In many ways, It’s hard to believe that the summer has reached its halfway point. Personally, I believe that the speed at which time has passed this summer can be attributed to the fact that time flies when you’re having fun, and also when you have a lot on your plate. I think this sentiment pretty adequately describes what working at OUSA is like.
With only three full-time staff members and two interns, there is consistently a high volume of work for everyone to do. Between research and development of policy papers for General Assembly, staying abreast and vocal about current developments in the sector, building on government and stakeholder relationships and our lobbying efforts, there is never a point where one can go “alright, its over”.
For me, this constant challenge is the most important and engaging thing about working for OUSA.
I have worked in jobs where routine and low expectations have defined the work experience, and relied on self-motivation to get myself through the experience. At OUSA, the dynamic nature of the work environment and the high expectations completely negate the need to artificially convince myself that my work is valuable to the organization and society at large. Rather, I can just sense that it is.
Every issue researched furthers our understanding of problems facing the post-secondary system, getting us closer to finding solutions to them. Since an educated population is so important to our province’s future, working for OUSA brings with it the satisfaction of working for a cause greater than individual interest. Though it may sound cheesy, I’ve always wanted a job where I feel like I’ve done something good for my community at the end of the day, and right now I have one.
OUSA is a small organization, and running massive campaigns and using our finances to accomplish our advocacy goals is oftentimes just not an option. Hard work, openness to all perspectives and partners, and creative thinking is what has made OUSA such a success, and a great place to work.
-Chris Martin
OUSA Summer Research Intern
