TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF AND WHY YOU DECIDED TO BECOME A TAGA STUDENT AMBASSADOR.
I am a fourth-year student pursuing a bachelor of technology from the School of Graphic Communications Management at Ryerson University in Toronto, where I am also completing a concentration in publishing and a minor in French studies. I am this year’s president of RyeTAGA, the Ryerson student chapter of TAGA, and have attended the last two Annual Technical Conferences as an executive member of the team. I decided to become a Student Ambassador for TAGA because I have thoroughly enjoyed my involvement with both my student chapter and with the organization, especially in regard to interacting with my peers from other universities and making connections with graphic arts industry members.
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR FAVORITE PART OF YOUR ACADEMIC CAREER SO FAR?
One moment that stands out as a highlight of my academic career was receiving the Harvey Levenson Undergraduate Student Paper Award last year for a report I wrote on the colour accuracy of expanded gamut printing. I chose expanded gamut printing as the topic for a research paper I wrote for a first-year course completely at random (knowing nothing about the subject beforehand) and quickly found it was very intriguing. When I had the opportunity last year to revisit this topic and do more in-depth research and experimentation for my report, I was excited to do so. I never imagined that I would end up being recognized by TAGA as the Harvey Levenson recipient as a result, but I am grateful for having been afforded the opportunity and resources to conduct and publish this research.
WHAT SKILLS HAVE YOU GAINED FROM BEING A TAGA STUDENT MEMBER?
Being on a team as large and involved as RyeTAGA, I have learned a lot about teamwork and cooperation as well as leadership, since I have held an executive position since my second year of studies and am overseeing the entire team this year as president. There are a lot of moving parts and a great team of people required to produce the RyeTAGA journal every year for competition, and making sure everyone has the guidance they need for the journal to come together properly and on time is key to its success.
WHAT’S A TYPICAL DAY LIKE AT YOUR SCHOOL AND WHEN YOU’RE NOT IN CLASS, WHAT CAN WE FIND YOU DOING?
A typical day at Ryerson for me involves going to class, whether that be a lecture or a lab, hanging out with friends at GCM’s Heidelberg Centre, and probably meeting with the RyeTAGA team or with one of the professors for whom I am a teaching assistant. When I’m not at school, I’m probably walking around Toronto taking photos or listening to podcasts.
HOW HAS BEING A TAGA STUDENT MEMBER SHAPED WHO YOU ARE AS A PERSON?
Being a TAGA student member has made me more inquisitive, both as a student and as a person overall. Having been the on the editorial team of RyeTAGA as an associate and director, I have been exposed since early in my academic career to a variety of topics within the realm of graphic arts that I may not have learned about through my classes (at least until later in my studies). Listening to presenters at the past two Annual Technical Conferences has made me more informed about emerging trends and topics in the graphic arts industry and inspired me to learn more about these topics.
WHAT’S SOMETHING YOU’RE PASSIONATE ABOUT?
I’m really passionate about accessibility and sustainability. I think these issues are becoming increasingly prominent and important to people as consumers and citizens. I’m inspired by the people, especially those around my age and younger, who are working to ensure both the longevity of our planet and the sustainability of our practices as well as those advocating for and taking action so that all citizens, regardless of ability, are able to participate fully in society.
WHAT MAKES YOUR TAGA STUDENT CHAPTER AND ITS MEMBERS UNIQUE?
I think one of the key things that makes RyeTAGA especially unique is the fact that we are the only TAGA student chapter in Canada. As such, we feel like we’re representing not only Ryerson but the whole country, at least on some level, when we’re producing our journal and competing at the Annual Technical Conference against the other student chapters from the United States and Europe, and we constantly strive to go above and beyond to make the best journal possible.
WE’RE HEADED TO OKLAHOMA CITY FOR THE 2020 TAGA ANNUAL TECHNICAL CONFERENCE! WHAT WAS YOUR EXPERIENCE BEING A STUDENT ATTENDEE IN PAST YEARS?
I’ve been able to attend the Annual Technical Conference for two years now and have had a great experience both times! It’s been great to have to opportunity to meet not only students from other universities but a variety of industry professionals with whom I’ve been lucky enough to have many insightful conversations. I remember last year, specifically, Dr. Juanita Parris and Dr. John Anderson sitting for several hours with some fellow students and I before our flights back home, discussing their experiences in the graphics arts industry and providing advice for us going forward. I’m truly grateful for the chances like these that I’ve been afforded as a student attending TAGA’s Annual Technical Conferences.
LASTLY, IF YOU COULD BE A SUPERHERO, WHO WOULD IT BE AND WHY?
If I could be a superhero, I’d definitely be Black Widow, because I did karate for years growing up so I admire female martial artists and I love the way she’s able to keep up with the rest of the Avengers without having any superpowers!