By: Jennifer Hsu, Communications Coordinator

Jonathan Asmis, a 4th year EngSci Biomedical student, never aspired to become involved in politics. His competitive spirit and desire to improve campus life for students directed him in the opposite direction. Asmis is now the 2008-2009 Engineering Society President.

"I don’t remember exactly when I changed my mind, but somewhere along the road, I got tired of criticizing from the sidelines. It is one thing to say something is broken, a different thing entirely to try and fix it. I remember thinking to myself, either do something about the inefficiencies or sit down," recalls Asmis.

To date, Asmis spearheads Hard Hat Café – a food retailer located in the basement of the Sandford Fleming building. Profits from this student-run operation feed back into activities and services for all Engineering students. On a greater scale, Asmis oversees the Atrium Renovation Project.

This Project was started four years ago when the undergraduate Engineering students came together and voted decisively to increase their annual fees by $25 to see an improved Atrium. Since that time, the Project has gone through its share of problems and has been sitting in limbo.

This year, Asmis and his officers along with the Atrium Renovation Committee, made the decision to scrap the original proposal and move forward with a phased approach so students who have been putting in $25 a year would be able to see some of their contributions come to life. Phase 1 of the Project will be implemented this summer. The plan includes electrical, seating and floor renovations.

"The trouble with being a student and student leader at the same time is that you never have enough time to do both as well as you wish. The truth is that not only do I have less time to commit to my studies, but I’ve also had to cut all of my other extra-curricular activities to really focus on the Engineering Society. But this is not a cautionary tale, I love working for the Engineering Society, and would do the same all over again," proclaims Asmis who commits 40-50 hours a week to the Society.

Jonathan Asmis clearly demonstrates that learning and leadership come through action. You can be the smartest person in the world but you won’t get far unless you actually put yourself in different situations, take risks, make mistakes, and learn from them. Yes you’ll fail sometimes but if you don’t put in the effort success may be difficult to actualize.

(home)