Say ‘hello’ to Shannon Bergin! You might recognize her from O-week as Head Icebreaker for the Gold Musketeers! When she’s not busy giving tours of the school or performing random acts of kindness, you might find her playing one of her five intramural sports! Shannon embodies school spirit at Laurier and is an inspiration to anyone who is interested in being involved at University. I caught up with Shannon this week to talk to her about what getting involved really means.
What would you say the importance of getting involved in university is?
Being involved at your University is so important because it allows you to explore your passions and lets you build an identity. It gives you the opportunity to get to know all different types of people who share the same interests as you. It also opens doors to new experiences that can help you choose a path you want to follow in the future.
What are all of the clubs/teams you are involved with? Tell me a bit about each one
This year I have the opportunity to be a part of many amazing groups. I am a Senior Ambassador for Training & Development for Laurier. I give tours to prospective students, I get to show them around the campus and tell them about the amazing things Laurier has to offer! I was also Head Icebreaker for Gold Musketeers this O-Week. I led 76 Icebreakers who each had their own floor of first year students. By being an ambassador I get to convince people to come to Laurier, and by being involved as an icebreaker I get to show them that they made the right choice. I am the ARK (Acts of Random Kindness) Laurier Social Executive. ARK promotes kindness on and off Laurier Campus. During summer of 2014 I was a counselor at Laurier Multi-sports Camp. It was a camp for age 5-12 year old children, some of which were my professor’s kids! It was a great experience to work with children as well as fellow camp counselors, some of which were familiar faces. One of my co-workers is one of my best friends who also was a Head Icebreaker with me and happens to be my third cousin! I am also on 5 intramural teams: co-ed soccer, dodgeball (with my gold team), ultimate frisbee and 2 inner-tube water polo teams.
What does a typical day/week look like in your schedule?
I’m a fourth year Kinesiology & Physical Education student with a minor in psychology. So if I’m not busy with schoolwork, I am on campus for clubs, giving tours, or just hanging out. I am basically on campus everyday from early morning until late night.
How was your experience as head icebreaker for Gold and how did you get to that position?
I was on the Gold Buccaneers in first year and I had the most amazing time during O-week, so the following year I wanted to be an Icebreaker. I was an Icebreaker for two years on the Green Titans and the Green Aviators. This year I became Head Icebreaker for the Gold Musketeers! I knew I wanted to be Head Icebreaker last year and so I really put all my effort into trying to get the position. I had to go through a STARR Applications, an interview and a creative portion to explain why I deserved the position. Coming out from the position I would have to say the best thing about it is watching the growth in both the first year students as well as my icebreakers. Seeing the first years change from the first day, where they are scared and timid, to the last day where they are screaming their hearts out in school spirit, is one of the most rewarding experiences as Head Icebreaker. I was so thankful to work with my amazing Head Icebreaker partner Griffin Coulter. He became one of my best friends and we managed to create a Gold family together with the Gold Musketeers.
What advice do you have for people looking to get involved at Laurier?
Laurier has so many things to offer, and there are so many people who are similar to you that you might miss the chance to meet if you don’t get involved. University has the potential to be the best time in your life; it doesn’t have to just be about school. You should make the best of it by putting time into things you are passionate about. If you can’t find a club that sparks your interest, you can always make your own club! Getting involved can allow you to have some of the most rewarding experiences. I honestly can say I don’t know where I would be now if I hadn’t been involved at Laurier. I am so thankful for all the opportunities I have had to meet some of the most genuine and caring individuals at Laurier. I am lucky to have been so involved on campus and met some of my best friends through all of these experiences.
If you see Shannon on campus, make sure to give her a smile, she is one of the most kind-hearted Golden Hawks we have!