These are the best summer jobs, according to alumni

We asked our alumni community to tell us about their best summer jobs, as part of our Alumni Answers series. Here are some of their most inspiring and memorable stories.

A WORLD OF EXPERIENCE

Best summer job was working in Winnipeg doing building maintenance. It was very practical and I was able to meet several Bosnian refugees who gave me a whole new perspective of the world. I also volunteered with a youth group on Watts Avenue. That too was an eye-opener on how little some kids had and how grateful they were for learning outdoor cooking and skills. I showed these kids how to rescue-carry an injured person and this little 10-year-old kid picked me up and walked with 150 pounds on his back. Those kids had next to nothing, but they had determination. ~ Doug Setter [BHECOL./02]

LIFE LESSONS AND LOVE AT THE LAKE

Working at YMCA-YWCA Camp Stephens was the best summer job, one I had for a number of years. From working as a counsellor to guiding canoe trips, this place offered challenges and experiences that fostered personal growth for me and surely for the youth I was working with. Next to my family, I credit this camp to helping form who I am today as a person. It was an amazing experience on an island on Lake of the Woods where I forged lifelong friendships and even where I met my husband. ~ Lisa M. [BRS/04]

OH, CANADA

I worked as a dining car waiter for four summers for the CNR.  Not only did I have the opportunity to see the vastness and beauty of Canada, as well as its wonderful mix of interesting citizens, but also I was able to earn enough money to pay for my tuition and books on my own. It doesn’t get any better than that! ~ James T. [BSc/58, MSc/60]

THE HAPPIEST PLACE ON EARTH

Admission desk at the Manitoba Children’s Museum – it was a pretty happy place to spend your day. ~ Lindsay S. [BA/96]

LINKS ON THE LINKS

My best summer job was working at a country club. The location was beautiful. Hands down prettiest work environment I’ve had. More importantly, I was able to spend the summers networking with prominent members of the community. By the end of my summer job, I’d received several job offers in my career field. ~ Shannon L. [BA/03, LLB/09]

Alumni Answers is our way of building community with our alumni by sharing memories, ideas, and opinions with one another. Every month, we pose a new question with an opportunity to learn, laugh, and ponder together.

For August, we’re asking: What’s your favourite travel story? To send in your answer, click here, or email alumni_answers [at] umanitoba [dot] ca