Student Leadership Showcase: Caitlin Morgan

Caitlin Morgan, Third-year Criminology and Justice

Caitlin was selected as the Peer Leader of the Month for January 2020.

How did you get involved with the Peer Leader Program?

I became an Ambassador in my first year, and then I became a Peer Leader in my second year. I’ve been a Peer Leader for my second, my third, and I’m actually my Senior Peer Leader for my fourth. I started because when I first came to university Megan was my Senior Peer Leader, and then I had Hannah & Natalie, who were super dominant in all my years. All three of them have been not just mentors and in the peer leader position, it was outside in general. So they were the way I wanted to become a peer leader, I wanted to be like them, I wanted to do that, I wanted to be the “rah rah” cheerleader type and welcome people into the university.

What do you enjoy most about being a Peer Leader?

I most enjoy making friends in the program. Most of my close friends are from the program. But also just in general making people feel that the university is a super fun, inclusive, and supportive university. I think a lot of people come into it thinking “it’s a commuter school, I won't be involved, I won’t get to see the university experience.” For me, being a downtown student, something rewarding is hearing people say “Oh I love this university because of blah blah blah” and I’m glad I’m part of that.

Are you involved in anything outside of the Peer Leader program?

I am involved in another program/club here called Cam’s Kids. I am in both the co-lead position for the university and I’m one of the ambassadors for Durham Region. It’s an organization that helps kids or youth struggling with anxiety. We provide resources, tips, tricks, all that kind of stuff on how to manage anxiety in different situations. I was actually the founder, with my partner Hailey, for this university, and we just made sure it became ratified and certified here.

What is your favourite study snack?

I love bananas, I can eat so many bananas. I probably shouldn’t, but I think I looked it up once and you can eat like 98 bananas a day before you die or something like that. I’m also basically a vegan, so anything I can find with the certified vegan stamp on it I want to try. I’m constantly trying new things. So I don’t think I have a staple one, but I’m always open to suggestions for staple ones.

What advice would you give to your first-year self?

Ooo this is a big one. I guess the whole don’t take yourself seriously, but also take a step back. Realize that everything is going to be fine, even if you don’t get the exact grade you want in a class or things like that. Just make sure you follow your gut, if it feels right go for it. Take risks, but have fun with it. Those are the biggest things I’d say.

What would you say to someone who is looking to get involved?

GET INVOLVED. In capitals, highlight, bold, everything! I feel like if you have any kind of “I feel like I’m gonna get involved” that’s the whole gut feeling. I think everyone needs to get involved and volunteer, become an ambassador or do something. They say that if you get involved your grades even go up, your positivity in life goes up and your overall well being goes up.