PRC Post

Meet our RLM’s — They’re Just Plane Awesome!

By prca on July 30, 2019

We’re just about 2 weeks away from Advisor Orientation, and we hope you are getting as excited as we are

The 2019/2020 RLMT has been prepping for all of you to arrive this August for AO! Not only will they equip you with tools to be the best RA you can be, but your RLM’s will be also be a fundamental support to you this coming year.

Now you’ve probably gotten a ton of emails from them already, & you might’ve wondered, who they are exactly.

So, let’s put a face to the name, shall we?

Ivan Yastrebov – Exchange + Brock Commons – Tallwood House + Iona House

Hi, I’m Ivan! After being born in St. Petersburg Russia and growing up in the depths of rural Alberta, I found my way out here. I’ve been around the block for three years now (:o How has it been so long?!). I’ve spent that time working at Orchard Commons and have most recently moved North to the Exchange, Tallwood & Iona communities. In my spare time you can find me running circles in Pacific Spirit Park training for trail races (I’m running a 80 km race on August 17th) or pulling on plastic pieces at the Hive Climbing gym. In previous lives I’ve dabbled in helping a bee keeper, being a gas jockey, a baker at Tim Horton’s and a “professional” photographer. I’m generally curious about most things, so come drop by to chat anything and everything. Hope to see you around in the upcoming year, please don’t hesitate to come up and say hi!

Favourite Bird: Hawk

Katherine (Katie) MacGregor – Walter Gage 

Hi folks! I’m Katie (she/her/hers) and I’m the Residence Life Manager for Walter Gage Residence. I’ve been at UBC since summer 2017 and before then I worked for an NGO in Colombo, Sri Lanka after graduating from the University of Toronto with a degree in International Development and Anthropology. Going on rounds, planning events, and knocking on doors to chat with students were a big part of my life throughout my undergrad, as I lived on campus and worked in residence just like you! These days, when I’m not in Gage, you’ll find me running through Pacific Spirit Park, watching the sunset at Tower Beach, or outside the city on a hike. This year when you find yourself in Gage or at the nearby PRC never hesitate to stop in at my office in the commonsblock to say hi. (If you need a conversation starter, just ask about me about Harry Potter!)

Favorite Bird: African Penguin

Holly Dysserinck – Place Vanier North 

 

My name is Holly and I am one of the Residence Life Managers in Place Vanier. I have lived in Vanier for a combined 7 years, so I’ve got a lot of love and pride for PV and UBC. Skilled at binge watching, you can often find me attached to some form of streaming service….most recently Hayu (ask me about it!). Or, I’ve fallen down a YouTube hole, usually filled with Carpool Karaoke or dog videos. I’m also a big Disney fan and had a magical time visiting Disneyland this summer with my partner for our Honeymoon! I am really looking forward to this year as Place Vanier is undergoing some awesome changes!

Favorite Bird: Woodstock (from Charlie Brown)

Mason Margotta – Place Vanier South

Hi Friends! My name is Mason and I am the Residence Life Manager for Place Vanier South. I graduated from UBC in 2017 (after 6 years!) with a degree in Asian Area Studies, and during my time as a student was involved with the Residence Hall Association, AMS, PACURH, and I was the Residence Coordinator for Salish House in 2014/2015. Most recently I was working in Residence Life at University of Victoria as the Coordinator, Residence Education. Being able to focus only on educational programming in residence and coordinating 11 Living Learning Communities was a wonderful experience, and allowed me to learn more about how to bring learning into our residence communities. I can’t wait to bring some of that enthusiasm and knowledge back home to UBC!

In my free time you can usually find me watching Netflix, playing overly-elaborate board games, or kicking a soccer ball around. I have also gotten coffee at pretty much every single coffee shop on campus (and most of the ones in Kits as well), so if you ever want to grab a coffee just let me know! With August just around the corner, I am getting so excited for the energy of AO, and I cannot wait to meet y’all there!

Favorite Bird: Robin

Lyndon Duncan – Ponderosa Commons

Hello! I’m Lyndon Duncan and I’m incredibly excited to be seeing you all around residence and the larger UBC campus in my role as a Residence Life Manager. I completed a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science at UBC’s Okanagan Campus where I started my work in and love for Residence Life. Following that passion I moved back to Vancouver to take on the role of Residence Coordinator for Kwakiutl House in 2016-2017. Following that great experience, I moved to Calgary Alberta to start my first professional Residence Life job at Mount Royal University. Being B.C. born and raised, the sea called me home and I’ve been happily working here as an RLM since June of last year! I love board games, Dungeon and Dragons (maybe too much), ultimate frisbee, and I’m always open to grabbing a coffee. If you see me around campus please don’t hesitate to come say hello!”

Favorite Bird: Cassowary (they live in Australia)

Amy Stewart- Marine Drive

My name is Amy Stewart and I am the Residence Life Manager for Marine Drive Residence. I was born in South Africa but grew up in Latin America, which might explain some of my mannerisms, passion for the people in my life and the work I do, and my love of dancing! When I am not in the office or watching reality TV on my couch, I can often be found at a concert, show or a theatre. My current favorite Vancouver restaurant is La Taqueria so if you are ever heading there and are looking for some company, give me a shout! I really enjoy Advisor Orientation because of the energy, connections and learning that takes place every day and I look forward to meeting ya’ll this August at #AO2019.

Favorite Bird: Peacock

Paul Lee – Totem Park North 

My name is Paul (he/him/his) and I’m the Residence Life Manager for Totem Park North! I’m a proud alum of UBC, having done a degree in Earth & Ocean Sciences and Biology, and can’t wait to meet everyone at AO. I’m originally from Winnipeg, Manitoba, but feel truly blessed to call Vancouver my new home. In my spare time, you can usually find me at a beach, on a run, eating sushi, or planning my next travel destination!

Favorite Bird: There are so many to choose from! Bald Eagles, Birds of Paradise, Dodos, Cassowaries! If I had to choose, I’ll go with a peacock because they’re pretty to look at but like their personal space, much like me.

Bailey Kew – Totem Park South 

Hi hey hello, my name is Bailey and I’m so excited to be starting my second year as a RLM at UBC. When I’m not chasing after dogs to pet, I can be found playing volleyball, cooking Thai food, or engaging in debates (pick a coffee shop and name a topic, I’ll be there!). I’m so excited to meet all the new staff and re-connect with our returning folks from last year. Don’t hesitate to stop by and say hi! I hope you have a lovely summer.

Favorite Bird: Bald Eagle

Joe Stevens – Orchard Commons, Braeburn House 

Hi everyone! My name is Joe Stevens and I am the Residence Life Manager of Braeburn House in Orchard Commons. I have been at UBC since 2013 where I have previously worked as a Residence Advisor in Korea-UBC House and Mack-Ross in Place Vanier, Senior Residence Advisor in Braeburn House in Orchard Commons, and the Residence Coordinator of Tec-de Monterrey and Mack-Ross Houses in Place Vanier. During my undergraduate degree, I was heavily involved with UBC Recreation Intramurals as well as the UBC History Honours Program. In my free time, I love to surf and spend time outdoors, find new restaurants to try in Vancouver, and spend time finding new shows to binge watch on Netflix! If you ever see me on campus, feel free to say hi, and I look forward to seeing you all at AO this year!

Favorite Bird: Ravens

Linzi Wong – Orchard Commons, Barlett House + Ritsumeikan-UBC House 

Hello! My name is Linzi and I’m the Residence Life Manager for Orchard Commons Bartlett House and Ritsumeikan-UBC House.  I’ve been in UBC since 2011 and have lived in first year residences throughout my undergrad while completing my Bachelor of Arts degree in Linguistics. I’ve been a Residence Advisor in Haida House, Tec-de-Monterrey House and Ross House, and a Residence Coordinator of KootSL, and my favorite memory every year has got to be working with the residence musicals! When I’m not at work, I can usually be found on my couch playing video games, or at my table doing a bunch of random things on my laptop. If I’m miraculously not home, that means my friends managed to drag me out – which only has 50% success rate of happening!  You are always welcome to talk to me about pets, I have many photos of my two cats (that live FAR AWAY from residence) that I will always be happy to show!

Favorite Bird: Penguins!

Emma Chartrand – Acadia Park

I moved to UBC 6 years ago with my partner and our two children into Acadia Park. I have enjoyed living at UBC and being a part of the wonderful community here on campus.  Before moving to Vancouver, I worked as a School Counsellor and with youth and families in various community organizations. I just started working in Residence Life in 2016 and love the opportunity to support students and their families here!

In my free time I enjoy getting outside with my family!  Sometimes it is for a hike, a bike ride or to watch a soccer game.

Favorite Bird: Owl

Mike Cheung- Manager, Residence Life Projects – PRC 

Howdy!  My name is Mike and I am the Manager, Residence Life Projects.  I graduated from McMaster University in Hamilton Ontario where I completed my Honours Bachelor of Science with a minor in Psychology, although, to be honest, I probably spent more time engaging in extra curriculars which included the Students Union, Residence Life and clubs.

Outside of work, I enjoy going for long drives, usually to the mall.  I love country music, exploring new places and tv shows. If you ever need a shopping recommendation, let me know!  I’ve been to AO a few times, and let me tell you, it was so exciting and energizing to be able to go through AO training with new and familiar faces and start the year as a family.

Favorite Bird: The Dodo Bird

Posted in | Leave a response

Time-Management Tips (PRC Closed During AO!)

By prca on July 20, 2019

Hey busy bees,

 

Missed out on yesterday’s Pre-AO Prep program at the PRC? Don’t worry – we still have some procrastination-busting tips for you! Summer may be a time for relaxation and vacationing, but don’t let that stop you from being productive; yesterday’s event wasn’t the only time staff could drop by to create their boards and banners in advance – the PRC will be open for the rest of the summer from 12-5pm Tuesday through Friday, and 1-5pm on Saturdays until August 10. But REMEMBER: The PRC will be CLOSED during AO and will not re-open until September. Make sure to avoid the September rush if you can!

Here are some helpful tips and tricks for pushing through the temptation of “I’ll do it later…”

1.Lists, lists, lists.

Organization/prioritization: Trying to get a big task done can feel very daunting. Creating a list to break one task down into smaller steps allows one to gain satisfaction from small, sequential successes. Getting more important, pressing tasks done first by placing them higher on the list allows one to not waste time dawdling on unrelated tasks. Yes, I’m talking about that time you binge-watched an entire Netflix series that you just HAD to finish, when in reality you had a paper due the next day.

2. The 2 Minute Rule

Initiative: If it takes less than 2 minutes, DO IT NOW! Completing small things that come to mind immediately prevents the worry of forgetting to do it later, when it may be too late. Productivity requires intentional, mindful action.

3. Power Hour

Time management: Figure out the best timing for your work style. Put away all distractions, set a timer for an hour to work nonstop, then take a break and restart the cycle once you’re ready. If one whole hour sounds like too much, try starting with the pomodoro technique: work in 25 minute intervals with 5 minute breaks in between. (Fun fact: ‘pomodoro’ is the Italian word for tomato, and the technique was named after a tomato-shaped kitchen timer Francesco Cirillo used as a university student to come up with the technique!)

4. Make it fun!

Positive reinforcement: Reward yourself with a treat after completing the whole task or the smaller tasks you have broken it down into. Whether the treat is a sweet snack you’ve been saving to satisfy a craving, or a nice walk outside to clear your mind of the work you have been doing, positive reinforcement is a powerful tool for enforcing good habits.

 

Good luck,

 

The PRC <3

Posted in | Leave a response

New Year, New Team!

By prca on July 13, 2019

We’ve heard that team placements for the year have come out!!

We’re as excited as you are!

To our lovely new advisors:

We can’t speak for everyone, but our first small team & big team have been our most memorable. If you’re a little nervous: remember that you have your returners to look to, and your fellow new advisors to navigate with.

To our amazing returners:

Whether it’s your first year returning, or you’ve been around the block 3, maybe 4 times – always remember that each team is different, and special in their own way!

We’re beginning to get ready for AO (Advisor Orientation) here at the PRC, and we hope you’re getting excited too!

At AO you’ll not only be meeting your new Small Team, Big Team and Area Team, but you’ll be meeting what feels like 200 other people from all the other areas. Get ready for fun times!

Us PRCA’s are BEE-yond excited to get to know you individually and see what amazing things you and your teams will get up to in the coming year.

 

Much love,

Your PRCA’s <3

Posted in | Leave a response

Procrastination is SO Yesterday: Pre-AO Prep

By prca on June 29, 2019

Hey everybody,

 

You now know what “Where Am I” and “Who Am I” boards are – now, when do you get started on them?

(Don’t know what we’re talking about? Check out this blog post to learn what the boards are for!)

Advisor Orientation seems far away – 8 weeks from now, to be exact – but summer is flying by and it will roll around before you know it. Although many Advisors choose to create their boards right before or during AO, getting ahead of the game and visiting the PRC before the end of August has its benefits.

  • BEAT the September rush: Hate lines? Uncomfortable in packed spaces? Avoid the crowds of Advisors clamouring to print their boards during the busiest PRC season of the year. 
  • SNAG the freshest supplies: Take first pick of all the wonderful supplies we have to offer. Prevent the inconvenience of trying to gather supplies when the PRC’s high-demand items (like velcro) are low or out of stock.
  • SAVE the stress: Enjoy AO without these tasks in the back of your mind and bond with your team worry-free!

 

Visiting the PRC earlier on in the summer also means you’ll also have a head start on handmade welcome items.  

  1. Who Lives On Our Floor Boards: These boards allow residents to start getting to know each other as soon as they move in. 
  2. Birthday Walls: Putting up die-cuts or a banner for residents to write their birthdays on is another popular option.
  3. Floor Banners: These are made to welcome residents to your floor at the beginning of the year. Typically made with coloured roll paper and paint or markers.
  4. Floor decorations: Die-cuts and DIY paper streamers are some popular choice.

Who Lives on Our Floor Board: Choose any categories you wish for the headers!

Birthday Walls: Using the birthday cake die-cut is a well-loved option for this decoration.

Floor Banners: These banners are typically made with paint, but markers, crayons, and more are available for use at the PRC!

Floor decorations: Use die-cuts to indicate an “Events Wall,” use string to hang seasonal die-cuts around the floor, or simply stick them to the walls for a splash of colour. The options are endless!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Feeling convinced yet? Lucky for you, the PRC will be hosting an event to focus on procrastination-crushing preparation and provide an opportunity to beat the September/AO rush (featuring pie)! Come by the PRC on July 19, 2019 from 12pm-5pm to get a head start on boards, banners, and decorations for all the reasons listed above and reward yourself for your hard work with a slice of pie while you’re at it. Stay tuned for more information closer to the date on our social media channels!

 

Lots of love, 

 

The PRC <3

Posted in | Leave a response

Poster Sizing, Coloured Paper, and More!

By prca on June 23, 2019

Hey y’all!

In our first blog post of the summer we discussed Who Am I/Where Am I boards, and gave some examples for you to get inspiration from. With over 250 Advisors creating these boards and other posters every year, it’s no secret that the PRC goes through A LOT of paper and ink. With the following poster tips and tricks, you can save paper, ink AND time.

Properly Size Your Posters

The PRC has 3 sizes of posters: Letter (8.5×11), Legal (8.5×14) and Tabloid (11×17). We recommend that Advisors download Canva – a user-friendly graphic design website – and use the custom size function. This way your poster will perfectly fit the paper size that you want, and you won’t have to worry about wasting paper/time trimming off the edges.

Print on Coloured Paper

Instead of printing on a blue background, consider printing your poster on blue coloured paper. The PRC has over 20 different colours of paper to choose from, and by printing on coloured paper, you are saving loads of ink. Additionally, if you are printing with an ink background, please avoid dark colours- for example, the PRC will not print any posters with dark blue or black backgrounds.

Minimize Banner Printer Usage

The Banner Printer is one of the many amazing resources in the PRC that is available to you! However, if you want to make a floor banner for the beginning of the year,  we ask that you limit the size to 24″x17″. We also ask that all banners be up for at least 2 weeks. When sizing a banner, the width must be 24″ and the length can be any number (within reason).

If you have any questions regarding poster making, please feel free to shoot us an email at prc@housing.ubc.ca. You can also message us on facebook @ubcprc and follow us on instagram @heyheyprc.

Your PRC Team <3

Posted in | Leave a response

Questions?

Feel free to contact us