The Alumni Student Support & Engagement Team (ASSET) is a group of alumni that are here to support students. With a diverse offering of skills, talents, and experiences, ASSET volunteers also know the challenges and stresses of being a student. ASSET volunteers offer support for students at events and various activities on North Campus, Augustana Campus, and online.

Interested in applying to ASSET? Applications close June 30th. More online here

Jicelle Bendico (‘18 BA) has been with the ASSET team since the program first began. After she graduated from her first degree, a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Psychology, and spent some time traveling, Jicelle found herself looking for ways to build community in her life. With a passion and interest in working with and supporting students, she was attracted to the ASSET program as a way to both build her own skill set and give back to her campus community.

As an ASSET volunteer, Jicelle really enjoys the wide variety of opportunities she has been able to take part in over the last few years. One of her favorite events is the Unwind Your Mind Snack Handout, where volunteers pass out snacks and tea to students studying for final exams in the library. “You get to see the faces of each student and really encourage them through the exam period. Everyone is always so thankful and excited to receive the support” says Jicelle. 

Another favorite was a pre-pandemic networking event where students met up with ASSET alumni at Dewey’s. Volunteers were able to share their experiences and help shine light on what it’s like to actually be finished school, a wonder (and worry) that Jicelle remembers well herself from when she was a student. 

Jicelle draws on her own experiences to relate and empathize with what current students are going through. This ultimately drew her towards the Unitea program, where students sign up to have conversations with supportive listeners. Through the Unitea and ASSET partnership, Jicelle was able to support students throughout the tough years of the pandemic: “University can be so overwhelming - it’s important for students to know that there are people who are there to help you.”

If you are interested in the ASSET program, or just volunteering with the University of Alberta in general Jicelle says that “it’s so valuable to be able to give back to the community you were a part of and share your talents after graduation”.  Prospective volunteers will have the chance to learn new skills (such as the Mental Health First Aid Training that all new ASSET volunteers receive), and make new friends and connections along the way:  “All of the other volunteers are so sweet - it’s just such a welcoming community!”. 

Jicelle is a Therapeutic Assistant in Behavioral therapy at Edmonton Catholic Schools and is currently wrapping up her Masters of Counseling through City University this June. 

 

This Volunteer spotlight was written by Courtney Wagner.