+ Read Olivia's Bio

What is your favourite thing about your role and the work you do for SUS?

One of the best things about working at SUS (there are many) is our team. There is a wealth of knowledge, experience and a variety of backgrounds that make being part of SUS dynamic and meaningful.

Is there anything that your colleagues would be surprised to know about you?

I am a huge Formula 1 motor-racing fan. I grew up watching the sport with my father in England and now enjoy watching every race with my husband and my young son, who is actually named after a famous F1 driver.

Who or what has been the biggest influence in your life?

I lived and volunteered in the North End of Winnipeg 2001/02. It was a particularly cold winter with many days hitting -45C after windchill. I had very little money, no phone, TV or vehicle and the work was very challenging at times. I met some life-long friends and found much beauty in unexpected places. While it was an intense character-building experience, Winnipeg will always hold a special place in my heart.

What was your first job?

My first full-time job was as a Travel Agent booking ski vacations in Europe. I continued working as a Specialist Travel Consultant for several years before attending University as a mature student.

If you could do anything in the world, what would it be?

I’m a fairly ambitious person so it is tough for me to narrow it down to one thing but I would really like to take my son to watch a live F1 race in Hanoi, Vietnam when he is a bit older.

What is the most useful advice you would give to other students from your own experience?

Tap into community. Whether it is through extra-curricular activities, joining a club, or through part-time work, a community can help you through the intensity of studying and keeps you connected to people and the world.

+ READ blessing'S BIO

What is your favourite thing about your role and the work you do for SUS? My favourite thing about working for SUS is the fact that I get to work with an amazing team that are my second family and I also get to serve students and be a part of their day. Through my role, I have met so many amazing people.

Is there anything that your colleagues would be surprised to know about you?

Maybe that I speak three languages fluently.

Who or what has been the biggest influence in your life?

God/ Jesus Christ

What was your first job?

An admin for an NGO in the UK.

If you could do anything in the world, what would it be?

To travel every month or every other month.

What is the most useful advice you would give to other students from your own experience?

Take every opportunity you get and don’t let fear ruin it.

+ READ KARANVIR'S BIO

What is your favourite thing about your role and the work you do for SUS? My favourite thing about my role is being able to utilize all different sorts of skills I have gained over my career to operate a department and take on new challenges.

Is there anything that your colleagues would be surprised to know about you?

I am a taekwondo black belt and have competed nationally. I was also a coach and personal trainer for several years.

Who or what has been the biggest influence in your life?

My parents have made me into the person I am today and they would be my biggest influence.

What was your first job?

My first job was selling shoes at Foot Locker. I was really into shoes at the time and loved my job.

If you could do anything in the world, what would it be?

Open animal rescue sanctuaries around the world.

What is the most useful advice you would give to other students from your own experience?

Hold yourself accountable and map out the weeks ahead. Have a clear picture of what needs to be done to get to those goals.

+ Read Krista's Bio

What is your favourite thing about your role and the work you do for SUS?

I enjoy working with the students. Being able to provide a job, work around their school schedule, and help the students achieve their goals. We are here for the students and it’s a great feeling knowing you are helping out.

Is there anything that your colleagues would be surprised to know about you?

A fact that might surprise my colleagues, I went to UFV (back then it was University College of the Fraser Valley - UCFV) to become a teacher. I was a couple of semesters in, when I changed my mind and went into the trades department to become a Chef.

Who or what has been the biggest influence in your life?

There are 2 Chefs that stick out in my mind that helped influence my career choice to become a Chef. I used to watch Alton Brown on the Food Network. I enjoyed his cooking show called “Good Eats”. He made cooking sound and look fun. If you want to learn some cool facts about cooking and how food is made, look up Good Eats on Youtube. Another Chef I really enjoyed watching was Michael Smith, he had many shows on the Food Network. He taught me the importance of knife skills.

What was your first job?

I was a server at age 15 at a small restaurant in Rosedale. I never really did enjoy serving; I was more interested in learning the back of house. It was here where I first thought about cooking as a career.

If you could do anything in the world, what would it be?

Travel! I went to Mexico years ago, and would love to go back. I would also like to see Germany, and visit my extended family.

What is the most useful advice you would give to other students from your own experience?

Believe in yourself, school is just a stepping-stone to help you get somewhere better.

> Krista is also supported by her team of student facilities staff and baristas!

+ READ CLAIRE'S BIO

What is your favourite thing about your role and the work you do for SUS?

My favourite thing about my role is getting to provide a relaxing and fun place for students! I really enjoy the positive atmosphere created by the students and my co-workers!

Is there anything that your colleagues would be surprised to know about you?

I love to run! I used to compete in cross country in high school, and then fell out of the habit of running when I entered university. About five years ago I got back into it! I'm now training for my fourth marathon.

Who or what has been the biggest influence in your life?

My family! They always have helpful advice and different perspectives to offer me and are the strongest, most independent-thinking people I know!

What was your first job?

My first job was in 2012, I started working at a consignment clothing store to be able to go on a trip around Europe with my high school.

If you could do anything in the world, what would it be?

Travel endlessly with all of my family. There's so many places I want them to see!

What is the most useful advice you would give to other students from your own experience?

What works for others might not work for you.

+ Read Julie's Bio

What is your favourite thing about your role and the work you do for SUS?

My favourite thing about my position is being able to interact with students. As a former UFV student, I know how confusing and sometimes lonely university can be. By being part of an team that provides students with a place to hang out with their fellow students, meet new people, and just relax from their daily lives is such an amazing and fulfilling feeling.

Is there anything your colleagues would be surprised to know about you?

I am a huge Marvel fan! I love reading Marvel comics and watching Marvel movies. My favourite superhero is Squirrel Girl!

Who or what has been the most significant influence in your life?

My parents have been the biggest influences in my life. They have been supportive of me and have helped me through any troubles I have had in life. They have taught me some amazing life lessons that I hope to pass down to any children I may have.

What was your first job?

My first job was working in the concession at the Cineplex movie theatre when it opened in 2013. As much as I missed my coworkers when I left, I did not miss having to clean out the oily popcorn machines every shift!

If you could do anything in the world, what would it be?

If I could, I would love to own a large piece of farmland and take care of injured and elderly dogs. There always seems to be a large amount of elderly or injured dogs available for adoptions at animal shelters and my dream has always been to just have a nice little place to take care of them all so they can have a loving and fulfilling life.

What is the most useful advice you would give to other students from your own experience?

Do not be afraid to ask for help! University can be an extremely stressful time and it can be hard to find a good work-life balance. UFV has a ton of helpful and useful facilities to help students out when needed. I also recommend reaching out to your professors or fellows students. We are all here to help each other.

+ Read Theresa's Bio

What is your favourite thing about your role and the work you do for SUS?

My favourite thing about my role at SUS is being able to help create a sense of community for the students. The role allows me to be creative while working with other hard-working and like-minded individuals.

Is there anything your colleagues would be surprised to know about you?

My colleagues would be surprised to know that I was a varsity athlete all throughout my time in University. I played soccer during my undergraduate degree and still enjoy playing today when I can.

Who or what has been the most significant influence in your life?

The biggest influences in my life have been my parents. Both of my parents worked incredibly hard to made sure my siblings and I were able to try new things and play sports. They fostered an environment that allowed us to grow athletically and academically while also teaching us the importance of hard work, they truly are the best.

What was your first job?

My first job was working as a server. I worked for a catering company where I served at special events such as parties, weddings and meetings. I think this is where my love for event planning comes from!

If you could do anything in the world, what would it be?

If I could do anything in the world I would travel to as many places as possible. There are so many amazing places and things in the world that I would love to see. Greece, Australia and Scotland to name a few!

What is the most useful advice you would give to other students from your own experience?

You don’t need to have it all figured out. You can always try something new, start again or change your mind, and that’s okay.

+ READ PAIGE'S BIO

What is your favourite thing about your role and the work you do for SUS?

I find immense joy in cultivating a vibrant on-campus community! As an alum, my personal experiences with the Student Union Society were limited, and I regret not being more involved on campus during my time as a student. Looking back, I've realized the incredible opportunities and fantastic events the Student Union offers current students. There was a significant requirement to improve the connection with the students.

It's been an incredible journey of creating relationships with students and the UFV community. I'm deeply passionate about contributing to the evolution of SUS and its mission to support our memebers. Whether organizing fun community-building events or promoting valuable resources for our students' benefit, I take pride in being part of their journey and providing support in any way possible.

Is there anything that your colleagues would be surprised to know about you?

I've experienced multiple distinct chapters in my life. I ventured into entrepreneurship very young, explored various corners of the world, and subsequently returned to pursue my BBA at UFV in my early twenties. I want to explore all the possibilities and opportunities the world has to offer.

Who or what has been the biggest influence in your life?

My mother has consistently demonstrated a strong work ethic and has celebrated the values of creativity and individuality. She has encouraged me to strive for excellence and has repeatedly instilled in me the mantra of 'just go for it.'

What was your first job?

My first job was working at my small-town country store. It stands out as one of my cherished experiences, as I have a deep affection for animals and find great ease in assisting people. It aided in shaping my effective communication skills.

If you could do anything in the world, what would it be?

Besides exploring the world, I've always aspired to pursue a marketing career within the health and wellness industry. I've long held a passion for embracing a healthy lifestyle, and I share a deep love for cooking. Combining these two major passions would undoubtedly bring me immense joy.

What is the most useful advice you would give to other students from your own experience?

Embrace involvement, and don't sweat the little things. This phase of your life is all about exploration and encountering new adventures. Dive in wholeheartedly. Putting yourself out there is a decision you'll never regret. Ultimately, the details won't matter; what truly counts is your personal growth and learning journey. Take pride in your current position and remain fully present.

+ Read Arnold's Bio

What is your favourite thing about your role and the work you do for SUS?

I love that I get to utilize my creativity while helping the Student Union communicate key ideas and connect with UFV students.

Is there anything that your colleagues would be surprised to know about you?

Yes! I think they would be surprised to know that I love to cook and spending time in the kitchen is like therapy for me.

Who or what has been the biggest influence in your life?

Definitely tech, from a very young age I have always been intrigued by the science behind technology. I think it all started when my dad first let me use his computer. I can always remember the feeling of wanting to know just how computers worked, why they worked and what else they could do.

What was your first job?

I was an Event Crew Member for a concert venue, I loved it because I got to watch shows while on the job.

If you could do anything in the world, what would it be?

I would love to bring humanity closer together in general.

What is the most useful advice you would give to other students from your own experience?

Being a strong believer in self-development and improvement, I’d advise students to be proactive rather than wait for good things to happen to them, to go out there and make it happen.

+ READ BRYSEN'S BIO

What is your favourite thing about your role and the work you do for SUS?

I love working in a place where I get to interact so closely to with the people that I am working for. Seeing my work on campus is exciting and I love what I do so it’s hard to complain getting to do it every day.

Is there anything that your colleagues would be surprised to know about you?

In the rare moments I have free time, I write children’s books.

Who or what has been the biggest influence in your life?

My parent’s values taught me to chase happiness and discipline through sports and passion and has been a driving factor in my career choices.

What was your first job?

I pushed ice cream at Dairy Queen.

If you could do anything in the world, what would it be?

I would like to have a small cabin in the middle of nowhere next to a river and a big weight room where I can scream and drop stuff and disturb the peace.

What is the most useful advice you would give to other students from your own experience?

Sleep.

+ Read Rohan's Bio

What is your favourite thing about your role and the work you do for SUS?

The fact that we get to make a difference in the lives of students and enhance their university experience. It's incredible to see the positive impact of our work, not just during events but also on social media. Every like and comment is a reminder that we're on the right track, and it feels amazing. I'm so grateful to be part of a team that truly cares about making a difference.

Is there anything your colleagues would be surprised to know about you?

I am actually good at skating. (not the ice one, lol)

Who or what has been the most significant influence in your life?

I believe that travelling has had the most significant impact on my life. Through my travels, I have had the opportunity to meet people from diverse parts of the world, and appreciate and learn about different cultures. These experiences have helped me find contentment in my own accomplishments while always still striving for more.

What was your first job?

My first job was a joint venture with my friends in which we were selling these amazing handmade soaps made from coffee grounds on the streets of Northern India. It was so rewarding to tell people all about the incredible benefits and watch them fall in love with our "expensive" soap - especially for a market which is considered traditionally highly price-sensitive.

If you could do anything in the world, what would it be?

Convince my homies to go on a trip to Goa, India.

What is the most useful advice you would give to other students from your own experience?

It's always a good idea to talk to staff and faculty on campus. You can learn a lot by having conversations with people - I found my job on campus while studying like that.