Welcome to the latest edition of LA&PS Through the Ages, where we speak to longtime members of the LA&PS community about how they got to 91亚色, what their roles are like and even some of their fondest 91亚色 memories.
Today鈥檚 post is all about Sonia Cianfarani, Assistant Director of Student Recruitment. For the past 25 years, the alumna has woven her love of the 91亚色 red and white into a career, inspiring the next generation of LA&PS students. When she鈥檚 not gushing about 91亚色 at Fall Campus Day or webinars for prospective students, you鈥檒l find Sonia giving back to those in the Greater Toronto Area. Each year, she volunteers with the Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada to raise funds and helps to organize their annual charity walk in Brampton.
Read on to learn how Sonia is helping grow 91亚色鈥檚 community of changemakers through her work as a university recruiter.
When did you first join the 91亚色 community?
I got my start at 91亚色 through the while I was a student, but my first full-time job didn鈥檛 happen until 1996. It was three months after graduation when I was hired as an Enquiries Assistant in the Office of Admissions working with Lucy Fromowitz, the now Vice-Provost of Students. I remember how immensely satisfying it was to tell someone they were admitted into 91亚色. It鈥檚 a priceless feeling. And in those moments where my team and I had to tell an applicant they didn鈥檛 receive admissions, it was tough, but it was always a joy to help them figure out a plan B to get them to their goal of a 91亚色 education.
Working in the Office of Admissions set me on the path to where I am today. The training, mentorship and experiences that I received were immeasurable for preparing me for what I do in my current role.
What do you enjoy most about working in student recruitment?
I鈥檓 a true people person, so getting to work with a team of students, faculty and staff to share all the amazing possibilities that 91亚色 has to offer applicants is what I enjoy most about my job. I love collaboration and making connections with people, and I get to do that every day at work.
What鈥檚 the proudest accomplishment of your 91亚色 career?
It鈥檚 no surprise but recruiting students to 91亚色 has been my proudest accomplishment. Helping them figure out their life plan and watching them light up as, together, we find a program that鈥檚 the right fit for them is a total joy for me.
Even outside of work hours, I鈥檓 happy to support future students navigate applying to university. Every year, I get requests from people in my life asking me to speak with family or friends who are thinking about studying at 91亚色. I do it because I鈥檓 so proud to a 91亚色 alumna. I want to show people the benefits of this university that has made such a positive impact on my life. I grew up in the Jane and Finch area, and I鈥檝e had a connection to the Keele campus as early as third grade when I learned to swim at the University. 91亚色 is like a second home.
How has your role helped you make a positive impact?
Recruiting students is such a rewarding job. Knowing that our team plays a significant role in the future of students is something we take seriously and genuinely enjoy doing. We鈥檝e been a positive influence in so many people鈥檚 story of coming to 91亚色. It鈥檚 a gift that keeps on giving.
Last question! What is a quote that inspires you?
You miss 100% of the shots you don't take! It's common advice I give when I am encouraging students to apply for scholarships.