Meet Yolanda Alfaro, a fourth-year Innis student, and your ICSS President. 

Tell us a little bit about yourself. What year are you in and what are you studying?

I’m a fourth year student in the Life Science program, with a double major in general biology and human biology.

What’s your favourite thing about Innis?

My favourite thing about Innis is definitely the community and the people that create it. Everyone at Innis – the administration, student leaders, faculty, staff, etc. – is so committed to making Innis a great place to be. Not a day goes by without seeing someone working hard to improve student life!

Favourite course you’ve taken so far?

My favourite course was definitely BIO230. The course content was exactly what I was interested in, and I absolutely loved professor Yip. His lectures were so engaging and I hung on his every word.

Favourite study spot on campus?

I have two; the seating area outside of the Innis library has the comfiest chairs on campus in my opinion! I also really enjoy studying on the 5th floor of Robarts, where all of the maps are.

What are you involved in outside of the classroom?

I’m currently the captain of the UofT Cheerleading Team. I’ve been cheering for about 8 years now, and I’m so glad to be involved at the university level. It’s great to have a regular environment where I can go to get away from school stress.

What is your position in the ICSS? How has the experience been?

I’m the President of the ICSS for the 2017-2018 year. With only 2 months left to go in my term, I feel so fortunate to have had such an eventful year. I’ve learned more about the college and university than I ever expected.

Why do you think student governance is important? How does it contribute to student life?

I think it’s important for students to support other students, and student governance is a great way to achieve this. Students will also gain a number of skills and experience from event planning, advocacy work and service provision. It’s really just a rewarding experience overall, for the student that participate in events but also the ones that make them happen.

What would you say to any students thinking of running for ICSS?

My advice to anyone thinking of running for any student leadership position would be to keep an open mind.

Is there anything you hope to see from the ICSS next year?

Something I hope to see from the incoming council is an emphasis on student engagement. I know how hard it is to try and get students to participate in the political climate of the college, and even the university. I’m excited to see what next year’s council has in store!

Any advice for first-year Yolanda?

If I could have given myself any piece of advice four years ago, it would be to enjoy my experiences more in the moment they were happening. Looking back I am so grateful for all of my experiences and the people I’ve met. I just wish I could have stopped and given myself a minute to take it all in and appreciate everything that was happening.