Community Service Profile: Kirsten Jones

The following is a student-athlete community service profile on X-Women basketball post player Kirsten Jones. Jones is a member of the StFX Athletics Student-Athlete Leadership Team (SALT) and is a fifth year Human Nutrition student from Scarborough, Ont.

Why is it important for you to be actively involved in community initiatives?

KJ:  Being far from home, it is sometimes difficult to get the sense of comfort that I have when at home.  So many people in the community have reached out and offered to help give me that comfort.  The small actions they take show me that they care, and by being involved in community initiatives help me show how much I appreciate everything that has been done for me.

Is there a certain something or someone that you draw inspiration from to help others out?

KJ:  My grandmother and grandfather definitely inspire me, they taught me to always be willing to help others because I can never know what a person's situation is, and the difference my actions can make in their world.

What is your favorite event the SALT (Student Athlete Leadership Team) team contributes to each year?

KJ:  My favourite event is the X vs X charity event.  It is so much fun to get together with all the teams and raise money for the residents of the community that support us all year long.

How are you able to organize your time and juggle athletics, academics and SALT commitments all at once?

KJ:  I have been involved in athletic programs since grade six, so it is basically all I know.  Having so many activities going on forces me to plan in advance for what I have to get done as well as stay organized enough to get everything done.  It also helps that the faculty here at StFX do their best to help us stay on track when we miss classes and labs for games.

What is the greatest sense of accomplishment you can take from your SALT experience to date?

KJ:  It has been great to be exposed to all of the activities that are available to participate it, there is something that can be fit into any schedule and to see the appreciative faces of those that have been helped is by far the greatest sense of accomplishment I have received so far.