Our next Campus Celebrity has inspired and encouraged many through her roles as a Residence Life Don, a Diversity Council Advisor and an amazing friend. With her kind soul and warm heart, Monica Geary always has an ear to listen and a genuine smile that would brighten anyone’s day. This Golden Hawk is simply amazing.
Program: CommunicationsYear: ThirdHometown: Toronto
What do you love about being a don?
Being a don this year has been one of the most rewarding experiences so far in my life. I’m extremely fortunate to have the opportunity to work with incredible people from the Department of Residence. Working with fellow dons and Residence Life staff motivates me to work harder and take more risks, which has ultimately allowed me to grow into a much stronger person. I also get to work with wonderful first year students. What I love most about being a don is supporting the growth and development of my students. You see a big difference from move-in day to now, which makes me even more excited to see where these students will be by the end of April.
Where do you see yourself in ten years?
I have no idea, which is the best. Over the past few years, life has changed drastically, so I think it’s fun not knowing what the future holds. I hope that in 10 years, I’m in a position that I’m proud to be in, successful in whatever I chose to do, having time for myself, and spending time with the people I care about.
What’s one thing you’ve always wanted to try?
A good friend of mine went skydiving over the summer. As terrifying as it sounds, I would love to try it. I feel like it’s one of those things that everyone says you have to do at some point in your life, and after hearing my friend talk about it, it’s definitely on my list.
What is your favourite hobby?
I’ve been playing guitar for 11 years. Music has played a huge role in my life. I love it, and don’t know where I’d be without it.
Why did you decide to start playing the guitar?
Music was always a big part of my life. I had been playing piano for a while, and just wasn’t enjoying it. After seeing my sister play guitar, I thought it looked fun. I picked up a guitar when I was 9 years old, and I’ve never looked back. It was one of the best decisions that I could have made. It’s a huge part of who am I.
What’s your favourite song to play?
That’s the hardest question you could ask me. There are so many songs by The Beatles that I have grown up with, and hold close to my heart. It would probably be ‘Blackbird’ by The Beatles. It’s such a beautiful song, also a challenging one to play.
Dream Job?
Working for a non-profit organization, in their Marketing or Fundraising Department.
Sunrise, or sunset…why?
Sunset. I went to camp for nine years, and my favorite memories were sitting by the lake watching the sunsets. There’s something really special about watching the sun disappear behind the horizon, knowing that the day is coming to an end. You get to reflect on your day, and the memories you’ve made, and then think about what you’re going to do and accomplish the next day.
Do you have a favourite constellation?
I don’t have a favourite. I remember the camp days, watching the stars at night, and just being in awe of their beauty.
Who inspires you?
The amazing Residence Life Staff. This year I am a Don and a Campus Council Advisor, so I have the privilege of working with so many incredible people. There are no words to describe how grateful I am to be able to work with them and to be part of this team. There are too many people to name, but so many of them have inspired me this year. Fellow Dons, fellow Advisors, the Management Team and the Residence Education team, they are some of the hardest working people you will ever meet, and some of the most caring individuals this campus has.
Where is one place you want to visit?
I’ve always wanted to go to Ireland. My mother’s side of the family is from there so I’ve heard so many incredible stories, and would love to see it for myself.
What has been your most memorable experience at Laurier?
I think that working with my students this year, both in my community and on the Diversity Council, has been and continues to be the most memorable experience. I am a very lucky Don, and have a wonderful community in Conrad Hall this year. I also have a wonderful group of passionate students on Diversity Council. It’s a great feeling knowing that I’ll look back 5, 10 years from now, and just be smiling about this year and these incredible students.
If you could deliver a message to a large group of people, what would it be?
To persevere! Life has an interesting way of throwing so many challenges at us, and we don’t always think we are capable of overcoming them. I think it’s hard for us to believe in ourselves sometimes, and it’s hard to see how strong we are. No matter what life has thrown at me, I’ve always gotten through it, and have become a much stronger person because of it. I would hope that I could deliver that message to others.
Monica Geary has been a constant support for many people. She’s passionate, caring and definitely a person that can be relied on. So, if you see this Golden Hawk around campus give her a smile, she’ll send one right back!