Dani Squires (BA'16) has always had a big heart for volunteering and supporting her community, but she never imagined the places and the people it would connect her to. Today, she’s the television host of Market Day, and a beloved food and lifestyle content creator in Halifax, NS, experiencing firsthand how promoting and supporting local impacts small business owners.
Written by Dani Squires (BA'16):
Little did I know that the powerful phrase "get involved," often echoed by high school teachers and UNB recruiters, would become a catalyst for profound change in my life. Initially, I dismissed it as mere exaggeration, unaware of the transformative journey that lay ahead.
Living on campus, particularly in a residence brimming with peers who shared similar dreams and aspirations, was nothing short of magical. The myriad opportunities to engage—whether through sports teams, house committees, or various departmental committees—created countless pathways to forge meaningful friendships and enrich our lives in ways that extended far beyond self-care. Each person had their own unique reasons for being at UNB, weaving a vibrant tapestry of community that felt like a refreshing departure from the high school experience. Just weeks into my first year at Harrison House, I eagerly ran for Frosh Rep with my roommate, Natalie Best, fully embracing the spirit of "get involved."
UNB made it incredibly easy to dive in. I took on the role of a note-taker in several classes, capturing the essence of lectures for those who couldn't take notes due to disabilities or personal circumstances. I uncovered a deep passion for my work as a sexuality health coordinator at the Sexuality Health Centre and volunteered with Kids Help Phone on multiple occasions, each experience filling my heart with purpose.
By my second year, I was excited to serve as the food and alumni rep for Harrison House. It was in my third year that I truly realized the depth of joy volunteering brought me—far beyond what I had ever imagined possible.
When I moved to Halifax, I carried with me the invaluable lessons I learned at UNB. I joined the inaugural cohort for Kids Help Phone's crisis text line and became actively involved in community boards, eager to give back. I worked diligently to raise awareness with tons of organizations like jack.org and currently serve as the community fundraising liaison for the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia, as well as the Brain Injury Survivor Rep for the province.
Hindsight is ALWAYS 20-20. Little did I know that volunteering would have a significant positive impact on my own mental health in various ways. It boosted my self-esteem by enhancing my own self-worth and confidence providing me with a sense of accomplishment and purpose. Participating in community service served as a form of stress relief, helping to shift focus away from my personal challenges and promoting a sense of calm and well-being. Volunteering combatted the feelings of loneliness and isolation by connecting individuals with others, fostering social support and community ties through shared goals. The act of giving releases endorphins, often referred to as the "helper's high," which can enhance mood and lead to increased happiness.
The benefits of getting involved are immeasurable:
1. Personal growth
Engaging in community service has the power to nurture personal development, helping individuals cultivate essential skills like leadership, teamwork, and effective communication.
2. Social connections
It opens the door to new friendships, expanding social networks and creating a lasting sense of belonging within a community that can endure for decades.
3. Empathy and understanding
Volunteering offers a window into diverse perspectives and experiences, fostering a deeper empathy and understanding of the social issues that affect us all.
4. Improved mental health
The act of helping others can elevate self-esteem, alleviate stress, and combat feelings of isolation, nurturing overall mental well-being.
5. Skill development
Community service empowers individuals to acquire new skills or refine existing ones, which can be invaluable in both personal and professional realms.
6. Career opportunities
Volunteering enhances resumes, showcasing commitment, initiative, and a strong work ethic, potentially unlocking doors to new job opportunities and professional networks.
7. Community impact
Dedicating time and effort to community service projects directly addresses local needs, enriching the quality of life for others and making a meaningful difference in society.
8. Fulfillment and purpose
Many find a profound sense of fulfillment and purpose through service, as it allows them to contribute meaningfully to causes that resonate deeply with their hearts.
Through these experiences, I have discovered that getting involved fosters a life enriched with connection, compassion, and a collective dedication to improving our communities and the world around us.
I do want to send a special shout out to a few UNB professors that inspired me and still continue to inspire me today – Dr. Waite, Dr. Todd, Dr. Frank & Dr. Charters. "Education is not the filling of a pail, but rather the lighting of a fire" - William Butler Yeats.
