Meet Suki Ng:
About Suki
Suki Ng is a 4th year University of Guelph Student completing a BAH in Economics, International Development Studies & Spanish and Hispanic Studies. She is graduating from her undergraduate degree this year and is returning next Fall at U of G for a Masters degree in Economics. During her undergrad, Suki has been extremely involved in her campus community through volunteering during O-Week, for Gryphons Read, Campus Friends, and U of G Ambassadors, among others. She has also been an integral part of the Student Volunteer Connections Peer Helper team, connecting other students with volunteer opportunities that are meaningful and impactful. Suki talks about her experiences in volunteering and how it has impacted her life. She also shares why she thinks it’s important for others to get involved, and how you can get started!
What sorts of volunteer activities have you been involved with throughout your time at U of G so far? What was your role(s)?
“In my first year, I mostly did one-time volunteer opportunities such as project serve and U of G Ambassadors, but I’m currently mostly involved with the Student Volunteer Connections as a Peer Helper and a mentor in the Campus Friends program.”
How did you find volunteering experiences that were meaningful to you?
“In the beginning, mostly through GryphLife as many were advertised there or through the University newsletter before I learned about Student Volunteer Connections.”
Can you elaborate on your current role in the SVC Peer Helper team? How did you get involved with SVC?
“Yes! So I’m mainly involved with the communication side of the team which updates information on our CourseLink page and I make content for our social media spotlight at @expguelph on Instagram.”
What's your favourite thing about volunteering? What has been your favourite memory from your specific volunteering experiences?
“My favorite thing is how I actually get moving rather than just sitting and doing nothing. I highly enjoy it as it gives me self-satisfaction while actively contributing to the community in my own way!”
“My favourite memory would definitely be when I volunteered at Green Legacy. Their program has helped me understand how important it is to have sufficient green coverage in an area, and I highly enjoyed working with plants!”
How has volunteering impacted your academic, professional and/or social life?
“Volunteering has helped me see things in different perspectives through both meeting and communicating with all different kinds of people. It has contributed to my interest in taking courses such as looking at human impacts on the world leading to a minor in International Development Studies.”
If you had to describe volunteering in five words, what would they be?
“Positively impacting our local community!”
What would your advice be to anyone thinking about volunteering?
“If you don’t know where to start, the university has many resources and opportunities so do reach out! Sometimes trying a bunch of different things will help to find ‘the one’ and even figuring out an academic or career path!
Is there anything else you'd like to add?
“When looking to volunteer consider opportunities outside your academic/interested field as well, you might be pleasantly surprised!”