Veronica Haring, '11 Bsc(Eng)
Veronica Haring, '11 BSc (Eng), will soon be completing a Masters in Engineering - her second degree at the U of A. However, her time on campus has not been restricted to studies. An active volunteer with the Campus Visit program during her undergraduate degree, Veronica is dedicated to getting involved on campus and staying involved - now through the Alumni Volunteer program.
Tell us how you stay connected to campus through volunteerism.
During both my undergraduate and graduate degrees, I volunteered extensively on and off campus. With my graduate degree coming to a close, I was looking for ways to stay connected with the U of A. I was excited to learn about the opportunities offered through the Alumni Association to continue volunteering within the campus community.
Why do you think it's important for grads to volunteer their time?
The University has given me more over the past seven years than I could ever give back. Volunteering my time on campus is my way of giving back to the community that made me the person I am today - a sort of thank you for the time invested in me.
Do you volunteer for other organizations? Where?
I have volunteered with the Edmonton Science Outreach Network and the U of A's Campus Visit Program. I also volunteer with APEGA (Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta) at various events like career fairs and science olympics. The majority of the volunteering I do is geared towards inspiring youth to pursue a career in science or engineering. I am also the volunteer coordinator for the rugby club I play for.
What does volunteering mean to you?
My kindergarten report card said, "Veronica likes to help a little too much." I came to realize that I enjoy volunteering because it is a way of helping people, a way to make their lives easier or put a smile on their faces. I especially enjoy working with youth and debated applying to the U of A for engineering or education. I chose engineering because I can be an engineer and volunteer as a teacher; I couldn't be a teacher and volunteer as an engineer. Volunteering with youth allows me to pursue my other passion.
What impact has volunteering had on you? On others?
In Grade 6, I was told that I would make a good engineer because I liked math and science. Despite having very little idea about what an engineer was, I set my sights on becoming one. Watching youth develop an interest in science and coming to the University reminds me of my Grade 6 self. It reminds me of the spark that grew into a passion for a career I knew very little about. My passion waivered when mid-terms, assignments and projects seemed endless, but that reminder is what got me through. My goal is to be a positive impact in people's lives-like I mentioned before, make their lives a bit easier or put a smile on their face. When it comes to the youth I work with, the goal is no different. If I can inspire even one student to follow their dreams, convince them that math and science is interesting, or show them that University is an option for them, then I've done what I've set out to do.
Share a story or a memory from your time volunteering.
There are so many! When I work with kids I tell them to call me Veronica. This often leads to them calling me Ms. Veronica because they have been taught that is how they are supposed to refer to adults. I was leading a tour of Grade 3/4 students around campus and was getting tons of "Ms. Veronica, what is this?" or "Ms. Veronica, what is that building for?" type question. I was surprised when one boy asked "Ms. Veronica … so is there a Mr. Veronica?" That is my favourite thing about working with kids. The way they think sometimes really keeps you on your feet!
On average, how many hours per month do you volunteer?
As often as I can! I'm the type of person that can't sit still and I love being involved.