Valued Members & Staff

Introduction:

As a Game Day Manager for the Department of Athletics, Sabrina oversees all Intercollegiate Athletics events on campus. She is also a fifth-year Biochemistry Co-op Student with a minor in Business at the University of Guelph.  

What do you enjoy most about coming to work?

“Everyone that comes out to the games; the students, parents, and community members that really want to support the team. It’s always a very positive environment. Any time we have an event, no matter what sport, it makes coming to work enjoyable because everyone is having a good time.”

How has working for the Department of Athletics impacted your experience at the University of Guelph?

“It introduced me to so many new people – I’ve become really close to them [coworkers and supervisors]. Some of my friends I never would have met though my program. It also allowed me to develop a different kind of relationship with people I already knew. It introduced me to new friends and changed my relationships with old friends.”

How has working for the Department of Athletics affected your well-being?

“Honestly, I couldn’t ask for a better position. My manager Brandon is so nice, and working on campus is great. The Athletics Department is always so positive. If we have something that we need – like time for school – everyone is always understanding. There are so many people you can lean on if you have questions, and everyone is so welcoming. I couldn't ask for a better experience.”  

What knowledge, skills, or attitudes has your role taught you that aid your life outside of work, and/or your career goals?

“I’ve learned so many management and organization skills.”

“I’ve worked with a lot of people in business, events, and management, and that’s what inspired me to pursue a business minor. Being around so many people and different day-to-day tasks really changed what I wanted to do. I started out just wanting to do science, and then coming to the end of my fifth year, I learned so many management skills because I […] moved up into a management position.”  

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.”

Introduction:

Joshua is a Field and Field House Operator at the University of Guelph. He is also a Mathematics Student at the University of Waterloo.

What do you enjoy most about coming to work?

“I’d say the people. All my co-workers are like friends – they’re super nice and super positive.”

How has working for the Department of Athletics impacted your experience as a University Student?

“I spent a lot of time here; I feel like I spend more time here than at Waterloo. Not only because I work here, but because I spent a lot of time here recreationally too. I go to the fitness center and play basketball here, […] it gives me a nice balance.”

How has working for the Department of Athletics affected your well-being?

I think in a positive way. It’s good to have a job that you enjoy – a job that you enjoy going to every day. Everyone at work is a good person and it’s just a positive vibe over there.”

What knowledge, skills, or attitudes has your role taught you that aid your life outside of work, and/or your career goals?

“I think problem solving is one of them. Just like any job, stuff always goes wrong when they can’t go wrong, and having to work though that is a good skill I’ve learned through working everywhere in here.” 

Lev is a Gryphon Summer Activity Camp Counsellor for the Department of Athletics at the University of Guelph. As a former camper, Gryphon Camps helped Lev come out of his shell, develop social skills, and improve his confidence. He is extremely well spoken and compassionate, and his favorite camp is Rock Climbing Camp!

What was your journey like as a Gryphon camper?

“I started off when I was eight years old, and I’ve changed a lot since – I was of more of an introverted kid. The camps helped me come out of my shell, and I learned so many things that I wouldn't have in school or with friends. I learned a lot of social skills, which I was not strong at as a kid. I was able to make friends that I would not have in other ways and was able to grow so much as an individual. I kept coming back year after year because I love it here. It brought out the best in me, and I think I always knew that.”

Why did you decide to be a Gryphon camp counsellor?

“I feel like I made this decision a long time ago. As a kid I would look at my counsellors and think, ‘that’s going to be me some day’. I felt like I wanted to give back because it’s a place that has given so much to me – It feels good to be a part of it. It’s also nice being on the other side of things because I know how it felt [to be a camper].”

What do you enjoy most about being a Gryphon camp counsellor?

“Aside from making new friends, trying new things, running games, and all that stuff, there's little moments when you're leading a group of younger kids and you can just connect. Once you’ve had a group for a week, you know them, and then they feel comfortable around you. There’s that moment when you just feel like one with your campers, and everything just becomes more awesome – it’s electric.” […] A lot of my superiors were also my camp counselors at one point, and there’s like this mutual understanding between all the staff that this is a special place, and no one wants to taint that.”

What knowledge, skills, or attitudes have Gryphon camps taught you that aid your life outside of work?

“Definitely social skills – a lot of conflict resolution, and really empathizing with other people, especially kids. Kids are very open and feel very openly, and being able to recognize their cues and signals is a skill that took time to develop. […] But it’s fun, and I like finding the joy in it.”

How has being a camper and camp counsellor at Gryphon camps affected your well-being?

“Some of my best moments were here at Gryphon camp, but I’ve made some of my worst mistakes here as well. This wasn’t something that came easy to me, and it pushed me to learn and adapt to so many things. But this place is such a positive environment. I feel seen and appreciated for the good that I do, and I know there are people there for me when I make mistakes or need help. So yeah, being here has had an amazingly positive effect on my well-being.”

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.

Introduction:

As a Game Day Manager for the Department of Athletics, Lauren oversees all Intercollegiate Athletics events on campus. She is also a fifth-year Real Estate and Housing co-op student at the University of Guelph.

What do you enjoy most about coming to work?

“This is my favorite part-time job I’ve ever had. It's really nice being able to work with your peers. I’ve made a lot of friends with the staff, and the environment is really fun. I've always loved sports, so getting paid in a sports environment is everything I could ever want.”

How has working for the Department of Athletics impacted your experience at the University of Guelph?

“It’s definitely given me a sense of community. I’m involved in other ways on campus, but being with the Athletics Department is by far the most welcoming space with the most welcoming people. I’ve made so many friends and great connections.” 

How has working for the Department of Athletics affected your well-being?

“My job has definitely made me happier. I really enjoy coming to work and being at work. It’s made such a positive impact on my life, and it often doesn’t even feel like work.”

What knowledge, skills, or attitudes has your role taught you that aid your life outside of work, and/or your career goals?

“My position has improved my communication, leadership, and teamwork skills. Because we have so many staff and people to delegate, I learned how to communicate with people depending on their differing understanding of what each person needs.”

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!

Introduction:

Laura is a Client Service Representative and Team Lead for the Department of Athletics. She is also a fourth-year Psychology student minoring in Family and Child Studies and Creative Writing at the University of Guelph.

What do you enjoy most about coming to work?

“We have a really good team of people. The client service team are all fun to work with and we've got a nice work environment. […] We've got great customers to talk to and to get to know, and whenever it's slow, you always have someone behind the desk with you to make good conversation. I always enjoy being here.”

How has working for the Department of Athletics impacted your experience as a University Student?

“It's helped me get to know the campus better – just from various questions we get asked that don't have anything to do with athletics, but we research it to see if we can help. It’s also helped me feel part of the community on campus. I’ll be walking around campus, and someone will say “hey, you look familiar”, and I’ll say “yeah, I see you when you check in!”. It’s a good conversation starter and you get to know a lot of faces on campus.”

How has working for the Department of Athletics affected your well-being?

“It’s nice for my health because I’m close to the gym and can go after work. Having a nice co-worker environment has also been really good for my social health – especially a year ago when things were not fully on lockdown but not quite normal. It’s a good place to talk to friendly people and get some socialization in.”

What knowledge, skills, or attitudes has your role taught you that aid your life outside of work, and/or your career goals?

“The biggest skill is being able to stay calm in stressful situations. When I’m flustered or don’t know the answer and it’s a high stress scenario or I’m with a customer who is really irritated, I’m able to remain calm on the outside (even if I feel very panicked). I’ve learned how to communicate with people that are difficult to understand – often because they’re on the phone and it’s very quiet or they've got noise in the background. Being able to communicate through barriers has been a big one. […] I always want to be working with people, so any skill I get here is going to be helpful, whether it's conflict management or just talking to people and explaining instructions.”

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!

Introduction:

As a student Manager of the Gryphon Fieldhouse and Outdoor Sports Fields, Maria coordinates all day-to-day operations and events hosted on the outdoor sports fields for the Department of Athletics. She is also in her fifth year of Child, Youth and Family studies at the University of Guelph.

What do you enjoy most about coming to work?

“I love the people here. Everyone makes this environment so welcoming and so exciting, and every day is so different. The connections I’ve made here are truly my favorite part.”

How has working for the Department of Athletics impacted your experience at the University of Guelph?

“Working here has been the best part of my university experience. Attending games/events and using our facilities is one thing, but being on the inside of it and being a part of the community and culture here is definitely the best part”.

How has working for the Department of Athletics affected your well-being?

“In the best way. Especially during the pandemic – having somewhere to escape from the social world and academics. It has definitely boosted my mental health and well-being. Being a part of the fitness industry is a great place to be for your mental health.”  

What knowledge, skills, or attitudes has your role taught you that aid your life outside of work, and/or your career goals?

“Definitely my leadership skills. Being a student manager here has been super tough, but super interesting – especially during the pandemic and during all the staffing and policy changes we've made at the University over the past couple years. But I think learning under such incredible supervisors and managers has really helped me develop my leadership skills, and that will follow through into my next career.”

“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!

Introduction:

Shea is a Client Service Representative for the Department of Athletics. She is also a fourth-year Human Kinetics student at the University of Guelph.

What do you enjoy most about coming to work?

“I would say all the people that we meet and interact with – everyone from students, community members, older people, younger people, and children. Even between departments, everyone works together and it’s always a great environment.”

How has working for the Department of Athletics impacted your experience at the University of Guelph?

“I’ve made a lot of friends here. We have a lot of like-minded people working in the Department, so it’s easy to make friends with people in my program and outside my program. The biggest thing is just having a group and community.”

How has working for the Department of Athletics affected your well-being?

“Working for Athletics gave me a sense of routine, especially during COVID. When I started during COVID, it gave me a social outlet, sense of community, and routine when there really wasn’t anything. Now that we’re back to normal, I still get to have those friendships and relationships when I come to work. I feel really supported.”

What knowledge, skills, or attitudes has your role taught you that aid your life outside of work, and/or your career goals?

“It’s helped with my leadership and communication skills a lot. As a student lead during the school year, I’ve gotten the chance to step up and take on more initiative in a leadership role, both within the department with my coworkers and outside of the department dealing with clients. It’s helped me build more leadership skills and become a better communicator. There are several levels of communication that we do, everything from in-person to email, and between coworkers and clients.”

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.