People of Georgian: Helping students ‘an honour,’ says retiring coordinator

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The Georgian community is full of unique, inspiring perspectives —and we’re sharing them as part of an ongoing series.

People of Georgian: Meet Terri Edmonstone

Of the many hats I’ve worn at Georgian, the student advocate role has certainly been the most fulfilling.

When asked about meaningful moments here, seeing students graduate is by far one of my favourite highlights, especially when it’s students who may have struggled and persevered.

I always feel like a proud mom watching them walk across the stage.

A black-and-white photo of an adult sitting at a desk in front of a pile of papers and turning toward the camera with a smile. — *Between being a student and employee, Terri has spent 37 years at Georgian.*

Working at Georgian ‘really does change lives’

Bricks and mortar just make buildings, but the college really is the people.

Georgian is a family, whose work really does change lives.

It is such an honour to be able to play a role in the students’ development and learning journeys.

Students don’t care which organizational chart we are on; they just want to know that we are here to help and support them through this critical time in their lives.

An auditorium is filled with people in rows of seats during a convocation ceremony. — *A convocation ceremony at the Barrie Campus gym.*

A large group of college students walk across campus in front of buildings. — *Students parade to the opening of a then-new sports field, later called J.C. Massey Field, in 2016.*

Georgian is a family affair

My own family has supported me so incredibly well over the years.

My dad helped with anything I needed, including delivering barbecues to community Shinerama events or often bringing me dinner when I was working late at the office.

In the early days, my youngest son would stop by the office after school and, while waiting for me, he’d sit at the Georgian College Students’ Association front desk doing his homework. He was given the honorary title of VP, Front Desk by a colleague.

Some students have become like family, too.

Two years ago, I got a call from an international student who was desperate for housing. I already had a Georgian student staying at my home, so I introduced him to my aunt who took him into her home.

Three adults stand together and smile. — *Terri, centre, with fellow Student Life retirees Christine Dawson, left, and Michele McConney.*

Students’ growth ‘remarkable’

Georgian really feels like extended family.

From working with three decades of student government teams, I know that I learn as much as I teach.

When they are elected, they’ve got these big eyes and big dreams and want to change the world. With many, it takes a year to really understand what their role is, and then their term is over, and we start over with the next council.

Seeing their growth is remarkable. No two days are ever the same, and the difference these student leaders make in the Georgian community is immeasurable.

From bar manager, to hockey coach, to tour guide

What other job would include being a bar manager, hockey coach, advisor, confidant, event planner, trainer, tour guide, fundraiser, conference host, and vlog creator, just to name a few?

Working at Georgian has certainly never been boring.

A group of adults stand together inside next to a bar and smile. — *Terri, fourth from right, managed The Last Class for about 20 years.*

‘I am proud every day that I get to put on my Georgian name tag’

Being here for five Georgian presidents, I have seen a bit of change.

Everything seems to be moving at an incredible pace, but it means we value innovation and moving forward to create the best student learning experience possible.

I am proud every day that I get to put on my Georgian name tag, help students and possibly make a difference for them.

I believe that life is all about relationships, caring and being passionate about what you do.

They say, “Find what you are passionate about and what you do to earn a living will never seem like work.” I feel as though I’ve blinked and my passion turned into 33 years at Georgian that I wouldn’t change for anything.

I want to thank my teachers, students, colleagues, and mentors for their part in what has been an incredible journey.

Terri Edmonstone, Student Life Coordinator based out of Georgian’s Owen Sound Campus, is retiring this summer after 33 years. She is also an alumna of the college’s Resort and Hotel Management program (now Hospitality – Hotel and Resort Operations Management), class of 1988, and the Hotel and Resort Administration program, class of 1989.