Welcome to the first segment of where we get to know some members of our team across departments of Events, Leagues, and Media! Over the next few weeks we will be posting new staff profiles every week!
Anna Stone – Director of Events Crew 6
Why did you join Intramurals?
- I joined Intramurals because I knew some people who had been in the program before and they all said joining Intramurals was the best decision they ever made at UBC. That definitely sounded like something I didn’t want to miss out on! I was also really looking for a way to combine my interests in event planning with my love for getting active, and Intramurals seemed like the perfect fit!
What made you decide you wanted to stay with Intramurals?
- This is my 3rd year in Intramurals and I keep coming back every year because at this point I really couldn’t imagine my time at UBC without being a part of this community. Intramurals is seriously one of the best communities you’ll find on campus – full of some of the most outgoing, caring and dedicated people I’ve ever met. I’ve made memories working alongside this team that I know are going to be with me forever, so I had to keep coming back to make more!
What has been your favourite part of being an Intramural staff?
- Being able to help plan some of UBC’s most iconic events has been something I’ll never forget. Whenever I talk to friends of mine who have already graduated, they always mention Storm the Wall or Day of the Longboat as some of their most memorable experiences at UBC. It’s so incredibly cool to be able to say I was a part of the team who made those events happen! Although the 2am wakeup call on event days for Day of the Longboat might not feel glamorous in the moment, its so rewarding being able to see our collective months of hard work come to life, and see UBC students come out and have the time of their life!
What is it like to be in Events?
- Events is a wild ride in the best way. You’re going to bond with your team over moving Triathalon fencing for 5 hours and eating McDonald’s hash browns at Jericho beach at 3am, and will most definitely get mulch on every item of clothing you own during Storm the Wall. But you’ll also learn that you are capable of so much more than you thought, and make life long connections with the people who are by your side through it all.
Can you tell me about a challenge that you had to overcome within the program that ultimately helped you grow (personally or professionally)?
- Working in the Events sector is all about time management, which has definitely been something that I’ve had to learn the hard way. There are weeks where there is very little work to do, but there are also weeks leading up to event days where you will be putting in many, many… many hours. It’s those days where school work and other responsibilities can easily slip from my priority list, so being on top of my schedule and selling my soul to my Outlook calendar are both helpful strategies I’ve found!
Daniel Onwuka – Assistant Director of Leagues, Basketball
Why did you join Intramurals?
- Initially I was a basketball intramurals official and I remember being so intrigued about these supervisors who seemed so cool in their nice jackets. I remember wanting to be a part of it and when I expressed these feelings the basketball director at the time was so welcoming and I already felt like I was a part of the team before even being on the crew.
What made you decide you wanted to stay with Intramurals?
- The atmosphere and the community are very welcoming, there is not a single person who you will not get along with. It may seem scary and intimidating at first but once you get comfortable it is a great time.
What has been your favourite part of being an Intramural staff?
- My favourite part of being a staff member is being able to identify with a community, a family that welcomes me with open arms. Having such a community during your university experience only makes the experience that much better.
What is it like to be in Leagues?
- Leagues will get hectic at times, students will always forget their student cards but the competitive atmosphere and the intensity of the games make it all worth it in my opinion. Students will get on your nerves but there will always be another supervisor with you by your side, so you will never be alone. If you’re lucky enough to get to see a finals game that will make the whole term worth the work.
Can you tell me about a challenge that you had to overcome within the program that ultimately helped you grow (personally or professionally)?
- I remember one shift during my first term in REC, there was an incident where one team was making racial slurs to another team and the other team was upset, rightfully so, so trying my best to diffuse the situation, with the other AD I had been supervising with, I had to do my best to calm everybody down and hear both sides. The team that had been making racial slurs ultimately were removed from the league because first and foremost we do not allow such behaviour in this community, but it also made me realize that the participants look to us first to make this space a welcoming one for everybody. So it definitely helped me grow and prepare myself for the multitude of things that can come up by being one of the leaders in this community.
Elijah Hewer – Assistant Director of Media
Why did you join Intramurals?
- I had always heard great things about the program from people I knew, so I figured I had to join before I graduated. Too bad it took me until my final year – I wish I had joined earlier!
What has been your favourite part of being an Intramural staff?
- Definitely the community. I love how inclusive and eager everyone is here, and I’ve felt supported by my peers since day one.
What is it like to be in Media?
- As a member of the Media team, I spent most of my time taking photos and videos at the different events and leagues. Part of the job is to capture the participants, of course, but it’s also important that we get footage of the other Intramurals staff hard at work. It pays off at the end of each term when we compile everything into a video and everyone gets to see themselves having a great time with their friends.
Can you tell me about a challenge that you had to overcome within the program that ultimately helped you grow (personally or professionally)?
- Before joining Intramurals, I had spent a lot of time practicing photography but I had little videography experience. Thanks to the program, I was really able to build up my shooting and editing skills by doing things like creating short skits, filming events, and making lip-sync videos. My fellow Media team members have also been very encouraging and have given me excellent feedback that has helped me grow.