Just over a year ago, I was elected by my classmates as the Ivey MScA Co-President, embarking on a journey that has allowed me to make a significant impact within the MSc program.
My decision to run for Co-President was driven by a personal desire to push myself outside of my comfort zone and take on a leadership role that would enable me to grow and apply these skills in the workplace. In this role, I saw an opportunity to contribute to the betterment and long-term success of the MScA through my own vision and strategic planning.
Devoting time at the beginning of each academic term to plan monthly events was a fundamental aspect of my role as the Ivey MScA Co-President. This approach allowed me to create a diverse set of events that catered to the wide range of students in the program.
Some of the events planned included sporting events like the March Madness basketball tournament, a Super Bowl watch party, arcade nights, and industry career panels. Sporting tournaments provided a fun and competitive outlet for students to take a break and encourage physical activity. For the month of October, we planned a dodgeball tournament and a collaborative social event with the MBA Association. Additionally, in November, we are focusing on our grad events, such as the grad trip and the grad formal. These events offer opportunities for fun, socializing, and relaxation, contributing to the memorable moments of the MSc experience.
Serving as the MScA president has had a significant impact on my time as a student, influencing my relationships and academic experiences. The role has taught me how to prioritize my responsibilities through effective time management and efficient collaboration with my executive team. I ensure that individual tasks are clear and that we remain committed to our end goals. Within the MScA, working with the 10 existing clubs provided me with the skillset to further develop my conflict management and problem-solving skills, ensuring a safe and harmonious environment among the clubs. Lastly, I had the opportunity to network and interact with Ivey staff and faculty, specifically Program Services, for assistance in providing access to resources, advocating for student interests, and academic support.
Despite the challenges I faced during my tenure, I wouldn't trade my experience for anything else, as it taught me a lot about myself and the potential for immense change within the MScA. As my time as the Ivey MScA Co-President comes to an end, I would like to express my gratitude to my incredible executive team for their unwavering support throughout my tenure and to Ivey Program Services for their invaluable guidance on this journey. I extend my heartfelt thanks to Madison Watson, Jason Chew, Derek Worden, and Kate Palmer.
Reflecting on the past year, I am reminded of the potential of our youth and how we can contribute to the betterment of a community. I am truly grateful for the experience as Co-President and owe a debt of gratitude to my peers, classmates, and faculty for allowing me to make a positive difference in the MScA program.