Sitting in a crowded lecture hall with over three hundred students on the first day of university was intimidating. We did not have many friends at SFU, understand what responsibilities university would entail, or even know our way around. However, by getting involved, first year wasn’t so daunting after all. In fact, it was challenging to take all of our experiences as first years in Beedie and choose favorites, but we narrowed it down to ten.
- Finding Friendships
BASS Frosh is where it all began. Spanning the length of two weekends, this first year event consisted of activities such as a multi-city scavenger hunt, dances, and an SFU rendition of Family Feud. This allowed us to meet encouraging upper years and first years, making the transition into university natural.
- Making Connections
Upper year students and TA’s are especially great to talk to because they’ve been through it all. One of the most helpful and appreciated aspects of our first year was gaining the mentorship of Teaching Assistants, coaches, and even professors.
- JDC West Competitors of Tomorrow
We first discovered our love for team competitions while participating in the SFU JDC West first year program, Competitors of Tomorrow. Whether it was watching mock-case competitions, parliamentary style debates, or social ‘fear-factor’ challenges, we gained knowledge and enthusiasm to compete with Beedie in the future.
- Giving Back
Our passion for giving back is what inspired us to apply to become workshop coordinators and reach out to our communities with Enactus’ programs Hunger Actions (Stefanie), a program that teaches low-income parents nutrition skills and meal planning on a budget, and Count on Me (Kimberley), a program that teaches financial literacy skills to at-risk youth.
- Exploring Entrepreneurship
As product line managers for Refresh, an Enactus SFU social enterprise that upcycles excess foods into delicious products, we explored our entrepreneurial side. This unique opportunity tested our creativity in developing a tasty line of jam products with the hopes of them reaching market by 2017.
- Going International – The Inter-Collegiate Business Competition
Stefanie: Travelling and representing Beedie at an international business competition, as the youngest competitor, was incredibly humbling, but it was even more thrilling when my partner and I placed 3rd! This taught me that age doesn’t define what can be achieved – hard work (and unrivaled coaching), can lead to great results.
- Presenting at the Enactus Regional Exposition
Kimberley: Training as a presenter tested my limits in terms of presenting, script writing, and building confidence. It was a huge moment of excitement in Calgary to learn that our hours of metrics collections and practice competitions had paid off – my team placed first and would advance to the National Exhibition in May 2016!
- Competing in Case Camp
Case Camp is not only a first taste of case competitions, but a rewarding experience that teaches teamwork and time management. Through applying the knowledge from different courses and working with amazing teammates (Liam O’Reilly and Dynamic Tang), we were able to place first in this worthwhile learning experience.
- Hiking the Trails of SFU
With long days of lectures and studying, taking breaks are a necessity. We both enjoy taking advantage of SFU’s beautiful campus by exploring the various trails it has to offer – not only is it a getaway from the books; it’s a great way to stay in shape!
- Travelling with a Team for Enactus Nationals Exposition
After months of practicing, refining, and being coached, we were able to represent SFU and present on the Count on Me program in Toronto! Not only did we explore Toronto, we (to our surprise) placed first. This goes to show that anything is possible!
We both accredit the growth we experienced to the immense support we received and the opportunities the Beedie School has to offer. The advice we would give to incoming first years, or even older students looking to make the most of their university experience would be to find balance between academics and extracurriculars, and to not be afraid of challenges. The best way to experience Beedie is to be engaged.
Stefanie Huffman Biography
Stefanie is a first year Beedie student, intending to concentrate in Finance, MIS and Marketing, and pursue the Business Analytics and Decision Making, and the Corporate Environmental and Social Sustainability certificates. Passionate about community, she volunteers with Hunger Actions, leads a City Council Syrian Refugee Youth Task Force, and works as a nationally certified figure skating coach. An aspiring consultant, she has showcased her drive and competitive nature through a recent 3rd place finish at ICBC 2016 and 1st place at the Enactus National Exposition. She looks forward to relentlessly chasing after all of the incredible opportunities that Beedie offers.
Email: shuffman@sfu.ca
LinkedIn: Stefanie Huffman www.linkedin.com/in/huffmanstefanie
Kimberley Venn Biography
Kimberley Venn is beginning her second year at Beedie, and aims on pursuing concentrations in Finance and Operations Management, and a double minor in Health Sciences and Economics. Recognizing the importance of community involvement, Kimberley has volunteered as a workshop coordinator, and now Program Manager, for Count on Me, is an incoming debater for JDC West, and is also a passionate piano teacher. Curious about global issues and driven to compete, she has represented the Rotary Club in a Democracy Conference, placed 1st at the Enactus Canada National Exposition, and is excited to see what future years at Beedie entail.
Email: kvenn@sfu.ca
LinkedIn: Kimberley Venn www.linkedin.com/in/kimberley-venn-3ba77379