Giving Back by Getting Involved

by Heidi Marr, President

When I have multiple deadlines looming at work, a household to run, and yoga classes to attend, the academic classroom can seem but a distant memory. Like many of you, I'm a busy STCer with a demanding work schedule and an even more chaotic personal life. This means it can become very easy to focus on myself and overlook a particularly important portion of our chapter's membership - our student members. So, I find it refreshing when they do something to make me sit up and take notice! 

In the last month, I've been reminded not once but twice how dynamic our students can be. When I think about how busy I am, I remember what it was like then, juggling a full course load, working a part-time job, and enjoying an unparalleled social life. Who had time for STC committee activities? 

Two students have recently joined our ranks, and we're thrilled to have them! Late in 2003, I was faced with a challenge on our chapter's council - one of our valuable volunteers could no longer participate and we needed to find a replacement quickly. I decided to pose the problem at that evening's general meeting, knowing that the December meeting isn't historically well attended. That night it was bitterly cold and I wasn't surprised to see a small group assemble at our restaurant meeting. But, I wasn't dissuaded. I asked if anyone would be interested in taking on the recorder role for the remainder of the year. By the end of the meeting, I had a volunteer! Sarah-Beth Doner -- one of the lucky membership winners in November - decided she would earn her keep and has joined council. While we will miss Darlene's smiling face at our council meetings, we're very pleased that Sarah-Beth will record our thoughts. 

With that success story fresh in my mind, I received a surprise from another student member just last week. One of last year's student award winners, Diane Russell, is continuing her studies at Wilfrid Laurier University (WLU) and wants to get her feet wet in the STC. Because she's willing to tackle any task, Diane is now filling the previously vacant WLU Student Liaison role, and she has also joined our Program Committee. Both are extremely important posts. These two student volunteers have reminded me that, while life can seem hectic at times, it's important to get involved in the community, regardless of your schedule. So, the next time you enjoy an article in The Quill, pick up an exciting tidbit at a workshop, find your dream job posted on our Web site, or meet a new contact at a general meeting, please consider giving back to your chapter. We rely on our volunteers and we'd love to get to know you better.