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Challenges transform grad into a leader
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Carol Thorbes, Media & PR, 604.291.3035, cthorbes@sfu.ca
Carol Thorbes, Media & PR, 604.291.3035, cthorbes@sfu.ca
May 31, 2004
Basia Pakula’s nerves are a little frayed, worrying about how her convocation speech will go. "I’m not a public speaker," says the Polish Simon Fraser University graduand. But anyone who knows Pakula also knows that she shines best when challenged to "think outside the box," as she puts it.
While working on her BA honours in political science with a minor in economics and arts coop certificate, Pakula held down at least two, and sometimes three, jobs to make ends meet. "I am grateful for the financial challenges I have had to face," says Pakula who has supported herself and her education for five years. Her single mother in Poland lives on less than what would be considered a poverty line wage in B.C. "My tight finances are largely what have made me who I am today."
Most of Pakula’s salaried jobs involved living and working in student residence. As a resident assistant, a community advisor and finally an area coordinator in SFU’s Residence Life program, Pakula took on increasingly demanding and responsible leadership roles. The program tries to foster a sense of community and social responsibility among students in residence.
While hitting the books, Pakula, a United World College graduate, developed and implemented programs to help students deal with life’s issues, such as sex, race, stress and gender-bias. She frequently rallied together nine peers under her supervision to deal with tense situations, such as noise complaints, a flood or a depressed student in the wee hours of the morning.
Asked how she managed to garner three major scholarships and do an honours thesis while working in residence, and elsewhere on campus, Pakula responds passionately. "My jobs in residence were helping me to grow as a leader and I know I do my best work under pressure. It makes me treasure every minute and hour of life and use it to the fullest, whether it’s dealing with papers, friends or life’s issues."
Pakula, a recipient of the C.D. Nelson memorial graduate scholarship for outstanding scholastics, is now entering SFU’s master in public policy program. She hopes to one day marry her passion for academics with her dedication to community leadership by developing progressive public policies.
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While working on her BA honours in political science with a minor in economics and arts coop certificate, Pakula held down at least two, and sometimes three, jobs to make ends meet. "I am grateful for the financial challenges I have had to face," says Pakula who has supported herself and her education for five years. Her single mother in Poland lives on less than what would be considered a poverty line wage in B.C. "My tight finances are largely what have made me who I am today."
Most of Pakula’s salaried jobs involved living and working in student residence. As a resident assistant, a community advisor and finally an area coordinator in SFU’s Residence Life program, Pakula took on increasingly demanding and responsible leadership roles. The program tries to foster a sense of community and social responsibility among students in residence.
While hitting the books, Pakula, a United World College graduate, developed and implemented programs to help students deal with life’s issues, such as sex, race, stress and gender-bias. She frequently rallied together nine peers under her supervision to deal with tense situations, such as noise complaints, a flood or a depressed student in the wee hours of the morning.
Asked how she managed to garner three major scholarships and do an honours thesis while working in residence, and elsewhere on campus, Pakula responds passionately. "My jobs in residence were helping me to grow as a leader and I know I do my best work under pressure. It makes me treasure every minute and hour of life and use it to the fullest, whether it’s dealing with papers, friends or life’s issues."
Pakula, a recipient of the C.D. Nelson memorial graduate scholarship for outstanding scholastics, is now entering SFU’s master in public policy program. She hopes to one day marry her passion for academics with her dedication to community leadership by developing progressive public policies.
—30—