Student Leadership Showcase: Madison Haynes

Madison Haynes, Second year Commerce with a major in Marketing.

Madison was chosen as the Peer Leader of the month for October, 2018.

Do you have a favourite study snack?

“That’s hard! Chocolate covered almonds are probably my go-to because they’re easy to snack on. I’ll put them on different pages of the textbook so when I get to different pages, I get to have another one.”

What does your ideal Friday night look like?

“My ideal Friday night is not working, maybe having a little assignment that’s easy to finish, but then I have anywhere from five to eight o’clock to just sit down and watch hallmark movies because I like super cheesy movies like that, especially around the holiday times, the Christmas ones are my favourite! So anything like that with snacks, pajamas, and maybe one or two of my friends come over, it’s super laid back.”

What is the greatest lesson you’ve learned in university?

“Honestly, to not put so much pressure on myself. Because, with my personality, I want to do everything I possibly can, and not just do it, but be the best at it. I don’t want to sign up for something I know I can’t excel in. But, I honestly feel that with hard work and effort I can excel in anything I try or want to do. So I find myself trying to get involved in everything, which is totally worth it, but then also having classes and pushing myself to get hundreds in everything, and if I don’t do well, I get really sad and anxious and stressed, and I struggle with anxiety, so the biggest lesson for me was to kind of take it with a grain of salt and know as long as I’m trying my best and learning that I will still be fine. I am still going to do well, and that’s really made a difference in my life because I enjoy going to classes way more now that I don’t put that much stress and pressure on myself. I actually do better now that I’m not as stressed about it, and then [I am involved in] things like [the peer leader program] which makes my life so much better and enjoyable.”

What would you say to someone who is looking to get involved?

“Do it! I think there is no con to getting involved. Not only does it better other people’s lives, but it also betters yourself. I think it’s the most motivating and rewarding thing you can do just because not only do you learn to talk to other people, learn to work as a team, but you have fun while doing it. Looking back years from now, you probably won’t remember studying all this time and doing all these assignments, you’re going to remember all the friends you made and what you did to make a difference, so I definitely think people should get involved.”