Q&A With SSU Clubs Team Coordinator, Miranda Shana
When chatting with Miranda, the first thing I notice is the calming, down-to-earth energy she brings to both her work at SSU and her personal life. As a Clubs Coordinator, student, and avid reader, she balances her time between expanding her library, writing towards her dream of becoming an author, and supporting and connecting with students. Keep reading this Q&A to find out how Miranda discovered how much she truly enjoys being around others.
“I’m a huge reader and I’m aiming to have what would be considered a library, which is typically 1,000 books, so 600 to go!”
- Miranda Shana
Q: What was your first impression on your first day in the role?
A: My first day was pretty intimidating at first; it was our first day as a team and I got to meet the other Clubs Coordinators for our first day of training. However, we all got along right away, bonding over our love of food and shared interests. Emma’s beautiful presentation slides were also a great touch to get through the extensive training.
Q: How long have you worked at the SSU, and what’s been your favourite part so far?
A: I’ve now worked at the SSU for a year and a half, reaching the two-year mark in May. There are so many things that I love about working at the SSU, but my favourite part has been our annual Clubs Conferences. It’s an all-day event during Fall reading week for clubs to learn everything there is to know about running a club and being student leaders. We take months to plan the event and collaborate with other departments in the SSU and the college, so it’s a team effort! We’re given the chance to be creative and have fun, while using what we know and sharing it with other students.
Q: How did you first hear about the position, and what was the application process like for you?
A: I first heard about the position when I was an executive of a club (Events Coordinator in the SBSA Club), and the Clubs Department let us all know about the open positions. At first, I was nervous because I would have had to leave my executive role if I got the job. But my team encouraged me to apply, so I did! The application was simple. I applied through the job posting on the SSU website and crossed my fingers. When I was contacted for the interview, I was so excited. I was interviewed my our Clubs Director, Chloe, and Emma, our Assistant Manager. It went really well and I left feeling great! A few days later, I got the email that I got the job, and the rest is history.
Q: What does a typical day at work look like for you?
A: On a typical day, I spend a lot of my time responding to emails from clubs and reviewing forms for events, room bookings, grants, and marketing requests. There are a lot of moving parts within our department and how our clubs run, so that’s the bulk of it. During any given week, we’re usually planning our next club event, like the Clubs Fair, the Clubs Conference, or our pop-ups, so planning for them is an ongoing task. During the day, I might also have a few meetings with our clubs to talk about their upcoming events and plans. I then end the day by resetting our Clubs Room for the day since many clubs love to use it (yay!). (yay!).
Q: What’s something you’ve learned about yourself while working at the SSU?
A: I’ve learned that I love being extroverted and talking to people! I grew up as a very shy kid, so I’d always assumed that I leaned more toward introversion. But as I’ve grown into my role and myself, I’ve had to interact with students every day and realized that I love it!
Q: What program are you studying, and how has it been?
A: I’m currently in my final year of the BBA Accounting program. Though challenging, I’ve had so many great moments in the program. I’ve made so many friends, found great opportunities for my future career, and learned from amazing professors.
Q: If you could go back to the beginning of your program, what’s one thing you wish you had known?
A: I wish I had better prepared myself for the demanding schedule that some of my classes required. I also wasn’t aware that there are some courses you shouldn’t take in the same semester.
Q: Who at Sheridan has had a lasting positive impact on you?
A: My Project Management professor, Dr. Wael Ramadan, inspired me to look into pursuing a certification in the field since I enjoyed the class so much. I recently earned my CAPM certification, which I wouldn’t have even considered without the class!
Q: What are you passionate about outside of Sheridan?
A: Outside of Sheridan, I have a lot of creative hobbies. I’m a huge reader, and I’m aiming to have what would be considered a library (which is typically 1,000, so 600 to go!). I also love to write when I can, mainly research essays. One of my bucket list goals is to write a book at some point in my life, so I’m getting my practice in now!
Q: What habit or daily ritual can you not live without?
A: I love to take time each morning to meditate and write in my journal if I can. I also like to have a morning matcha or coffee if I can because I need as much energy as I can get.
Q: What’s something that has inspired you lately?
A: Recently, I’ve been enjoying Dua Lipa’s Service95 Book Club Podcast. I found out about it last year, and I’ve been enjoying it ever since! She interviews authors that I love, and I love a good book club (I’m currently in 3!). It’s inspired me to think deeper about what I read and also to continue having introspective conversations.
Q: When things get overwhelming, what helps you stay grounded?
A: When I’m overwhelmed, I like to go for a long walk to clear my mind and reset. Getting fresh air and connecting with nature is a great way to do that for me.
Q: What words of encouragement would you give someone who’s trying to choose a program or is about to start college?
A: If you’re about to start college, I would recommend getting involved in student life, of course! Joining a Club is the easiest way to make friends and get involved in the community! At the SSU, we also have academic clubs, so you can get to know of other students in your program and attend events that can set you up for success in the future!
Q: And finally, what genuinely excites you about what’s next in your life?
A: I’m excited to graduate and enter my field. I am also exploring new opportunities in my career, so I’m looking forward to what comes next!
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