Meet Al, probably one of the most genuine people you will ever have the pleasure of meeting at Laurier!
Name: Al DeCiantis
Age: 22
Hometown: Toronto, ON
Year: 5th (It’s been fun)
Program: Psychology with a Philosophy minor
Relationship Status: No, but usually constantly in love. (Player comparison = Ted Mosby)
Quote to live by?
“The quality of your life comes down to the quality of your contribution, and the impact you have on people is the greatest currency there is.” – My own spin on a quote from Jim Carrey
Do you have a favourite pick up line?
Walking up to the front door, handing her flowers, and having dinner with some genuine, heartfelt conversation.
What are you involved in here at Laurier?
I’ve been involved in quite a bit, starting in first year when I was a Community Rep on my House Council (EL MAC shout out). Otherwise, my involvements mostly have to do with Orientation Week. I’ve been an Icebreaker twice (for Green Titans and Gold Spurs), was a Head Icebreaker for the Red Agents last year, and had the honour of being the Shinerama Coordinator this year! I’ve also been involved with Enactus Laurier, as well as a club that represents my own non-profit organization – Live4Love.
What is your favourite part about being involved?
I would say that my favourite part about being involved is the impact that I have been able to have on people’s lives and the opportunity I’ve had to develop leaders. I was told in my first year as Icebreaker (2nd year) by a fellow Icebreaker that, “Great leaders don’t create followers, they create other leaders.” Throughout my time here, I’ve taken that to heart and dedicated so much effort to making people feel welcome, and feel encouraged to excel as leaders. Seeing the result of that is the biggest thrill I’ve gotten out of being involved.
What is key in your life to get you through finals?
I think the most important thing is to have a short-term vision and take it slow. One of my favourite stories that I heard is of Will Smith, where, when he was 12 years old, his dad had him and his brother build a brick wall. Essentially, what Will Smith said was that you don’t go out and say, “I want to build a wall,” rather you say, “I’m going to lay THIS brick, as perfectly as a brick can be laid, and soon I’ll have a wall.” Focus on laying the one brick as well as you can, and when you’re done, move on to the next and the next. Soon enough, you’ll be done finals and will have been successful!
If you could sing one song on The Voice, what would it be and why?
If you’re asking what my all time favourite song is, I would have to say “Thinking Out Loud” by Ed Sheeran. As you’re probably well aware at this point, I’m a hopeless romantic and it’s just an incredible love song, and so much fun to belt out. Runners-up would probably be “Need The Sun To Break” by James Bay, and “Daughters” by John Mayer.
What’s your favourite holiday film?
Love Actually. My wasted heart will love that movie forever.
Do you believe in New Year’s resolutions? If so, do you stick by yours?
I believe in the hope that a new year brings to people, and hey, if it leads to a great change in their lives, that’s awesome! Personally, I don’t make New Year’s resolutions; I just let the year come to me!
What are you most excited for about the upcoming winter break?
THE FORCE AWAKENING. #StarWars #CountdownIsOn. Otherwise, I can’t wait to see my family as well as MY DOG BAILEY! :)
What advice would you give someone in first year?
My best advice to someone in first year would be to realize that university is a long journey, and you are just at the beginning of it. It is very much okay to not know what you want to do with your life. It’s very much okay to wonder, question, and figure out exactly what you truly value. And it’s very much okay to give yourself the time you need to grow. In first year, I can honestly say that I was a very different person than I am now, and every year saw immense change and growth that has helped shape who I am. The one constant that you’ll never regret pouring time into is the relationships you build with people – it is exactly that that will get you through the roller coaster that university is. I know that as I graduate and move on, sure, I’ll get my degree and be proud of it, but I will value nothing more from my time here than my friends and the people I’ve had a chance to get to know and impact. With patience, faith, and quality friendships, you will have everything you need to leave university feeling like your time was well spent.
Al, you truly are a goldenhawk with a heart of gold.