We are continuing our series of interviews with our Workplace Wellbeing Ambassadors, so you can learn more about this popular program.
And if you are in the Okanagan, don’t forget to volunteer and join Crystal and Dawn to bring health and wellbeing initiatives to your team!
Crystal Westgate, Physical Activity and Wellbeing Coordinator, Athletics and Recreation
Why did you decide to become a WWA?
Creating wellbeing programs and events is a passion of mine. This opportunity allowed me to meet others on campus who have similar interests, but I may not normally run into. It was an opportunity to form new connections in a year that did not allow for as much social connection with colleagues.
What has been your favourite part about being a WWA?
Meeting new people across the university that are passionate about learning about and embedding wellbeing into their units. It’s great to share ideas and hear what’s happening in other units.
Can you tell us one thing that you have done as part of your Ambassador role and how it benefited your department?
Coordinating events through the Healthy Workplace Initiative Fund, sharing mental health and Thrive information and events, and encouraging everyone to be active with Move UBC. Being part of WWA program ensures that this information is fresh and can be easily shared with co-workers.
What advice do you have for people who are considering becoming a WWA?
It’s great to know that we can all contribute to wellbeing in our units. I would encourage you to share ideas with others and make it a team effort to implement or engage in fun events together throughout the year! There are so many opportunities for funding to support wellbeing initiatives throughout the year that we discuss during our WWA check-ins. Finance should not be a barrier to engaging with activities that suit your unit.
How do you Thrive?
I enjoy being active, especially in the outdoors. The campus trails are the perfect way to break up a workday and reset your mind while refreshing your body. I also enjoy gardening and have recently picked up painting which I find quite therapeutic.
Dawn Sheldon Marketing & Engagement Project Coordinator, Faculty of Management UBC Okanagan Co-Op Office
Why did you decide to become a WWA?
As it has for a lot of us I’m sure, wellness and wellbeing have come more to the forefront of our daily lives over the past few years. I myself, have constantly struggled to find a balance between work and my personal life; I have been on a personal journey to bring more focus to wellness and wellbeing into both spaces.
I decided to become a WWA to not only bring more awareness and education to myself around the space of wellness and wellbeing but to be able to share that journey of learning with others. I find I learn best when I teach, and this opportunity allowed me to grow personally, professionally, and support others’ journeys to a more balanced lifestyle which has been incredibly rewarding.
What has been your favourite part about being a WWA?
Being able to share learnings and events about the integration of wellness and wellbeing with others, and through that collaboration, I have met other members of my faculty that I may have not otherwise had the opportunity to connect with.
Can you tell us one thing that you have done as part of your Ambassador role and how it benefited your department?
We are currently running a health and wellness initiative that supports personal growth and development in the spaces of mindfulness and mindful movement. The staff within our faculty are completing a number of health and wellness activities throughout the month to complete a BINGO sheet. These activities include anything from starting a new book, sharing a recipe with the group, developing a mindfulness practice, integrating movement breaks during meetings and learning how to show up with intention. We are only just beginning, but have already felt a sense of team collaboration across working groups. We also have had the opportunity to meet new people and make new connections, and share our learnings with one another.
What advice do you have for people who are considering becoming a WWA?
Dive in! Being a WWA is such a great opportunity for personal growth, and the ability to support others in their journey to a more balanced lifestyle through wellness and wellbeing is so incredibly rewarding.
How do you Thrive?
Getting out into nature to walk on my lunch breaks or during meetings. The fresh air and movement helps me to think more clearly and make space for what’s next to come in the day.
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- Healthy UBC
- UBCO