Crew:
Undergraduate Business Society
Name/Program:
Ika Janiszewski - 4th Year International Bachelor of Business Administration, Schulich School of Business
Pictured Crew:
Ika Janiszewski, Balaaj Durrani (kneeling), Yusuf Khan, Mahesh Pokhriyal
Crews I have been a part of at York U:
- Schulich Ambassador Program
- Rotaract Club of York University
- YU Terry Fox Run
- The Excalibur Newspaper – Writer
- Intramural Volleyball
- JDCC Competition Team – Debate Delegate
- Schulich Orientation Week – Leader
- Undergraduate Business Society
- LEAF Mentorship Program – Mentor
- Open Arms Committee – Exchange Student Buddy
- The Insider Media Group
Why has getting involved at York U been important to you?
Being involved has helped me build a sense of community outside the classroom, and that sense of community is what supported me and kept me going throughout
my education. I think students who get involved find more meaning in their studies
because they’re able to apply concepts or ideas from class to the outside world, as well as create memories that last a lifetime, with people in different walks of life that they wouldn’t necessarily meet in a classroom. Challenging yourself beyond a textbook education is a really great way to not only enhance your learning experiences but also build your skills, which are applicable beyond your undergraduate studies.
Why did you get involved?
I decided to get involved in the York community because the resources available
across campus are wonderful and not using them to their full effect would really just
be a disservice to myself. The ability to access all these opportunities is
very unique to the student experience here. These opportunities are presented to
you, and you just have to go out and grab them. I’ve always been a go-getter and
having the chance to try different things, and not worry about whether it
works out perfectly in the end or not, is a vital element of the York community, because you know you are able to try something else to find the right fit for you.
Will your friendships and connections from York U play a role in the next
phase of your life?
The friendships I’ve made here are multifaceted, in that they span many different aspects of my life, namely personal, academic, or social environments. From the challenges I have faced with my friends, the trips we’ve been on together, and the countless points of contact I have had with them, these connections have become so genuine and strong. I completed an exchange semester, and upon coming back to Toronto, I still feel that I have so many connections all around the world. These are the connections I know will last because there is a common thread of shared interests and goals, which inspires us to pursue greater things together, no matter the distance between us.
What’s your favorite memory involving your crew?
Orientation week was the first big event we all had together as a crew. Everyone was really involved all week, and was a great way to introduce the student council to the
incoming students, but to also bond through the late nights, early mornings, various struggles and countless great things that happened. I think the experience really helped us get close as a team, because it showed us that we are stronger and better together as a council. Even though we all have our own portfolios and goals we strive to achieve, when we are working together and sharing our skills, we’re able to be more efficient and really create meaningful and wonderful events for the students.
