Week 2: Melyssa Kerr

 Please tell us a little bit about yourself. I grew up in Moose Factory, Ontario, an island close to James Bay, and moved south inmy pre-teen years. During my undergrad I attended the Ivey School of Business atWestern and then did a Master’s of Industrial Relations at Queen’s. After my master’s Irealized that the work I had been doing in Residence Life throughout both of mydegrees was a real passion for me. I was offered a position as a Residence LifeCoordinator at Queen’s and am in my fourth year in the role. Among other things, Isupervise student staff, coordinate student support, and provide emergency/crisissupport when necessary. I have found that I am able to use my academic background inmy work, as I get to be involved with the whole Human Resources cycle, fromrecruitment to evaluation. Personally, I also continue to be motivated every day by theidea that the learning students do within the residence setting could stick with them forthe rest of their lives. 

How has sport helped you develop skills for your work today? I have always been interested in staying active, but I did not discover my love for thesport of curling until I came to Kingston for my master’s degree. I thought it would be away to get outside the university bubble and meet new people, but it quickly became somuch more. Getting slowly better at technique and strategy has been a humblingexperience, and I have been able to apply that patience with the learning process to mywork life as well. I have also been able to improve how well I take feedback in all areasof my life- it can be hard, but hearing from others about your performance is vital inimproving yourself! In recent years, I have also taken on more leadership at my curling club- my committeework has helped build both my confidence and time management skills. I have had theopportunity to volunteer at several national-level curling events, which have allowed meto practice my problem-solving and critical thinking, while also learning more about thegame! I think it is important to give back where you can, and help others have the samepositive experience -with sport or otherwise.

Why do you consider yourself a leader? How do you define leadership? I know that I am a leader in many areas of my life, and I take that responsibility seriously. Themost important aspect to me is to trust the people who are looking to you for guidance, becausethey bring their own skills and talents to the table. My favourite leadership quote comes fromChris Hadfield: “Ultimately, leadership is not about glorious crowning acts. It's about keeping your team focusedon a goal and motivated to do their best to achieve it, especially when the stakes are high andthe consequences really matter. It is about laying the groundwork for others' success, and thenstanding back and letting them shine.” In every area where I lead - with my staff, colleagues, or in the curling setting - I try to be ahands-off support, and let those around me try new things while making sure they know I amalways there to support them.