Kwantlen Program: Bachelor of Arts, Social Sciences. Minors in: Political Science, Psychology and Philosophy.
Grad Year: 2013
Employed as: Confidential Assistant, Office of the President, KPU
Employer website: www.kpu.ca
What are your primary responsibilities at your job:
Currently I act in a chief of staff capacity for the Office of the President at KPU. I oversee day-to-day functions such as calendars, meetings, enquiries and finances. Throughout the year I organize and manage numerous university-wide events, including convocation, KPU Day and TEDxKPU. I handle special research projects, external guests and any other assignments that may come up. Beginning in July, I will become KPU’s University Secretary and provide direct support to the Board of Governors.
What is your favourite part of your work?
My favourite part of my work at KPU is that my role changes day to day. It is an incredibly diverse and dynamic position. I have the opportunity to work with people across all departments, students and members of the public and constantly be exposed to new ideas and perspectives – that is really neat.
How do you like to unwind/handle stress?
I have lots of ways of unwinding and handling stress. On work nights I like to go home and read a book or watch a movie. Weekends I prefer to go out and be with friends and family.
Who is the most famous person you've ever met?
Former U.S. presidents George W. Bush and Bill Clinton. More recently, I met PM Stephen Harper.
If you had a time machine and could have lunch with anyone living or dead, who would it be?
For an imaginary question, this is a tough one. I think I would want to have lunch with one of the great thinkers in history, specifically Plato, Einstein, Tesla or Davinci. It would be interesting to have an opportunity to ask them about their lives, where their ideas came from and hopefully hear a few of their ideas that have been lost to time.
Where does your inspiration come from?
Anywhere and everywhere. The people I meet through my work, friends and family as well as the environment around us. I have always been passionate about nature so I tend to be affected strongly by the environment both locally and on my travels.
Where do you see yourself in one, five or 10 years?
In one year, probably nothing too drastic from where I am now. Hopefully have a few more travel destinations checked off. Five years, hopefully completing my master’s. Ten years, no idea.
What are you most proud of?
Where I am in my life today. I managed to find a job I love even though I had no idea what I wanted to do while in university. Recently I purchased my first home, which is really exciting – it’s a chance for me to bring all of my creative furnishing ideas to life and provides a lot of freedom.
Greatest advice for life?
People are people. Whether you are meeting the CEO of a company, a celebrity or your neighbour, they are all regular individuals who have worked hard to get where they are in life.
Favourite KPU moment?
Being part of the presidential search advisory committee.
What's the last book you read?
The last book or series I actually finished was the Maze Runner. It was a good time-passer on the last few trips I went on. Currently I am part way through Gwynne Dyer’s Canada In the Great Power Game and The Secret History by Donna Tartt.
What's currently on your iPod?
Usually I just listen to YouTube playlists of the top radio hits of the week.