A Three Part Series From the Coordinators at the USC – Part 1

A coordinator position at the USC presents a wealth of opportunities for students. Embarking on a new role can be overwhelming, as it may be challenging to anticipate the profound impact it can have on personal and professional development. Even if one envisions the changes, they might seem daunting, potentially causing hesitation in pursuing coordinator roles. Jack Liang, the current Student Experience Coordinator, encourages students to push through any hesitation and get involved. Confirmed by his own experience, Jack says “Getting involved has been one of the best things for my personal growth. If you are contemplating a coordinator role, seize the opportunity.”

Jack found his love for the USC through his position as Nursing president last year. Prior to this, he never imagined himself to be as outgoing as he is now. Taking the leap of faith to run for president was something Jack was initially scared to do. However, it ended up being “One of his greatest achievements.” Now as Coordinator, Jack has grown beyond being more outgoing. He has learned new ways of doing tasks more efficiently, gained confidence in his identity and abilities, understands how to project plan, and even how to write policy papers. 

Vanessa Leung, this year’s Academic Coordinator shared that she believes there are so many unique opportunities that exist within the USC. She says that, “you can only gain so much work experience as a student, being a part of the USC allows students to explore what they like and grow in a professional way outside of the typical working environment.”

Vanessa is right, the USC is as a matter of fact, a great place to work and grow! Coordinator positions are broad, and many coordinators when asked what their favourite part about the job is said the open endedness and space for experimentation and ultimately growth.  

Mansi Sethi, Campus Campaigns Coordinator for the USC is a prime example of someone who took the broad nature of the role and used it to her advantage. When she started in the role last year, she quickly noticed the fluidity of it. “It is a fairly new role, so there is very little structure to it” she said.” As someone who relies heavily on a structured life, organization, and pre planning, this aspect of the role intimidated her. 

Now two years later, Mansi says that she “Has grown to be comfortable with being uncomfortable.” Her experience underscores the adaptability and resilience fostered by coordinator roles. The initially intimidating lack of structure transformed into an opportunity for Mansi to embrace discomfort, fostering spontaneity, creativity, and personal relaxation. This growth extends beyond the professional realm, permeating into her daily life. “In my daily life, I have grown to become more accepting of fluidity, so much so that I no longer schedule everything. It has made me a lot more relaxed,” she emphasized.  

The USC is also a space for coordinators to apply the skills and experience they may have previously earned in other jobs, and advance them further. Sophia Hartvikson, as the Gender Equity Network Coordinator, emphasizes how coordinator positions allow individuals to leverage and advance skills acquired in previous roles. She says that, “Previous experiences in grassroots activism and collaborative projects have laid the foundation for my current position, empowering me to navigate complexities, build diverse partnerships, and evolve as a coordinator dedicated to promoting gender equity.” The USC becomes a platform for refining leadership abilities, deepening understanding of intersectionality, and fostering a more inclusive approach to advocacy.

In essence, the USC coordinator positions serve as catalysts for student growth, enabling individuals to transcend their comfort zones, develop diverse skill sets, and contribute meaningfully to the university community. As expressed by those who have embraced these roles, the USC not only offers a fulfilling work environment but also a transformative journey towards personal and professional excellence.

If being a coordinator interests you please visit https://westernusc.ca/jobs/coordinators/ for more information. 

Thank you to all the coordinators who contributed to this story. Next week more coordinators will be featured to highlight the theme of community within the USC and coordinator roles.