SFM makes a difference and gives back to our communities

Wednesday, November 6, 2024
by Jackie C.

I have always enjoyed giving back and contributing in whatever way I can. I’ve also had a strong passion for integrating environmental and social factors into accounting, finance and business development. As such, the Sustainability and Financial Management (SFM) co-op program was the perfect option for me as it is a unique program that incorporates education, career development and community involvement.

In September, students and staff of the SFM program, myself included, collaborated with Sustainable Waterloo to plant trees at a local elementary school. This event, exclusively for SFM students, symbolized a commitment to sustainability and growth by planting two trees for each first-year student entering the program this year. After a few hours of labour and barely making it back in time for our classes, 130 trees were planted, mulched and watered. 

I really enjoyed my time planting these trees with my fellow students, upper-years and our professor. Additionally, we connected with the local community by involving and educating students at the elementary school where we planted the trees. Personally, I helped plant nine trees and moved numerous wheelbarrows of mulch. Though it was tiring, the effort was undoubtedly rewarding.

A student digging a hole in a field surrounded by tree saplings
a group SFM students pose with shovels in a field at the tree planting event
Sustainability and Financial Management (SFM) program co-director Jennifer Lynes Murray laughs with students
Students digging holes in a field to place the trees
Sustainability and Financial Management (SFM) Program Manager Jesse MacLeod holds up a sapling
A student smiles for the camera amongst the group planting trees
a student packing mulch around a newly-planted tree
Students working together to shovel mulch into a wheelbarrow
A student holds up a sapling
A student packing soil around a newly-planted tree
A student digging a hole in a field surrounded by tree saplings
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a group SFM students pose with shovels in a field at the tree planting event
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Sustainability and Financial Management (SFM) program co-director Jennifer Lynes Murray laughs with students
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Students digging holes in a field to place the trees
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Sustainability and Financial Management (SFM) Program Manager Jesse MacLeod holds up a sapling
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A student smiles for the camera amongst the group planting trees
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a student packing mulch around a newly-planted tree
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Students working together to shovel mulch into a wheelbarrow
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A student holds up a sapling
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A student packing soil around a newly-planted tree
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The SFM community is a tightknit one. We host events of our own while also partaking in regular School of Accounting and Finance (SAF) activities. These SFM events are a great opportunity to get to know other SFM students in the program while serving the community and really making a positive impact in tangible ways.

It’s something I really do appreciate — being able to dive deeper into both worlds of accounting and finance while also being able to explore the many complex factors relating to the environmental, social and governance (ESG) challenges theoretically but also in real tangible ways.

I am thankful for opportunities like these where I can step out of the classroom, apply the knowledge and skills I’ve acquired through my program and make a difference in the community and the planet. I am really looking forward to all the future opportunities to be engaged in the community and contribute to environmental efforts

If you’d like to know more about the Sustainability and Financial Management Program or you’re considering a career in accounting or finance, check out the University of Waterloo's Fall Open House happening on November 9th, 2024.

I remember how valuable it was to explore campus, chat with students, advisors and faculty and see firsthand what makes the School of Accounting and Finance so unique. Don't miss this chance to get a real feel for life at SAF—hope to see you there!