TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF AND WHY YOU DECIDED TO BECOME A TAGA STUDENT AMBASSADOR.
I am a fourth-year student in the Graphic Communications Management (GCM) program at Ryerson University in Toronto, Ontario. I joined our Student Chapter, RyeTAGA, last year as a multimedia director and had a great experience with the team and at the Annual Technical Conference. This will be my second year taking on the same position, along with being a TAGA Student Ambassador. Being an Ambassador allows me to make more meaningful connections within the industry while networking with other students just like me around the world.
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR FAVORITE PART OF YOUR ACADEMIC CAREER SO FAR?
RyeTAGA, last year, was the first time I had joined a team that would do work and have goals outside of our regular course curriculum. Here, I learned that you should want to put in more effort about getting to know your industry and start working with other people. It's where I was able to get real-life experience, such as networking and communicating with companies. RyeTAGA has been my favorite opportunity I have taken on throughout my academic career so far.
WHAT SKILLS HAVE YOU GAINED FROM BEING A TAGA STUDENT MEMBER?
I learned how I can present myself in a more professional manner, mainly my communication skills. Posting on LinkedIn and Instagram opens up a lot of conversations, and I had to adapt to a new way of communication that was not what I was used to on social media. I think I have been able to get messages across in a fun, yet professional, way.
WHAT'S A TYPICAL DAY LIKE AT YOUR SCHOOL? WHEN YOU'RE NOT IN CLASS, WHAT CAN WE FIND YOU DOING?
A typical day at school for me is coming to class with my laptop in hand ready to learn about something new, but every day is different. I have a mix of lectures and labs throughout the week and I usually enjoy the labs more since they are hands-on. Some days require more work than others; I might have to meet with a group or two to get something done. When I'm not in class or busy with school work, you can find me watching YouTube videos or shows on Netflix. Or, if I feel like going out, I will be at the Toronto Eaton Centre mall to window shop.
HOW HAS BEING A TAGA STUDENT MEMBER SHAPED WHO YOU ARE AS A PERSON?
Being a TAGA Student Ambassador made me realize how important it is to make connections, especially with people you could work alongside in the future. I now care more about making efforts for people to know my name and also about learning more about others and their interests in the industry and getting to know about other opportunities out there. Overall, I think I became more self-aware and a better communicator.
WHAT'S SOMETHING YOU'RE PASSIONATE ABOUT?
I am passionate about being kind and bringing positivity to others. I practice this every day and think others should also.
WHAT MAKES YOUR TAGA STUDENT CHAPTER AND ITS MEMBERS UNIQUE?
RyeTAGA is very special. I think the different roles needed in order to produce the student journal before the TAGA Annual Technical Conference requires so many talents and skills. Each member is unique and brings something different to the table. With all of our differences, you'd think we would clash a lot, but we all get along very well and have similar goals.
WE'RE HEADED TO OKLAHOMA CITY FOR THE 2020 TAGA ANNUAL TECHNICAL CONFERENCE! WHAT WAS YOUR EXPERIENCE BEING A STUDENT ATTENDEE IN PAST YEARS?
Last year was my first time attending the TAGA Annual Technical Conference, held in Minneapolis, Minnesota. I did not know what to expect going into it and was a bit nervous to meet everyone and present our journal. We got to sit in on a lot of interesting keynotes and seminars, including some things that we wouldn't be able to get to hear about in our classes back home. Meeting some of the keynote speakers was a really cool opportunity as well. I got to speak with Jeff Gomez (CEO of Starlight Runner Entertainment), and he had really inspiring and motivational advice for us students, which I thought was great to hear. Everyone there seems to be interested in getting to know us students and wants to talk to us about our goals and interests within the industry. I am excited to be able to go back this year and do it all again, and more!
LASTLY, IF YOU COULD BE A SUPERHERO, WHO WOULD IT BE AND WHY?
I think I would be Wonder Woman because I would want to have super strength and the ability to fly!