Name: Brittany Kafka
Age: 20
Hometown: Thornhill
Year & Program: 4th Year Kinesiology BSc
Favourite Bar? Probably the uneven bars from back in the day when I did gymnastics. Or pretty much any chocolate bar as long as they don’t have mint, and if anyone wanted to hand deliver me a Crunch bar, you’d probably be my favourite person.
Best thing you’ve ever tweeted? By far the hardest question in this profile, I’d have to make a top 3 in no particular order (if you like what you see there’s lots more @bkafkaf #shamelessplug):
1)
2)
3)
3 Things you want to do before you die:
1) Go paragliding
2) Stay in some hella nice penthouse hotel room that has its own pool and hot tub
3) Go to the Edmonton mall
What have you been involved in at Laurier?
At Laurier, I have been involved as a member of Kinesiology Kouncil. I’m also part of the Kinesiology games team, where we go to a conference to compete in sports, spirit, dance, and academics against other Kin games teams in Canada. I have also had the opportunity to be a participant in Winter Carnival. For the last three years, I have been an Orientation Week Ice Breaker. I am highly involved with Laurier athletics, participating in inner tube waterpolo and dodgeball intramurals, being both a participant and now instructor for Laurier dance, and working at the Hawk Desk. I am also a member of the Student Alumni Association, Euchre Club, and was a member of Fashion ‘n Motion, a club that put on a dance performance to raise money for charity. Finally, I am also about to be a participant in the 5 Days for the Homeless Campaign.
What’s your favourite memory as an O-Week Ice Breaker?
I think one of my favourite moments as an O-Week Ice Breaker was getting to hug my first years at the end of the week. As simple as it sounds, bonding with them and helping them through challenges in their first week makes this kind of a big deal. And second to that would have to be watching a head ice dance off that I helped choreograph come to life on stage.
What’s your favourite part of the Recreational Dance Program?
I think my favourite part of the Rec Dance program is the friends and community that I have become a part of. When I started out in the program four years ago, I didn’t know anyone and was quite a timid first year. I’m happy to say that by extending my involvement in the program, I developed more confidence and have made numerous friendships through the program. As many of us dance in several classes together every week, these girls have become an important part of my support system and create a welcoming and fun atmosphere to dance in.
Tell us about your role with 5 Days for the Homeless:
This year as a participant for 5 Days for the Homeless, I have the incredible opportunity of being an ambassador for the campaign. As a participant in the campaign, from March 10th- March 15th, alongside 4 other wonderful humans, I will be raising awareness about youth experiencing homelessness to help #BreaktheCycle and the stigma that exists around this issue. We will also be raising money for the local youth shelters OneRoof and Argus. In order to help raise awareness and funds, I will be sleeping outside on-campus with no access to personal electronics, money, showers, or the ability to go home. I will only have access to the clothes I wear initially, and all food, cosmetics, and other luxuries must come through donation. While I know that I cannot come close to paralleling the true experience of youth experiencing homelessness, I see this initiative as an important way to gain a hint of understanding as to the challenges these individuals face and gain an appreciation for what we typically take for granted. I see it as my role to help change the perspectives people have of homelessness and redefine what it looks like by engaging in thought-provoking discussions to recognize the fluidity and potential for any youth to experience homelessness. If you are interested in donating to help this cause please check out this link.
What part of this experience are you looking forward to most?
I think what I’m looking forward to most is what I’m going to learn from this experience. I am looking forward to gaining first-hand knowledge as to some of the struggles youth experiencing homelessness face. As well as learning about, and then hopefully changing, people’s perspectives on homelessness. I am also looking forward to being more appreciative of the things I currently take for granted in my own life. I think the magnitude of gratitude I will have for the simplest actions, such as eye contact, a smile, and even a conversation will be very eye-opening.
Is there anything about this experience that you’re nervous about?
I think I’m most nervous about not being in control of all aspects of my life. These aspects include when I eat, when I want to be alone, and when I want to contact friends. I also think the unpredictable variables and the uncertainties with the experience are kind of nerve-racking: things like the weather, how well you sleep, and being cold. I think the last thing I’m fearful of is just feeling isolated or not being able to contact people.
What does being a Golden Hawk mean to you?
To me, being a Golden Hawk means valuing a sense of community, kindness, and passion. It means embodying school spirit and being a part of our community in any way possible. Being a Golden Hawk means you love spin dip, Phil’s, Pizza Maniac (RIP), and most importantly, it means you don’t walk on the hawk.