"The Accounting Students' Education Contribution is an endowment fund to which students contribute $75 per term. The contribution is placed in the principal of the fund, and the committee operates with the annual interest earned on the fund. As of April 2004, the amount of principal in the fund was more than $500,000 and interest earned was approximately $20,800." ASEC has spearheaded educational and informative projects in the past and is responsible for such events like the Annual Distinguished Speaker, a Mentor-Buddy Event for first year Accounting students, the Harry Rosen Speaker Event, and the Dining Etiquette Dinner. As a First Year Winter Committee Representative, I spearheaded a Dining Etiquette Dinner in collaboration with the Accounting Students' Association (ASA) and UW Catering. The event was well-attended, with 64 first year Accounting students enjoying a delicious five-course meal; definitely a welcome break from the whirlwind of assignments, projects, and exams. For 2005-2006, I will be serving as ASEC Treasurer, handling all budgeting, bookkeeping, and other administrative items and projects. My invovlement with ASEC is truly an enjoyable experience, as I show enthusiasm for my program and do my best to contribute in any way I can.

My passion for business in my first year at the University of Waterloo was also evident in my active involvement in UW DEX (Delta Epsilon Chi), a business organization. Aimed to enhance employability skills and prepare students in careers in various aspects of business, this international organization gives great opportunities for learning and growth through workshops, seminars, volunteer opportunities, and competitions. As its Finance Executive, I created a corporate sponsorship package to help with the club’s funds for future events and activities. The result was a thorough and professional document sent out to over twenty businesses in the Kitchener-Waterloo region. The chapter successfully received sponsorship from several businesses and was able to continue its plans for the rest of the Winter term. Apart from my responsibilities in fundraising and budgeting, I also designed the club's banner and bookmarks. The bookmarks were given out to high school students competing in the DECA Ontario Provincial Competition, effectively promoting the club's purpose and the University of Waterloo as well. Finally, at the recent Ontario DEX Provincial Competition, I achieved Third Place standing in the Marketing Management category and qualified for the DEX International Competition in the United States. The competition consisted of an oral and a written event, where a participant's knowledge and skills in a particular category were assessed. Although I was unable to participate in the Internationals, it was a proud moment to be able to represent the University with such grace and confidence.

I lived at the St. Jerome's University Residence in my first year. As soon as I familiarized myself with university life, I immediately sought opportunities to get involved. And what better way than to start in your own residence? I obtained a position in the Residence Council as Community Contributions Chairperson.I beleived that this role gave me the opportunity to contribute to St. Jerome's and to the local community as well. Through various fundraising events and community projects, I encouraged volunteerism, teamwork, and awareness among the residents. For instance, during the Christmas season, I ran the Operation Christmas Child Program, collecting toys and other personal hygiene items and raising over two hundred dollars for children in less developed countries. I also promoted volunteerism through the Out of the Cold Program by taking twenty-one volunteers to soup kitchens in the Kitchener-Waterloo area. I also held a Charity Bingo Night, with proceeds going to the Canadian Diabetes Association. I was responsible for all sponsorship, logistics, and equipment. After 179 Bingo cards, 24 mugs, countless bags of chips, and gift certificates to all the fabulous places, SJU residents raised $95 for a very worthy cause. It was a fun-filled night of laughter, good food, and great company Finally, as with tradition, I held the annual Shave Your Head For Cancer event, raising over $1500 dollars for the Canadian Cancer Society. Over ten residents (including girls!) participated in the event, showing bravery and inspiring many others to do it in the future.

"The whole art of teaching is only the art of awakening the natural curiosity of young minds for the purpose of satisfying it afterwards." - Anatole France

Because education is a dynamic aspect of my life, I always delight in imparting knowledge and the joy of learning into the minds of the young. As a UW Tutor in the Fall, in collaboration with Conestoga College, I volunteered to teach children in Grades 1 to 6 in disciplines like Math, English, and Science at the Waterloo Public Library. I must say that being a tutor was a fulfilling experience, especially when a child's face lights up when he or she solves a problem. It is my hope that, through volunteering, I effectively conveyed the importance and power of knowledge, learning, and education.