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Neeve Johnston
Name: Neeve Johnston
Nickname(s): Jeeve Nonston, Miss Jeevious
Personal Pronouns: She/Her
Hometown: Toronto, Ontario
Favourite thing about ConEd?: I love the community. Everyone is so kind, welcoming, and helpful. I know I always have a place here. It really is a second family!
Favourite first-year class?: Definitely PROF (‘self as a teacher’, this is your con ed class!). Even though my PROF class was at 8:30am on west campus, I still enjoyed it every single week. I learned so much and met so many amazing people in this class, it really helped me gain a new perspective on education and get even more excited about my future. I don’t think I could enjoy any other 8:30 nearly as much, the walk to west is def worth it.
Favourite thing about Teach Exec?: I love how friendly Teach Exec is, and also how funny they all are! I couldn’t stop laughing during the first Teach meeting and ever since then, I’ve felt like I have 7 new friends. My least favourite thing (not that anyone asked, but this is really important) is the fact that the Marketing Teach Ciaran does not wash his legs in the shower. Pls be a better person than him and wash your legs in the shower <3
Personal Spotlight: Hi everyone!! My name is Neeve and I’m so excited for orientation. All the activities we’re planning are gonna be so much fun and I can’t wait to meet everyone coming into con ed this year! I’m in p/j and hoping to major in psychology or sociology (I’m writing this before I’ve declared a major plan, but hopefully I’ll be in one of these by the time I’m meeting you all at orientation and can let you know!). Here’s a few fun facts about me: I sleep with socks on (I know this is really controversial), I pronounce the word yogurt really weirdly, and I’m a scorpio. I hope you all have an incredible orientation and first year experience, there's so much fun ahead of you! Welcome to con ed (the best faculty)!! Also, if you ever see me on campus don’t hesitate to say hi :)
Words of wisdom: Get involved! I always heard upper years saying that you should get involved in all the con ed events and teams available to you, but really had no idea how much fun it all was until I became a Teach. I'm so glad I listened and took advantage of the opportunities that were available to me, I highly recommend you do the same! You won’t regret it :) Also, never forget that there is so so much con ed love here for you anytime you need it! <3 I know this is a big transition, but you're not alone. You have an entire faculty routing for you! I promise, it won't be long till Queen's feels like home :)
Anka Varju
Name: Anka Varju
Nickname(s): Ankey
Personal Pronouns: She/Her
Hometown: Erin, Ontario
Favourite thing about ConEd?: Definitely the community! I went to a super small high school so I'm used to knowing everyone's names and faces around me. Queen's is a lot bigger, so ConEd is what provides that sense of community for me. I've never met a ConEddie I didn't like, and events like ConEd camp help to build even more connections!
Favourite first-year class?: My favourite first year class was BIOL102. This course goes over the fundamental concepts of biology in depth, and sets students up for success in upper year bio, biochem, and life science courses. It really felt like everything we learned was applicable and important!
Favourite thing about Teach Exec?: How friendly and dedicated they are! It is so great to see them passionate about their roles, and they are all huge pillars of the ConEd community. I'm so excited for you all to meet them!
Personal Spotlight: Hi everyone! My name is Anka, and I am really looking forward to meeting you all soon! I'm in my second year at Queen's with a major in Biology and I am in the P/J division of ConEd. I love all things outdoors including gardening, camping, going for long walks by the lake, and swimming at the pier. I work at a camp every summer and I don't think you'll meet anyone who talks about their job as much as I do. I love living in Kingston and I know you all will too!
Words of wisdom: Be kind to yourself. First year is a really big transition so don't put pressure on youself to have it all figured out at once. Just focus on adjusting to living in a new place and try your best to build good study habits. Try to look at the big picture - one bad grade will always be averaged out by a bunch of good ones, and what's most important is that you're trying your best and giving it your all! Make an effort to socialize and join clubs, but also know it's okay if this takes some time. I wasn't in any clubs in first year but then second year was when I really was able to get involved and branch out. And finally, just have fun! You are starting such an exciting chapter of your life so try to enjoy every moment you can :)
Jordyn Desabrais
Name: Jordyn Desabrais
Nickname(s): Jdawg
Personal Pronouns: She/They
Hometown: Brampton, Ontario
Favourite thing about ConEd?: I absolutely love the sense of community ConEd has. Going from a Brampton high school to a university like Queen's had felt super overwhelming because of the sheer amount of people. Being in ConEd has allowed me to have that close-knit university community! Every single person I have met is so welcoming and has made these new and intimidating moments super simple and fun. ConEd really does value inclusivity and it has shown in all the amazing people I get to talk to every day!
Favourite first-year class?: As a self-identified history AND theatre nerd, MUTH110 has got to be my favourite first-year class. It was definitely not at all how I thought a "Musical Theatre" class was going to run. But, instead, I got a class rich in the history of theatre, music, and even dance! There were so many open discussions, plus I got to make connections to other courses and my own life. I was super duper fun! 10/10 would recommend.
Favourite thing about Teach Exec?: My favourite thing about Teach Exec is how fun they are! The fact that they can make something as simple as a Teach Meeting something I look forward to is beyond me. They're always coming up with ways to keep things new and exciting, while also being approachable and helpful!
Personal Spotlight: Hi friends! My name is Jordyn, and I absolutely cannot wait to be a teach this year! My plan at the moment is to go into the Intermediate/Senior stream with teachables in Drama and History! I have been an absolute history nerd for so long now, but with that has come an almost unhealthy obsession with Colonial America. Whether it's learning history, helping the environment, baking, singing, or retelling Assassins Creed lore, I just want to make sure I'm doing everything I can to make someone's day a little bit better! If you ever have any questions, or simply need a pal, I am always always here!!
Words of wisdom: Even though I know days are busy, try your best to get outside! I always thought that walking between classes was enough to feel that fresh air, but ya got to believe me when I say that taking a stress-free, mental health walk outside is a life changer. Pick out your favourite songs and go dance in the streets - game changer!