“When I was in my second year of university, I was preparing to take organic chemistry. Many friends warned me that the class was extremely difficult, which made me feel intimidated and unsure of what to expect. I struggled at first, but over time, I developed study strategies that helped me learn the material more deeply. Once I got over that initial hurdle, I realized how exciting and interesting organic chemistry actually was. I came to love the course and wanted to share that enthusiasm with others. Later that year, a friend encouraged me to apply to be an SLG Leader, and I immediately knew I wanted to support organic chemistry. It was an amazing opportunity to not only help students overcome the same challenges I faced but also to break down the intimidating reputation of the course. Becoming an SLG Leader opened doors to other opportunities for campus involvement and helped me connect with students, UFV faculty, and club executives.
After joining SLG, the connections I made and the skills I developed gave me the confidence to pursue other activities within the UFV community. I became an executive member of the Pre-Med Student Association, participated in research internships, and joined an intramural volleyball league. Balancing academics with extracurriculars was challenging at times, but staying organized and setting clear priorities made it manageable. I used an online calendar to keep track of deadlines and commitments, making sure I had time for both coursework and campus activities. Surprisingly, being busy helped me develop strong time management skills, and having a structured study routine actually improved my academic performance. More importantly, my involvement allowed me to build a strong support network of peers with similar goals who motivated me to keep pushing forward, even during stressful times.
To anyone hesitant about getting involved, I’d say go for it! It might feel overwhelming at first, but joining clubs, leadership programs, or even intramurals can help you grow both personally and academically. You never know what opportunities will come from putting yourself out there!”
If you know a UFV student who would make a great prospective SLG Leader, please feel free to stop by C1007, email slg@ufv.ca, or read our SLG FAQs. Our next hiring cycle and information session will begin in March 2025.