Dons are here to support the students living in our community in many ways throughout their residence experience. Jamie Hall, our Residence Life Coordinator, works closely with the Dons to support them in their roles, and provide them with the resources that they need to be successful. He describes what the role of being a Don comprises within our St. Jerome’s community: 

 

 

 

Anna is in her third year of Honours Arts and Business, studying French and Human Resources Management. 

 

What do you enjoy about being a residence Don? 
Anna: I love being connected to St. Jerome’s and being involved in all the exciting things students encounter throughout their first year! 

 

What would you like all students to know about the first year of university? 
A: Any of my expectations before coming to university changed as soon as I arrived. It’s important to not have a plan because it will definitely change, and being open to new experiences will lead to success! 

 

What are some things that you do to support residents of our St. Jerome’s community? 
A: I love to host floor events like movie nights where we can all join together and enjoy each other’s company with a movie! I also love having meals together where we can all talk about our day and build friendships over great food in the cafeteria! 

 

 

 

Cam is in his fourth year of completing a joint major between Combinatorics & Optimization and Pure Mathematics. He is also completing a minor in French Studies. 

 

What do you enjoy about being a residence Don? 
Cam: Getting to meet people in the same position as I was a few years ago, and giving them genuine advice! Its such a unique and awesome way to make connections with people, and its incredibly rewarding! 

 

What would you like all students to know about the first year of university? 
C: This is one of the only times in your life where you will be living less than a minute away from so many of your best friends! Savour it and use every opportunity you have to make connections and memories. 

 

What are some things that you do to support residents of our St. Jerome’s community? 
C: I always have my door open, to be ready to chat about anything. I’m always prepared to answer questions and provide advice about personal and academic life for all residents! 

 

 

Katie is in her third year of Knowledge Integration, and she is minoring in French. 

 

What do you enjoy about being a residence Don? 
Katie: I love being an active member of the SJU community! Having the opportunity to be a support and friend to residents is an incredible and rewarding experience. SJU provides the perfect atmosphere to facilitate community, and I feel like I see smiling faces everywhere I go!

 

What would you like all students to know about the first year of university? 
K: My first year of university in residence was a whirlwind of movie nights, floor events, floor dinners, and study sessions. I think the best thing I did in first year was getting involved with the community and being open to forming new relationships all throughout the year.

 

What are some things that you do to support residents of our St. Jerome’s community? 
K: I try to be a constant and consistent support for our residents at St. Jerome’s. When I’m in residence, I am often accessible if anyone wants to stop by to hang out or chat about anything that is on their mind. I try to check in with my residents as often as possible and remind them that they have me as a support if needed. We also run floor events to build community within our floor and create amazing memories together! 

 

 

Lauren is in her third year of Arts and Business. She is majoring in Political Science, and minoring in Gender and Social Justice. 

 

What do you enjoy about being a residence Don? 
Lauren: I enjoy cultivating a caring and safe environment for students to learn and grow. 

 

What would you like all students to know about the first year of university? 
L: First year goes by so fast- enjoy your experience and take time to reflect on what you’re learning. 

 

What are some things that you do to support residents of our St. Jerome’s community? 
L: My door is always open (literally and metaphorically).

 

 

Lucas is in his fourth year of Arts and Business. He is majoring in Speech Communication, and minoring in Sociology. 

 

What do you enjoy about being a residence Don? 
Lucas: Watching my residents learn about life at university and grow into fantastic new community members! 

 

What would you like all students to know about the first year of university? 
L: One time my roommate put some soft tofu from the cafeteria in a tupperware to snack on later. Fast forward a week, and our room smelled very bad. We searched for the smell, and discovered the tupperware, somehow hidden behind a dresser, now with very hard tofu rattling around in it. Don't be like my roommate. That being said, my roommate was actually an awesome guy (we're still friends) and I am super glad I decided to live in a double room. If I have one recommendation, it would be to put yourself out there and live in a double. It helps with any loneliness you may experience, and its a great way for you to learn more about yourself and living with others. Also become an Experience Guide. It's a lot of fun!

 

What are some things that you do to support residents of our St. Jerome’s community? 
L: On my floor, I spend a lot of time with my door open to encourage my residents to stop by and have a chat, or hangout and use my Nintendo Switch. I also advertise some of the clubs I attend (shout out to the UW Concert Band Club!) and encourage residents to find on campus clubs and activities they enjoy. You can't pour from an empty cup, and campus communities like clubs help fill you up!

 

 

Meredith is in her fourth year of Knowledge Integration. She is pursuing a minor in Speech Communication, and a specialization in Science, Technology, and Society. 

 

What do you enjoy about being a residence Don? 
Meredith: I love being able to connect with people in their first year of university and having the opportunity to support them, show them how great the SJU community is, and to see them grow, learn, and make friends in this new part of their life. 

 

What would you like all students to know about the first year of university? 
M: First year can be really tough! But that’s ok. It is a big transition and it is ok to struggle a bit before you find your place and get in the groove of school and your new life. And that’s why people like me, (a Don), exist! To help students through their transition. 

 

What are some things that you do to support residents of our St. Jerome’s community? 
M: I support residents of SJU by making myself available as much as I can to meet with and hang out with residents. I do this by keeping my door open often, and by making a concrete effort to make genuine connections with SJU residents! Through training for the Don role and my experience both on and off the SJU campus, I am able to effectively support students in many different realms of their lives. 

 

 

Natalie is in her fourth year of studying Global Business and Digital Arts. 

 

What do you enjoy about being a residence Don? 
Natalie: It’s a highly humbling and rewarding experience to be able to connect with students from all walks of life, and to watch the SJU community grow and thrive throughout the year. Getting to witness the passion that staff, student leaders, and residents have for this place and its people makes my job so worth it! 

 

What would you like all students to know about the first year of university? 
N: In my first year, when I made the effort to go out to events and spend time doing things that matter to me and bring me joy, it really enhanced my experience and took the pressure off of when things got a bit more hectic academically. It’s so important to take care of an make time for yourself. 

 

What are some things that you do to support residents of our St. Jerome’s community? 
N: We have the privilege of being connected to so many important and useful resources here at SJU and on main campus, so a big part of my role is being a support for students and referring them to these when they need it. It’s all about making sure they feel supported, comfortable, and safe here in all aspects. 

 

Noah is in his third year of studying Honours Science and Business, with a specialization in Biology. 

What do you enjoy about being a residence Don? 
Noah: The relationships you’re able to build! I am so grateful for the opportunity to build great relationships with my residents, as well as the Don team. St. Jerome’s is home to one of the most positive, supportive, and welcoming communities you will ever find (and I truly believe that)- which makes building new relationships and strengthening existing ones easier than ever! 

What would you like all students to know about the first year of university? 
N: Your first year will be a year of new experiences! First year will throw many new things your way and it is important to embrace both the highs and the lows, and to use them to grow as a person. Your peers (and your Dons especially) will be there for you throughout this transition to university, and you will be sure to make so many good memories together. 

What are some things that you do to support residents of our St. Jerome’s community? 
N: I always try my best to connect with students and ensure that they know I am a support system for them. I believe that it is very important to utilize the support systems that you have in place in order to remain healthy and happy. All of your Dons at St. Jerome’s want you to absolutely thrive here, and we will always do our best to support you in any way that we can to ensure your happiness and success in residence!