Valued Members & Staff

What role(s) do you have in the Department of Athletics?
I am a client services representative in the Department of Athletics.

What do you enjoy most about coming to work?
What I truly enjoy the most about coming to work is being welcomed into a positive environment filled with people from all over the map with great energy in which I can easily build bonds and develop.

How has working here changed or impacted your time at the University of Guelph?
Working in the athletics department has indeed impacted and changed my time at the University of Guelph through many ways such as allowing me to expand my connections and build interpersonal ones when meeting new faces and familiar ones too.

What skills has your role taught you that you know will help in the next job you get outside of UofG?
Something that my role has taught me that I know will help me in my next job is that a smile goes a long way (even through a mask) and that first impressions go a long way. A simple simile and positive energy can truly make someone’s day. As a sports and events management student I truly understand the importance of a fresh and welcoming face!

Lois continues to be great leader in the Department of Athletics through her various officiating and score keeping roles. The greatest impact she has on our Department is the energy and enthusiasm she brings to the Staff Recess League who play throwback school yard games at lunchtime. Lois is helping to contribute to the University’s commitment to Wellness at Work by facilitating a different recreational activity each week for staff. She emphasizes inclusivity by creating a positive culture within this program and all the participants love seeing her weekly!

“To me, UofG Athletics completely embodies the positive work culture that many companies strive for. I have never felt more cared for, supported and respected while working in Intramurals. This experience has allowed me to grow both professionally and personally.”-Loislane

What role(s) do you have in the Department of Athletics?

I’m a rock wall monitor.

What do you enjoy most about coming to work?

I really enjoy working in a place with such a great community of climbers. I love helping and encouraging others with their climbing goals.

How has working here changed or impacted your time at the University of Guelph?

After being off campus for so long, I didn’t feel connected in the UofG community. Taking on this role has allowed me to meet lots of other students and feel more involved at the University. 

What skills has your role taught you that you know will help in the next job you get outside of UofG?

This role has helped me develop strong communication and leadership skills from guiding and teaching new climbers.

Mohamed makes regular visits to the fitness centre and can always be found with a friendly smile on his face. He is very polite to staff and he emits a warm presence in the FC. He has been a member for over 2 years.

Mohamed notes “I joined because I really liked the facility and the layout. I like this gym because you have everything you could need to workout with. The staff are friendly and always willing to help.”

What year and program are you in?

I am a fourth-year student in Management at the Lang school of Business and Economics with a minor in entrepreneurship.

What do you enjoy most about coming to the Fitness and Recreation Centre?

The countless different services and activities available to all students and members.

How has your involvement with Athletics impacted your well-being?

Staying physically active is something I really value. It's an excellent way to relieve stress and for me to maintain a positive well-being.

What is one goal (big or small!) that you have accomplished recently, and what has this taught you about yourself?

Staying on a consistent schedule, up until this year I would struggle to go to the gym consistently, but now I make sure I go 5 days a week in the morning. It’s made me feel happier as an individual and healthier.

What role(s) do you have in the department of Athletics?

I have been working as a Group Fitness Instructor in the department of Athletics since June 2019. I teach Yoga, Pilates and Zumba!

What do you enjoy most about coming to work?

I love everything about working in the department of Athletics from the energy of the students, meeting new people every semester, amazing colleagues to very supportive supervisors. This was my first job after moving to Canada and Guelph and working in the Athletics department has helped me settle in and feel at home!

How has working here impacted your wellbeing?

I have immense gratitude for the work I do - it's such a wonderful feeling helping people move their bodies safely and joyfully and learning to relax their minds! Being able to work for Athletics during the pandemic played a huge role in allowing me to stay positive and motivated. I was fortunate to teach some in-person classes as well as connect with the community via Instagram which was such a blessing!

What has your role taught you that you can take to other areas of your life?

It has helped me develop a sense of confidence and my authentic voice which has really helped me in other areas of my life. Before working in Athletics, I hadn't ever taught a class consisting of over 50+ people or been up on a stage! I've also learnt a lot about diversity. Some of my favourite teaching memories are from the Zumba classes I did with Campus Friends which fuelled my interest in fitness coaching for youth with intellectual and physical disabilities and that's an area I'm hoping to develop in over the upcoming months!

What role(s) do you have in the Department of Athletics?

I started working in Athletics as the co-op student in the fitness centre! I now continue to work as part-time staff in the fitness centre while also taking on clients for personal training. While you can usually find me in the fitness centre, I recently started volunteering in the Gryphons Performance Centre as well!

What do you enjoy most about coming to work?

My favourite thing about coming to the Athletic Centre is definitely the work environment and included with that, the people are all amazing. The staff and members at the GGAC have created a very welcoming environment that provides so many opportunities for individual growth/self-improvement. I've also made so many valuable connections and friendships within the athletics department that make me so excited to come to work every day!

How has working here changed or impacted your time at the University of Guelph?

Working at the fitness centre throughout my studies at the UofG has provided me with so many opportunities to not only learn outside of the classroom, but also to pursue my passion for fitness in ways that I never knew I could before! Along with this, working at the fitness has centre has introduced me to some major influences, mentors, and friends in my life that have helped support me throughout my entire university experience. 

What skills has your role taught you that you know will help in the next job you get outside of UofG?

While the fitness centre staff consists of a very large team of students along with lead staff and supervisors, I've definitely learned the importance of teamwork and effective communication skills in order for daily operations to occur smoothly. Both teamwork and effective communication are great transferable skills to have that are vital for success in almost any role!

“Working in Athletics has been so rewarding. From being a part time student employee to becoming a full time staff member, I’ve loved my whole journey here at the University of Guelph. I can’t wait to see what the future of Gryphon Athletics looks like. “

What role(s) do you have in the Department of Athletics?

I am a Fitness Centre Staff in the Fitness & Recreation department.

 What do you enjoy most about coming to work?

 I really enjoy seeing familiar faces and getting to know people- simply interacting with people following the deficit of in-person interactions was pivotal in transitioning from post-online learning as a student especially. Everyone is generally kind and agreeable, and even though we're enforcing some stricter COVID-19 policies with masks and such as of recent, members comply once they're aware of the new measures in place. I also love learning about fitness and wellness, each of which I am passionate about. Being in an environment that encompasses both is beneficial given I am exposed to and informed about opportunities in the Athletics Centre regarding fitness classes, resources, and general building programs.

 How has working here changed or impacted your time at the University of Guelph?

 I've been able to step out of my comfort zone working in such a bustling and at times, demanding environment. It's exciting to come to a place where everyone is working towards a personal goal or is simply seeking to live a healthy lifestyle. Here, I've found a community within the holistic UofG community, which offers me a perspective of what the university has to offer and how students can be involved in both staff and member positions. This juxtaposition of coming into work as an FC staff member and coming in to workout as a gym member gives me clarity on how I wish to be served in different facilities here at the university. I can then implement these same sentiments in how I perform my job. In this manner, I am able to strengthen my interpersonal skills and overall confidence as a member of the UofG community at large.

What skills has your role taught you that you know will help in the next job you get outside of UofG?

There's definitely a vast number of skills I'll be able to transfer to future positions- customer service skills, interpersonal skills, some administrative and time management skills, problem-solving, and collaborative skills. I've also learned a lot from the weight training course I took as part of the job training; from anatomy and theory to equipment use, safety, and training methods. This course was insightful for applying proper technique and exercise regiments for personal use but moreover, to aid members who approach the staff seeking support. 

What roles do you have in the Department of Athletics?

I worked as a Client Service Representative in the athletic center for the past 4 years

What do you enjoy most about coming to work?

The things I enjoy most about coming to work are getting to see my coworkers (who are awesome) and getting to interact so closely with the students that attend Guelph as well as the community members that choose to use our gym! Whether it is the regulars we see all the time or someone brand new we are able to have hundreds of positive interactions within one shift. 

How has working here changed or impacted your time at the University of Guelph?

Working at the CS desk has made such a positive impact on my life. I love to keep busy so it helped to fill my schedule with something I love coming back to every shift. I've found some amazing friends and connections in the athletic centre that I know I will keep long after I leave campus.  

What skills has your role taught you that you know will help in the next job you get outside of UofG?

Being a client service representative has given me many skills I can apply to other jobs. From learning how to prioritize tasks effectively to basic computer skills and honing my time management skills the CS desk gives you a little bit of everything! Most of all it has given me great (i hope) customer service skills!

What role(s) do you have in the Department of Athletics?
Group Cycle Instructor

What do you enjoy most about coming to work?
I simply love helping others enjoy fitness. I aim to inspire a life-long love of fitness and well-being.

How has working here impacted your wellbeing?
I feel like the youthful energy of the U of Guelph campus helps keep me feeling young and energized! (I’m 43 as at this article publishing date!)). I especially enjoy the all-staff meetings and the workshops that offer continuous opportunities to learn and improve, keeps me inspired and helps maintain a positive outlook.

What has your role taught you that you can take to other areas of your life?
Naturally, I’m a shy person, so getting in front of a class was not easy at first. The more I put myself out there in situations like this, the easier it becomes for me.
An aside: I’m a competitive masters, a.k.a. age-group triathlete, and I apply my own training and racing experiences to the Group Cycle classes that I lead. The picture was taken this summer following the Gravenhurst Triathlon where I achieve a personal best on this particular racecourse. Never stop improving!

Kevin is a 4th year student in environmental governance with a minor in political science. He was born and raised in Berlin, Germany and discovered his passion for fitness at age 18. “I always wanted to come live and study in Canada. From my many visits I simply fell in love with the stereotypical kindness and easy-going attitude of Canadians. The decision to work as a weight trainer supervisor was mostly based on me seeing it as an opportunity to work in a field of passion. Since then I have started the process of becoming a personal trainer as well. Working at the fitness centre has allowed me to deepen my passion for fitness and rewarded me with meeting so many nice members. It has been a truly a great environment to work in with some great co-workers I have had the pleasure of meeting along the way.”

What role(s) do you have in the Department of Athletics?

I worked as a part time staff with Client Services for 2 years during my Undergrad, and I'm now a full-time Afternoon Clerk at CS.

What do you enjoy most about coming to work?

I love interacting with our amazing clients and fellow staff members. Every day, we are faced with new challenges, and it has been so rewarding to face those challenges as a team. Athletics is such a positive an uplifting environment to be in, so I'm always happy to come in to work!

How has working here changed or impacted your time at the University of Guelph?

As a student who moved away for school, Athletics made me feel at home in Guelph. I've been able to meet so many people that I would not have met otherwise, and I'm grateful for the friends, and connections that I've made, and continue to make through the department. 

What skills has your role taught you that you know will help in the next job you get outside of UofG?

Throughout my time in Athletics, I have learned valuable skills in efficiency, communication, customer service, and teamwork. Getting involved in the available growth opportunities has especially helped me in strengthening my leadership and problem-solving skills. I love being part of an organization that truly cares for both their clients and their staff.

What roles do you have in the Department of Athletics?

In Athletics, I work in the Field House, as an outdoor Fields attendant, and Weight Trainer Supervisor at the Fitness Centre.

What do you enjoy most about coming to work?
The thing I enjoy most about working in Athletics is getting to meet and work with so many friendly employees and customers! I love seeing the same people and getting to know everyone.

How has working here changed or impacted your time at the University of Guelph?

Being able to work in so many departments has really opened my eyes to different areas of the University that a lot of people don’t know about. Many people come to the Field House in their 4th year and had no idea it existed, so I love being able to explain how it works and the different things included in our tuition that we might not realize. Having this community of people outside of the classroom that I can rely on and do fun things with has been a great outlet when things get tough on the academic side of University.

What skills has your role taught you that you know will help in the next job you get outside of UofG?

I’ve learned so many skills while in my position, especially as a Student Manager at the Field House. Not only have I been able to enhance my communication and organization skills, but I was given the chance to practice my leadership and problem solving skills as many issues require quick and creative thinking.

What roles do you have in the department of Athletics?

I am an intramural scorekeeper and monitor eligibility.

What do you enjoy most about coming to work?

Getting to make new connections - as a second year, it has been extremely difficult being able to meet new people due to Covid-19. So being able to form new connections in a safe environment has truly been a blessing. 

How has working here changed or impacted your time at the University of Guelph?

This job has allowed to spend more time on campus. I've become more comfortable navigating campus and becoming more involved.

What skills has your role taught you that you know you will help in the next job you get outside of UofG?

The most defining skills I learned during my role is communication, problem solving, and organization. Overall, I’ve gained a broader understanding of customer service and how important independent work is to collaborative team efforts.