Introducing Ty Thomas, our Campus Cutie! This Golden Hawk is super passionate about Laurier, being a Don, and having a good time. We sat down with him to get to know him a little better.
Name: Ty Thomas
Program and Year of Study: 2nd Year Political Science
Hometown: Welland, ON
Relationship Status: Single
Social Media: @thetythomas on Instagram and Snapchat, and @sexychocolate369 on Plenty of Fish and Seeking Arrangement
Celebrity Crush: Meghan Markle
What have you been involved with on campus since you’ve been a student at Laurier?
Since I’ve been a student at Laurier, I’ve been really involved in residence. In my first year, I was a community representative on my residence’s House Council. At the end of my first year I decided that I wasn’t ready to leave all of the great times living in residence, and being a part of programming, so I applied to become a Don as well as an advisor for my own council. I’m currently a Don in Bricker Residence and I’m one of the Community Outreach Council Advisors!
What inspired you to get involved?
In high school, I wasn’t as involved as I would have liked to have been in hindsight, and I feel like I lost the chance to make memories and build relationships with people, so I told myself that once I came to Laurier I’d take the opportunities I saw to get involved. In terms of my inspiration for what I am involved in, I really enjoyed my first-year experience, but I know that isn’t the case for everyone. I wanted to help enhance the first year experience through residence and also Laurier’s First Year Leadership Program.
How do you balance everything you’re involved with at Laurier and in your personal life beyond Laurier?
Taking on so much in just my second year has been a huge jump from what I was doing in first year, but I balance everything in my life by scheduling my days and making sure I am taking time to self-care. A lot of us like to glorify being busy, but we make time for things we think are important, and taking time to care for yourself shouldn’t be seen as any less important than studying for a midterm or doing an assignment. To me, self-care is key to maintaining a balance between my life within the Laurier bubble and outside of it, because I am able to recharge so I can put enough energy into what I need to do.
What is the best advice you have for someone looking to get involved somewhere here at Laurier?
My best advice for someone looking to get involved at Laurier is pretty cliché, but it’s just put yourself out there and step outside of your comfort zone. I find that when I get comfortable, I become stagnant because I’m not taking those risks, challenging myself, or improving myself. I used to live a stagnant life but I can’t imagine doing that anymore. Learn to thrive in situations that are outside of your comfort zone by setting goals to gradually challenge yourself more and more each day. Maybe one day you’ll decide to study in the busy Concourse, maybe you’ll compliment a stranger the next day, just push yourself. Your choice of how to get involved is ultimately up to you and the possibilities are endless with what Laurier has to offer, just check out what interests you and put yourself out there!
What’s your favourite Laurier memory so far?
There’s plenty more to come, but I really enjoyed the entirety of Hawk Weekend in first year. I loved seeing how much energy Laurier students brought to the table and how you could see how strong the communities were. The only negative memory I have that is attached to Hawk Weekend is when I completely ripped my pants in the middle of the gym floor while the bleachers were packed with other students. Super embarrassing!
Best thing to order at Wilf’s?
Anything with spin dip or chicken.
Where would you be found most Friday nights?
Definitely spending time with my friends. Regardless of whether we’re going out somewhere or we just stay and hang out at one of our places, my friends are a huge part of my life and I wouldn’t have grown to become the person I am today without their support. When my friends suggest Dallas I usually groan, but I always go and have a great time (only after I’ve had enough to drink).
What’s your favourite throwback song?
I love “Hips Don’t Lie” by Shakira and “It Wasn’t Me” by Shaggy. Both of these songs were always on repeat on my portable CD player growing up, and I’ve been trying to learn the lyrics ever since.
How would you describe yourself in 3 words?
The perfect guy.
Where would you imagine yourself after your graduate from Laurier?
I’m still not exactly sure what I want to do after I graduate Laurier, but I want to do something that will make a difference in other people’s lives. I worked for a non-profit organization last summer that helped refugees and immigrants settle into my local community and I absolutely loved it, so I could definitely see myself working for other non-profit organizations for a while.
Thanks for taking the time to chat with us, Ty! Your passion for outreach and helping people is inspiring, and Laurier is a better place because of your hard work!