Kayleigh Crook is a Laurier sweetheart, with a passion for business and a black belt in karate! With her dedicated involvement on campus and her kind-hearted nature, she is definitely a strong role model and a Golden Hawk celebrity. We sat down with Kayleigh to hear about her work with The Link, SBESS, her recent trip to China… and much more!
Program: BusinessYear of Study: Second yearHometown: Thornhill, Ontario
Describe yourself in a few sentences.
The first thing that I would say is that I’m extremely driven. I set ambitious goals for myself and I’m willing to do anything it takes to accomplish them. Something interesting about myself that not a lot of people know is that I’m a second-degree black belt in karate. It has taught me discipline inside and outside of the classroom. It has also helped me perform well academically, be a better person, helped with self-improvement and just being the best possible person I can be. I also really love people. I love making friends and love a wide, diverse variety of individuals. If I encounter any opportunity to make a new friend, I always do.
How are you involved on campus? Why did you choose to get involved in these things?
When I went to university, my main goal was to perform well not only academically but to make a name for myself. I looked around at all of the business clubs Laurier had to offer and I found The Link. In first year I was The Link’s events coordinator. Now, I have moved up as director of human resources. I love The Link because it is different from any other club on campus; we are a group of friends, not just a business club. I plan all the socials for this incredible team and I love my job. I’m also involved with SBESS as the events coordinator. I’ve met so many inspiring, talented people through my involvement on campus, and wouldn’t change these experiences for the world.
Where is the most exciting place you’ve travelled?
I travelled to China last summer for the International Student Leadership Conference. A total of fifteen students, including myself, travelled to China to teach Canadian business concepts to Chinese high school students. It was the trip of a lifetime. I cannot put into words how incredible it was!
How was China different than Canada? What was your favourite part about China?
China was different in every way. Communication was extremely difficult due to the language barrier. It took a lot of optimism and patience, but it was beyond worth it. Everyone in China is extremely friendly, and all eyes were on us no matter where we went. They all seemed really excited to see us, and I think they really appreciated the opportunity to learn about North American business concepts from Canadians! Seeing them so excited and willing to learn every day made the trip so much better and more meaningful. My favourite part about China was definitely the food. Although it was somewhat questionable at times, it was very interesting and very different. I felt like I came back from China having tried so many new things, I even tried crocodile! I also loved bonding with the people on my trip. I was with four other students for three weeks straight. I couldn’t have done it without such a fantastic team with me!
What is one interesting fact about yourself that wouldn’t come up in normal conversation?
I really cannot cook for my life. In fact, it’s kind of a not-so-funny joke. My roommates laugh at me every time I attempt it. I’ll somehow manage to burn anything and everything I make, no matter how hard I try. For a while I didn’t even know how to make a scrambled egg.
Why did you choose Laurier?
When I toured Laurier I sensed a strong family feeling, and I felt like everyone was friends and everyone knew each other. People refer to Laurier as the high school down the street, but to me that’s a good thing. Everyone is so close and friendly. I had my eyes set on Queen’s Commerce, but when that didn’t work out I chose Laurier. I’m glad that things worked out the way they did, because I truly think it was meant to be. I’m happier at Laurier than I ever would have been anywhere else.
How has Laurier inspired you?
Laurier has inspired me in so many ways through all the business clubs, case competitions and my involvement at school. I’ve learned so much, and I now have so many new skills that I never had before coming to university. I’ve also met so many people that I will remember forever; so many strong, talented individuals that blow my mind every day and it’s so great to have them in my life. Everyone that I’ve met here has helped develop me into an even better person throughout my time at Laurier.
Who do you look up to the most and why?
My parents! My parents inspire me in every aspect of my life. They’re never hard on me, and they support me no matter what happens, whether I’ve failed at something or not. They have taught me to take my failures and learn from them, rather than dwelling on what I could have done better. This mentality has truly made me a stronger individual. I see the success my parents have had and it inspires me to be just as amazing as they are.
What’s your new year’s resolution? Has it been successful so far?
I was trying to figure out a new year’s resolution for the longest time but never ended up settling on one. There’s a bunch of small things that I really want to be better at. I want to improve in my entirety. Instead of giving up and accepting that I’m not good at certain things, I want challenge myself to learn and improve on all of my weaknesses. Like my cooking, for example. I really want to improve and potentially burn fewer meals down the road.
Favourite place to eat and/or study in Waterloo?
The Uptown Honey Bakeshop! I discovered it by fluke when I bought cupcakes for my friend’s birthday. It’s so quiet and there’s so much space. I use it as my go-to study place. Not a lot of people know about it, it’s great.
If there was a movie made about your life, who would play the role of you and why?
I really admire Emma Watson because she lives such a balanced lifestyle. I respect that she’s a celebrity but she’s still so down to earth. Despite her success, she is still humble and values her education. She seems really friendly and does charitable things that most celebrities wouldn’t do. With all the fame she somehow still manages to be a great person.
If there was one thing you could change about your university experience so far, what would it be?
I love my university experience so much that it’s hard to even think about the negatives, but if there was one thing, it would be to make more connections with my professors. In high school I liked getting to know my teachers, however in university I feel as though we get lost in the huge lecture halls and don’t get to know our professors as much as we could. In my later years, I want to start going out of my way to get to know them on a personal basis.
We can definitely see that Kayleigh is an outgoing and down-to-earth Golden Hawk. If you’re ever interested in getting involved with a business club, she’s your go-to girl. Thanks for sharing your experiences and thoughts with us, Kayleigh!