have encountered numerous opportunities to learn and develop as both a team member and as a student. Out of all yet, one of the major highlights of being in the Fellowship program is having the chance to attend the annual awards celebration where faculty members connect with students of various grades and Honourees with diverse backgrounds. Having attended this year’s virtual celebration, wherein the Fellowship Program Café, I was able to meet my Honouree for the first time and hear from students in years both above and below me.
The Fellowship Program Café is a fantastic outlet to meet new people and build your network in addition to better understanding the expectations of different generations. I was surprised to learn the similarities and differences of my program in comparison to what it was like 20 years ago and hear the perspectives on the growing importance of relationship-building in the SAF community and workplace. This celebration also introduced me to my Honouree, Gladdis, who has taught me the significance of holding positivity and confidence in everything I do. Having an Honouree and mentor is one of the most appreciated aspects of being in the Fellowship program because you build such a meaningful connection with someone who has been on the same path as you and is willing to help you throughout your undergraduate journey. As I head into my first co-op term, I’m thankful to have received intuitive advice from my Honouree.
For those who are contemplating about applying to the Fellowship program, I hope sharing my experiences will turn your dilemma into a decision. I’m grateful to be a part of something that will stick around for decades to come.