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Profile: Service social student goes the extra mile for inclusivity on campus

Profile: Service social student goes the extra mile for inclusivity on campus

Sam Bénard-Barry, Laurentian Pride’s Work-Study student, is proud to advocate for peers

(April 4, 2023) - Sam Bénard-Barry, is a student leader and fearless advocate for their peers. 

Bénard-Barry is a queer, Francophone and Anishinaabe-Algonquin fourth year Service Social student at Laurentian University. Originally from Sudbury, Ontario, Bénard-Barry is also a local graduate of École Secondaire Catholique l'Horizon (2019). As the President of the Indigenous Students Circle, a member of Laurentian's Consent is Simple Action Team, and a founding member of the Students for Social Action Coalition, it is evident that Bénard-Barry is an active member in the university community.

As Laurentian Pride’s Work Study student, Bénard-Barry has the opportunity to follow their passion for involvement by representing the queer community on campus and in Greater Sudbury. Before taking on this paid position, Bénard-Barry was a student volunteer for two years. 

Laurentian Pride is a resource center for the queer community and just one of many student services offered on campus. Resources, education and advocacy that support Laurentian Pride are contributed by partners such as LU’s Health and Wellness Services, Sudbury Pride, Réseau Access Network and Black Lives Matter Sudbury. In affiliation with the Equity, Diversity, and Human Rights office, Laurentian Pride student volunteers host many exciting events while also providing a safe space for all. Coming together recently as a team, an entire week of events on campus was dedicated to goals of equity, diversity and inclusion. For example, hosted in the Student Centre on March 24th, many students enjoyed themselves and met new friends at Pride Prom. 

“A lot of the work I do for Laurentian Pride is intersectional as I am a queer, Francophone, and Indigenous student. I am trying to find a way to integrate those communities together so everyone can coexist. Laurentian Pride compelled me because as a queer person and a gender non-conforming person, I have lived experience that I think is essential to bring positive change.”

Laurentian Pride is currently looking for volunteers. “I think that volunteering with Laurentian Pride is a great opportunity for any student to get involved and experience personal growth. The volunteer experience and connections you make within the group really creates a sense of friendship and network,” said Bénard-Barry. 

Those interested in volunteering with Laurentian Pride are encouraged to reach out through Instagram or email at pride@laurentian.ca.

“Having a community feel on campus has been important to me,” said Bénard-Barry. “I am passionate about advocating and educating others on a wide variety of topics that involve inclusivity. I am proud to be a part of this.”

Work Study program prepares students for career success

Work Study program prepares students for career success

Students develop workplace skills.

(September 6, 2022) - Laurentian University’s Work Study program, organized by the CareerHub within the Student Success Centre offers students a variety of part-time employment opportunities across campus. The program fosters a wide range of skills relevant to the workplace. 

Speaking about the impact of Work Study, Student Employment Advisor, Andrew Dale explains: “This program is here to service students and support the development of work experience in productive and meaningful ways.” While Work Study students contribute to the values and mission of the University, the program was developed keeping in mind first and foremost, the student experience.

Supervisors also play an important role in the success of Work Study because “great supervisors help students reflect on their experiences throughout the work term, and help them find fulfillment in these experiences,” said Dale. 

Program eligibility is based on financial need, course enrolment, domestic student status, and the submission of a Work Study application. 

Fourth-year Concurrent Education and English student, Mia Tucker, said that working as the Communications Intern this spring and summer, has been rewarding: “I have learned so many new skills and workplace values that will be beneficial in my career once I graduate. I am glad I am able to work for my university and, in turn, help this amazing community at Laurentian continue to grow. Being a part of something bigger is a really nice feeling to have in your workplace.”

When it comes to 2022-2023 fall and winter semesters, Work Study applications are well underway. There are over 100 student positions available, all designed with the idea that students have a range of talents and interests. Positions are offered in a variety of departments such as Liaison Services, Accessibility Services, Counseling and Wellness, Student Success, Campus Recreation and more. Research positions are also available across Laurentian faculties. 

To Ana Tremblay, fourth-year History student, Peer Advisor, and part-time employee who supports the Work Study program: “My employment through Work Study has given me the opportunity to explore my professional interests while also prioritizing my studies. I've also been able to better understand and advocate for student needs because of the work I support in my position.” Tremblay also serves as the Student General Associations’ Vice President of Education and President of Pride Laurentian. 

Other services offered by the CareerHub include job postings, internship opportunities, careers fairs, employment counselling, job search support, resume, cover letter and interview advising, and employment and career workshops.  

To learn more about the Work Study program, email: workstudy@laurentian.ca.