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Volunteer Spotlight: Prerana Malik

Posted on Sunday, December 16th, 2018

Prerana decorating Christmas tree

Some of the best memories are made while making a difference – just ask Prerana Malik, one of our Community Project volunteers. For Prerana, volunteering at Ronald McDonald House was an opportunity to experience a new tradition while giving back to our community.

Having seen many movies where people decorate trees for the holidays, Prerana always wanted to decorate one herself. She got the chance to do that for the first time at the Ronald McDonald House Community Project, where volunteers came together to help make the house festive in time for the holiday season. “It was an amazing experience,” she says. “I had a lot of fun while setting up the tree, putting up the lights, ornaments, and finally the angel.” Read more >

The Tip of the Iceberg: Self-Care for the Holiday Season

Posted on Friday, December 7th, 2018

Relaxing on the couch with holiday patterned socks

‘Tis the season to be jolly… It’s the most wonderful time of the year… Happy holidays… you’ve heard them all, but what if you don’t feel jolly, merry, or happy? Perhaps, for you, the holidays are not the most wonderful time of the year.

Know that you are not alone in this. Many college students face a number of stressors at this time of year – dealing with final exams and assignments, having to travel home in inclement weather, or not being able to go home. Some of us deal with loneliness, and others feel the stress of managing many social engagements. To add to this, the days are shorter and less bright, which can also cause us to feel sad or down. So how can you cope?

Self-care is a critical component of managing stress. Taking the time to “recharge your battery” is especially important at this time of year. Calming your body can be a great way to calm your mind – think warm baths, deep breathing, massages, comfy blankets, and so on. Soothing your senses can also help ease stress and lighten your mood: essential oils, teas, listening to music, and seeking out humour are all great ways to cope. Read more >

Check In, Quiet the Noise, Find Your Passion.

Posted on Thursday, December 6th, 2018

The Third Thursday Speaker Series sparks ideas and creates community at Algonquin College. Every third Thursday of the month, we bring in local experts and innovators to share stories that inspire and empower listeners. Here’s a look back at the latest talk.

Between Final Assessments and the holiday season, December can seem like one of the busiest times of the year. But December can also be a time of reflection, a chance to check in with ourselves, and an opportunity to imagine our future. To help us do that, our Third Thursday speaker, Transformational Life Coach Taryn Watts, talked to us about finding purpose and balance in this busy world. Her presentation left us with plenty of food for thought (and I’m not just talking about the famous Third Thursday donut wall!).

Above all, Taryn makes it clear that it’s vital for us to check in with ourselves. As we get older, the “noise of the world,” as she calls it, can get really loud and lead us to lose ourselves. In fact, the average person in North America receives more stimuli in one week than our ancient ancestors did in their entire lifetime! No wonder we get lost.

To help bring ourselves back, find balance, and quiet down the noise of the world, we need to ask ourselves the “big picture” questions, such as Who am I as a person? What truly matters to me? and What do I value? Read more >

Community Project Highlights (November)

Posted on Wednesday, November 21st, 2018

In November, our #ACVolunteers worked on many exciting projects such as Rogers Hometown Hockey which took place at Algonquin College, and helped the community get into the holiday spirit. Check out highlights below!

The Snowsuit Fund

Volunteer at the Snowsuit Fund

At this annual Community Project, volunteers served clients and stocked snowsuits in the warehouse for The Snowsuit Fund. This Ottawa-based charity raises funds for the purchase and distribution of snowsuits to children in need, 15 years and under, in our community. More Snowsuit Fund photos →

Read more >

Volunteer Spotlight: Kimberly Kennedy

Posted on Monday, November 19th, 2018

Kimberly Kennedy with daughter

Kimberly Kennedy is a student in the Police Foundations program at the Pembroke Campus. Her goal is to become a military police officer. She participates in a variety of on- and off-campus volunteer opportunities, including her involvement with the Canadian Cancer Society, the Royal Canadian Legion, the local Fun Run, and cancer runs in her community.

In 2019, Kimberly will expand her impact overseas by travelling to Kenya as part of AC Global Projects. She is looking forward to helping the ME to WE community build while learning about Kenya’s culture.

Kimberly finds inspiration in the words of Helen Keller: “The unselfish effort to bring cheer to others will be the beginning of a happier life for ourselves.”

Kimberly on what motivates her to volunteer:

“When I was a kid, I was always interested in a career that involves helping people. … Now I am a mother and want a career that helps people, gives me the chance to travel and help people around the world, but also be at home and be present in my daughter’s life. I volunteer to help others, but I also want to teach my daughter to be kind and compassionate toward everyone.”