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CNR train driving through Canadian Rockies. // Image from Canadian National Railway Company

Working on a train for CNR was one of the best summer jobs for a U of M alumnus. // Image from Canadian National Railway Company

These are the best summer jobs, according to alumni

July 17, 2018 — 

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

 

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