Q&A With Monica Mariano, SSU Content Marketing Assistant
From designing public spaces to crafting stories that connect students, Monica's journey at Sheridan is filled with curiosity and heart. In this Staff Q&A, Monica, Marketing and Urban Design student and SSU Content Marketing Assistant, shares how she went from dreaming of a better life in the Philippines to living it out in Canada! One blog, one sticky note, and one coffee at a time. If you're looking for a dose of inspiration before your next chapter, Monica's story is one you don't want to miss!
Q: How long have you worked at the SSU, and what’s been your favourite part so far?
A: "I started working at the SSU last year of May, so it’s been almost a year! Throughout those months, I’ve learned so much in terms of how to think about the student life timeline. My favourite part, I would say, is thinking about new topics of blogs to write on that would be beneficial for students, and at the same time looking up the trending topics on social media right now. So having a mix of both definitely is a fun challenge! I also had a lot of fun doing some of the emails we sent to our subscribers. It’s very exciting to see the metrics and find out which one is the most interesting for students."
Q: What’s something you’ve learned about yourself or about life while working at the SSU?
A: Something I’ve learned about myself when I started working at the SSU is that time passes by quick when I enjoy what I’m doing! When I get locked in on tasks I don’t notice the time! That’s why doing the pomodoro technique has been helpful for me so I have a visual and sound cue to track my time. Something I’ve learned about life or in a work setting is that having a healthy workplace makes a huge difference how you show up at work. Having such supportive work family really brings out the best in you! !
Q: Tell us a bit about yourself and your role at the SSU?
A: “Hi, my name is Monica! I’m one of the Content Marketing Assistants. As a CMA, my role is to make sure to deliver student-focused content through SSU’s website. I write blogs, create event pages, update website information, publish news & updates, and everything in between, making sure SSU’s website has all the information the student needs!”
Q: What was your first impression on your first day in the role?
A: "I was nervous and excited back then. Stepping into a new role is always nerve-wracking. But I’ve been praying for this role, so I know that I will make the most of my time to cherish it. During my first day, I met a lot of the SSU family, some of whom are new, and most have been working at SSU for a while. Everyone has been so nice and welcoming, which made my adjustments easier! "
Q: What does a typical day working at the SSU look like for you?
A: “A typical day would be clocking in at HMC, setting up my laptop, and connecting with my CMA team. I would check my tasks on Asana and go from there. I check out forms if there are new perk partners that need to be added to the website. I also create event pages that I’m assigned to. If there is nothing urgent, I use the time to brainstorm on some blog topics. Biweekly, I conceptualize the email lists that we sent out to our subscribers. “
"20 years ago, I was only watching TV with my sister and playing on the street with my friends in the Philippines, and now I'm here in Canada!"
- Monica
Q: What program are you studying, and why did you choose this program?
A: “I took the Post-Grad Certificate in Urban Design. I chose this program because I was interested in how parks are created and wanted to learn more about how essential well-designed environments are for building better communities. ”
Q: If you could go back in time, what’s one thing you wish you’d known before starting your program?
A: "One thing I wish I had done before starting this program was to explore the Toronto area more! Site visits on this program were pretty common and the chosen locations were unfamiliar to me even though they were some popular destinations in the area. "
Q: What are you passionate about outside of Sheridan?
A: "Outside of Sheridan, I really love doing stuff that recharges my energy and fills my soul. It could be from reading novels to colouring books. I love journaling my thoughts and also doing a scrapbook of my fun memories. Besides crafts, I love hanging out with my friends. I get to try a lot of different activities when I spend time with friends! "
Q: Has this program changed the way you see yourself or your future in any way?
A: "It definitely changed the way I view cities, parks, and public spaces now. I see public spaces in a different perspective, how it is intended to be used and how people engage with it. I’ve also put more appreciation on how buildings are built and designed differently, which gives an area a distinctive character!"
Q: What habit or daily ritual can you not live without?
A: "One thing I can’t live without is drinking hot coffee in the morning! My day starts once I take that first sip of coffee. If I haven’t gotten a sip yet, best believe my brain won’t process any information! How I start my morning sets the mood for the entire day so I need that coffee boost so I can take on my day awake and not cranky (LOL). "
Q: When things get overwhelming, what is something that helps you stay grounded, focused and motivated?
A: “When I started this program, I was overwhelmed by the number of projects that we needed to submit. This program is heavily project-based, and we don’t have exams, so it’s not something to cram the night before the deadline. And so to keep myself updated and not overlook some important dates, I list them all down on my calendar digitally and also write down each deadline on a sticky note and put it on my wall so I can physically see it and know what I need to prioritize.
This somehow helped me stay grounded and absolutely motivated me every time I peel off a sticky note from my wall and see them get fewer and fewer. I also made sure to put some inspiring quotes and sayings on my desk table, so even if I took a glance at them accidentally, it somehow became a gentle reminder to myself. Listening to good music also boosts my energy, especially when I need to get my creative juices out. But most importantly, I live day by day. I only think of what’s the most urgent thing I need to accomplish, finish that, then go on to the next thing. This kind of process helps me not to think of everything all at once but to focus on one thing at a time, then proceed to the next one once I can. “
Q: What words of encouragement would you give someone who’s trying to choose a program or is about to start college?
A: "What I do is I ask this question: Do I see myself waking up in the morning and getting excited to learn stuff about it? If the answer is yes, then I know I will definitely have a good time on that program! Anything that interests you will make things easier for you. You’ll look forward to learning more about it if you know that it’s something you want to be better at! And once you start college, make sure to get involved on campus! It could be through clubs you’re interested in, applying for on-campus jobs, volunteering, attending events, and so much more. Find out what resources are available to you as a student. It’s such a game-changer and makes your college life a whole lot better. "
Q: And finally, what genuinely excites you about what’s next in your life?
A: “I’m genuinely excited (and nervous!) on what’s life after graduating! Stepping in the workforce officially and just being out there. You know when you’re playing a game and you unlocked a new level? It kinda feels like that. I’m also excited to do some side quests! As an introvert, it’s super scary and overwhelming imagining myself on that big world, but at the same time I’ve come so far to just back out! "
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