This year, the Douglas College Student Ambassadors mark a milestone with their 10-year anniversary.

Though it may be the largest and longest-running student-leadership program at Douglas, the program had humble beginnings. What started with 12 students who volunteered to assist with graduation in 2007 turned into a thriving group that now boasts 500 alumni. To mark the anniversary, Douglas College is highlighting five notable alums, including Commerce and Business Administration Diploma grad Kim Banh, who is currently a senior financial planner with Scotiabank.

What drew you to the Student Ambassador program?

My experience with the Student Ambassador program started after my first semester. As a new student, I was bored just going to class and going home right after. I wanted to meet new people and make new friends. I also wanted to gain new skills and experiences that I could bring to the workplace when I graduated.

What was your first experience with the ambassadors like?

My first major experience with the program started with New Student Orientation. I volunteered as an orientation leader. I didn’t attend New Student Orientation as a student but working as an orientation leader showed me how instrumental it was in getting integrated into college life.

What did you gain from being an Ambassador?

I started off as a volunteer and became a student assistant for the Office of New Students after a couple semesters. I learned a lot in that position, from how to run workshops to presenting in front of a crowd of 150 new students. I was able to really move outside my comfort zone. All of these experiences helped me in the classroom and now in the workplace.