Health Ed helped my find my place at York!

When I first came to York I was really overwhelmed by the size of the campus and the number of people. In my first year I didn't really get involved too much with clubs or organizations outside of residence. It was all a little too much for me!

I did however, get really involved with what was happening in my res building, especially with what was happening on my floor. In second year I was actively looking for ways to become more involved with campus life (back in those days we didn't have YU Connect so finding clubs was a little more challenging!)

After searching high and low I discovered Health Education and Promotion. Although I wasn't able to join immediately (since they only hire once a year) I did attend a lot of their signature events, as well all the programs they hosted in my res. By the end of my second year I KNEW that this organization was for me...I just had to convince the folks in charge to hire me.

After a nerve-racking interview process I was lucky enough to be offered a volunteer position within the organization. I still remember the phone call I had with the wonderful Ms. Leah State!! I was so happy and shocked and excited to be invited to join the team, I remember being speechless and Leah saying "Are you there? Hello? Do you accept?" I was thinking, screaming YESS but I couldn't make my mouth work LOL.

I wasn't sure what to expect but from day 1 it was AMAZING! I found my home away from home, my family if you will! Honestly I didn't expect the people to be so nice, friendly, welcoming and warm.

The sense of family and community within the Heath Ed organization was unlike anything I'd ever experienced before! When I talked through campus before joining Health Ed I kept my head down and didn't attempt to talk or to make eye contact with anyone. After becoming part of the team, I couldn't walk through Vari Hall or Central Square without seeing people that I knew! It completely changed everything for me, in such a positive life-affirming way.

I've been a part of this organization for four years now and honestly I don't know how I'm going to manage when I finally graduate and I have to leave! I've met so many amazing people and learned so much I don't know what I'm going to do when it ends. Luckily I don't have to worry about that till the end of the year!

It's not the first time that I've mentioned HealthEd and I PROMISE it won't be the last!! It's become such a major part of life since it helped me grow and develop as a person and it helped me to meet people and make friends.

If you want to enrich your university career I highly encourage you to join a club or organization. Trust me you have nothing to lose and everything to gain!!

Check out a video us in ACTION!!

What makes a "successful" student?? It might NOT be what you think!

These days everyone looks at letter grades or a g.p.a. as the only way to measure the "success" of a student. Of course both of these are really important, after all everyone wants to do well, but grades are only one small part of what makes a student succeed at university and at life.

I LOVE this meme!
 He looks so satisfied!

I know what you're thinking...how else can you measure the success of a student if you don't use letter grades or a g.p.a?

Grades aren't EVERYTHING!

I would challenge you to think outside the box a little bit.

Here are a few things that I think make a successful student:

1. I think that a successful student is able to find balance in their life.

Universal symbol for BALANCE!
Yin and Yang

Balance is everything! Knowing your limitations and understanding that you're not superman will help reduce your stress. Accepting that there are only 168 hours in a week will help you learn to prioritize your time. Learning how to effectively balance work, school, family and friends, will make your university experience richer.








2. A successful student should be able to look back on their university experience with pride and a sense of accomplishment.

Key to Success?
Why YES thank-you!

This can be achieved by getting involved on campus. I know you've heard me say this before...but that's because it's GOOD ADVICE! Get involved in campus life!

Becoming a member of the York community made my university experience so much richer. I was able to avoid the commuter trap (going to school and then straight home), I was able to give back to other students and I was able to make friends! Accomplishing something as a result of your involvement on campus really makes you feel like you've succeeded at university life.

3. Finally I think that a successful student is someone that is open minded and willing to try NEW things.

University is your opportunity to try new things, and have new experiences. Successful students are those that open themselves up to new people, cultures, beliefs and practices. York is FULL of diversity, there are students from over 155 countries worldwide. There are so many different people with interesting and unique experiences sitting next to you in class, it would be a shame not to get to know them. Being open to meeting new people and trying new things will help to prepare you for the real world, which, thanks to globalization is becoming increasingly interconnected, so don't miss out!

These are just a few things that I think make a successful a student. If you can think of anything else feel free to make suggestions in the comments section!

Colleges versus Clubs "ding ding" LET THE BATTLE BEGIN!

This is an age old debate...COLLEGES or CLUBS..which one is better?

To me this is a DANGEROUS question...it's like asking which is better ice cream or candy? They're both great!!

York University is a HUGE school, two campus with THOUSANDS of students not to mention all the faculty, staff and administration that are always coming and going. Navigating through all those people can be difficult especially as a first year student and York understands that.

That's why they created the "college" system and recognize over 300 clubs and other student organizations. I know what you're thinking..."Umm college? I'm NOT in college I'm in university!" If you want to learn everything you need to know about the college system my friend and fellow RSA's blog, Michelle can tell you all about it! Check out http://michelleinthezone.blogspot.ca/ for more info.

Suffice it to say the "colleges" break up the York community into smaller units making it easier for people meet others with similar interests.

Find Your College in the pic!

As I've mentioned in this and previous posts, York has over 300 different student clubs and organizations. What is a club if not a small group of people with a similar interest?

People always ask...which is better, which do you prefer, which would you recommend getting involved with...colleges or clubs?

My answer would be...WHO SAYS YOU HAVE TO CHOOSE?

Some people really find themselves in the college system others in clubs. It all really depends on who you are, but no one is saying that you can't do both! I know many people that were very involved in their college and were also equally involved in clubs.

Personally I took the club route and I've been really involved with student organizations and clubs. That is how I found my place within the York community.

I encourage all students new or returning to check out what York has to offer, I guarantee you that you'll be surprised!! Surprised at what you find, surprised at how nice the people are and surprised at how much fun you have once you get started!

So remember one is not better than the other and there is space in your life for both colleges and clubs!! Find something that you LIKE and get involved, you'll be so glad you did...I know I am :D

Take Care,
Nicole

Hey York University!! Meet the RED Zone on YU Connect!!

People are always complaining that there is nothing to do at York University, they complain that campus life is boring and people are not friendly. To those folks I say... "Have you ever seen YU Connect?"

YU Connect is the social media hub for all the clubs and student organizations at York. There are over 300 different organizations that students can join, if you can't find anything that interests you from the wide array of clubs that we do have...you can always create your own. It's at this point that their eyes bug out... "WHAT 300 clubs?? Seriously?!?" Yes OVER 300 clubs in fact...all you have to do LOOK!

You have to take the initiative to get involved. The York community is so large that it might be difficult to find a club that you're interested without making some kind of effort. YU Connect makes finding clubs easy and FUN!

I highly encourage you to check out the YU Connect site to find something that you're interested. Getting involved really makes your university experience so much better!! I can't tell you how much my life improved simply by taking the time to get involved.

Here's a link to the YU Connect site: http://yuconnect.yorku.ca/

You can also scroll down to the bottom of my blog to check out the events listing on the cork board courtesy of YU Connect!

When you get on YU Connect you should check out the RED Zone page and see what we're up to! We have news articles and events linked to our page. We also have out facebook and twitter linked there as well. There are lots of pictures that you can look through if you have time. We also welcome you to stop by and chat with us in Vari Hall!!

RED Zone on YU Connect
Profile pg TOP

RED Zone on YU Conect
Profile pg BOTTOM

Moral of the story??? Get on YU Connect and Get Involved, Get Connected and Get Recognized!