Hey Collegiates! This week, I’m psyched to introduce to you all Priscilla, a fourth year Beedie student who has collected vast experiences as a JDC Competitor, SFU BASS Mentor and more. Continue reading our interview to get to know how she began her involvement, juggles her extracurriculars, and where she wants to travel to next!
Let’s start with you telling us a little bit about yourself!
My name is Priscilla, currently a 4th year student at the Beedie School of Business. I am planning to concentrate in Operation Management, as well as obtain the Certificate of Business Analytics and Decision Making. Outside of class, I am involved with JDC West as an academic competitor and BASS Mentorship Program as a mentor.
If you could describe your experience as a first-year at Beedie, what would it be?
In my first-year at Beedie, I was overwhelmed by the amount of opportunities that were out there. I wanted to do everything all at once, but I did not know where to start. There was exchange, co-op, case competitions, school clubs, networking events. I was excited to take on this new journey, but at the same time nervous.
How long have you been involved in JDC West SFU?
Since early September.
What was the process like?
The interview process really tested our persistence and determination. This year they wanted to try something new where they implemented a strategy camp. First, there was a written application process. Selected candidates then go through a group interview where they had to complete a case within an hour. The candidates who passed the first round proceeds to an individual interview where we completed a 24-hour case. After that, they reduced the number to approximately 40 students where we attend a Strategy camp that is 6 weeks long. After the strategy camp, they selected their teams through a final mock competition.
During the strategy camp, I was able to really build up my knowledge in business strategy. This really tested everyone’s determination in whether they are willing to commit their time to JDC West.
You just recently participated in Chillin’ for Charity for the Canadian Cancer Society. Could you tell us a little bit more about the charity and what you did for it?
Chillin for Charity is an annual event that every JDC West team hosts. This is an event where competitors from SFU JDC West team spends five minute “chillin” in a dunk tank. All of the proceeds go to the Canadian Cancer Society to help fund for cancer research. At first, I was quite concerned getting dunked during a rainstorm. However, regardless of the cold weather, this is all going towards an amazing deed. Therefore, instead of feeling concerned and afraid, I was grateful that I was able to take part in raising money to fight against cancer.
Your involvement with Enactus SFU is also notable. What have you accomplished through Enactus?
I am so lucky to have joined Enactus SFU in my first year. I was captivated by their mission in creating sustainable programs to address social, economic, and environmental needs in making an impact within our community. In high school, I have always had a passion in giving back to the community and making an impact. Thus, Enactus SFU was the perfect student organization for me. In Enactus SFU, there are many different types of programs addressing different needs. The program I chose to volunteer for was Hunger Actions.
Vancouver has the highest cost of living in Canada, where 57,000 families are below the living wage. For single parents, saving money is particularly difficult, since they have to support their children as well. Hunger Actions addresses these needs by targeting low income parents, teaching them how to live a healthy lifestyle while on a budget. In my first year, I volunteered as a workshop coordinator where I hosted workshop. I fell in love with this program, and in my second year, I decided to apply to become their Financial Literacy Curriculum Manager. With this role, I proactively seeked ways in improving the financial literacy component through feedback from our participants and plan workshops for the workshop coordinators.
Alongside from running programs, every year, Enactus brings together students, academic, and industry leaders to celebrate the program’s achievements. There are three types of expositions: Regional, Nationals, and World Cup. In my first year, I had the privilege to work along two coaches, a designer, and 3 other presenters in representing my school for the National Exposition. We placed into semi-finals, and I am more than fortunate in being able to learn and bond with my team. “In our endeavor to be teachers, we have learned.” Being a presenter for Enactus, I was able to reflect on all the impact we have made. As a workshop coordinator, I was helping low income parents reach their “SMART” goals. Little did they know, that I have learned from them too. I was inspired by their determination in improving their quality of life for themselves and their family.
Furthermore, I was asked to come back to co-coach the Financial Literacy Regionals Competition. With this role, I mentored 3 students in script development, public speaking, and in delivering a five-minute presentation with a three-minute question and answer period. I was beyond honored in coaching such ambitious, driven, and enthusiastic students. Being their coach and mentor really reminded me how it was important to never give up and to focus on our goals. After long hour practices in improving our script, presentation style and delivery, I am extremely proud to announce to be named Regional Championships (League A) at Enactus Canada’s 2016 Western Regional Exposition in Calgary, Alberta and Nationals Champions at Enactus Canada’s 2016 Nationals Exposition.
How do you handle juggling academics, JDC West, Bass Mentorship Program and other extra curricular activities that you’re currently involved in?
Time management is a huge thing I have learned in my first year. I would say I was that “excited first year” who joined everything. That is when I learned that I had a capacity of the number of extra-curriculars I could take on, while having a part time job and full time studies. The key is to find a method in scheduling everything, including mealtimes, transportation time, and sleep. I utilize Google Calendar and categorize everything, such as ‘School Schedule,’ ‘JDC West schedule,’ and etcetera. With that I would estimate the amount of time I should be spending time on one task, for example I estimate approximately 1.5 hours studying Chapter 1. By putting a mini-deadline for myself, I tend to procrastinate less because I feel like I have to complete something all the time or I will fall behind schedule. It is also important to be flexible and work around things that abrupt last minute.
If you could give only three pieces of advice to younger, fellow students, what would it be?
- Step out of your comfort zone, and just do it – As a first year, you are going to be overwhelmed by the variety of opportunities that is provided. If there is something that interests you, try it out. Even if you do not have the skills or experience in that field, try it out. Stop with the “I can’t,” “I’ll do it next year,” “ I do not have the experiences they are looking for.” We all start somewhere, the most important question is whether you want to get your feet wet now or never. My biggest mistake was not trying out for case competitions when I was a first year. I kept telling myself that I didn’t have experience so there is no way I could try out and make it to the team. I kept making excuses for myself, when I should’ve tried it out. You wouldn’t know what will happen if you do not try. If you manage to take the courage to do it and succeed, then that’s great! You will look back and wondered why you doubted in your abilities. If not, that’s also fine because you’ll learn what you could’ve done better. The key is to never give up, you don’t lose anything either way. If that particular “thing” is what interests you, step out of your comfort zone and just do it.
- Believe in yourself – After stepping out of your comfort zone and trying out new things, it is understandable if you lack the confidence to do things you are not familiar with. That is why it is so important to believe in yourself. If you are passionate in something and are willing to give 110% in learning the material, anything is possible. Surround yourself with supportive friends who will remind you about your amazing qualities. With positive reinforcement, you will begin to see your self-worth and build your self-confidence.
- Enjoy the ride – Being a student can be stressful, especially balancing between social life, family, school, extra-curricular activities, hobbies, and employment. I know it is cliche to say that “you’re only a student once,” but don’t forget “you’re only young once” as well. Go out and meet new friends, go travel to a place you’ve never been, learn a new hobby, or do something that scares you everyday. Being a student, you’ll realize how much freedom you actually have compared to the “after-graduation” life. Sometimes it’s important to remember that it’s okay to make mistakes, and that no one is ever perfect. It is okay to fail, what’s more important is how you are going to pick yourself back up and keep going. A great tactic I use is instead of picking on every single thing I want, I focus on the things that I am very grateful for having. We sometimes forget how lucky we are to live in Vancouver, B.C. Enjoy the ride while you can, and be kind to one another.
What’s your favourite cuisine? And why?
If I had to pick, I would definitely choose Japanese (sushi!!). I love how they are able to make their cuisine so simple. Who would have thought rolling up seaweed, rice, and chopped scallop could be so amazing? It really reminds us that we do not need to have “fancy ingredients” to make a great dish. Just like how we do not need to have extravagant things to make our life great. Sometimes the simple things are the best things.
If you could travel to any place in the world next, where would you go?
Definitely Europe, I am planning to have my graduation trip there.
Thanks for chatting, Priscilla! I’m sure a lot of students will benefit from learning about these amazing SFU opportunities!
Images provided by the interviewee