Crew:
Faculty of Education Student Association (FESA)
Name/Program:
Jonathan Clodman - Concurrent Honours Psychology (BA) and Primary/Junior Education (BEd)
Pictured Crew:
Kim Tran, Alessia Picarelli, Jonathan Clodman, Samantha Camardo, Grazia Sessa
Crews I am a part of at York U:
- Faculty of Education Students’ Association (FESA)
- Ambassador, Student Health Ambassadors at York (SHAY)
- Faculty of Education Student Senator, York University Senate
What are some unique opportunities/experiences you have had?
The Student Health Ambassadors at York (SHAY) program connects current Faculty of Health students with prospective students and their families at official Faculty of Health and York University events. The SHAY program was one of my first extracurricular activities at York and I’ve eagerly returned to the program each year. In my five years as a SHAY, I’ve learned lots about the Faculty of Health and York University and further developed my public speaking and leadership skills. I’ve been fortunate to meet lots of new people, including faculty, staff, and both current and future students. I appreciate having the opportunity to share my experiences and help prospective students make such an important life decision. I enjoy the early mornings and late evenings spent at events together with ambassadors from other programs and Faculties. I love being involved in something greater and feeling connected to the University as a whole. Through years of university fairs, campus tours, high school visits, and more, the SHAY program has helped me make a real difference in people’s lives, all while interacting with people and speaking honestly about my own lived experiences.
What role has your crew in education played in your university experience?
My Faculty of Education Students' Association crew gives me a reason to come to campus every day, even when I am not in classes. I know some people who come to class then leave, but I could not imagine my experience being that way. Being part of a group gives me a sense of ownership on campus and helps me feel like I am part of the University.
How has your crew enriched your experience?
I have a whole council of over 30 dedicated and amazing people who I can rely on if I have questions about courses, professional development, or just general information. The fact that we are all going though our program together helps make us feel like a community of our own. It is comfortable knowing that support system is there if I need it. I do not think I would have had the same unique opportunities at York if I not for the many crews I have been a part of throughout my experience. When I am on campus, if I am not in class, our council office is a home away from home for council members to meet, relax, and chat. Being part of a Faculty student association also connects us with faculty and staff, which has helped me feel more connected to the university.
How has your crew experience differed over the years?
I have been part of so many different exciting events and experiences around campus. I think back to arriving on campus very early in the morning on a weekend before the sun was up and thinking, “Why do I do this?” Still, those experiences have provided some of the best memories and growing opportunities. Working together as a team and solving problems collaboratively brings people closer. It’s these memories I am going to miss most. In all my experiences on campus, I have learned skills that I never would have thought applicable to me. My involvement within the university has opened up all kinds of doors to new opportunities, each of which I never would have gotten to experience had I not said yes to the one before. I signed on to be a course representative in my first year, and I never would have thought I would be a member of the University senate and President’s Ambassador. It’s amazing how each experience builds on the last.
