My active involvement in a variety of activities in high school have truly broadened my horizons and have honed my talents and skils as an effective leader. From my roles as Newspaper Editor to Children's Liturgy Teacher, each activity contributes unique and exciting lessons, challenges, and brand-new experiences. The following describe several of my high school intitiatives that have demonstrated leadership.

DECA Ontario School Chapter

In an effort to diversify the interests of the student body, coupled with my passion for the business world, I established a DECA School Chapter, aimed to enhance business leadership and employability skills among high school students. As its Charter President, I actively promoted the organization's mission, giving priority to the chapter's membership campaign and financial projects. For two consecutive years, the chapter has undertaken a Krispy Kreme Doughnut Sale, selling out 1200 doughnuts to the school community. Today, its members continue to participate in competitions, various fundraising events, and community service opportunities.

Mississauga Mayor's Youth Advisory Committee (MYAC) Ambassador Program

The establishment of the Mayor's Youth Advisory Committee (MYAC) Ambassador Program was a major undertaking in my third year of high school. At that time, the Committee had no real communication with the high schools outside Central Mississauga. Thus, I felt that MYAC's purpose of being the voice of youth was ineffective. Hence, I was determined to find a solution to the ineffectiveness of the organization's purpose for the youth of Mississauga.

This resulted in the creation of the MYAC Ambassador Program, an initiative that gave every high school representation in the city. Meetings with high school representatives involved discussions about current youth-related events, various volunteer opportunities, and brainstorming sessions for the continued encouragement of youth volunteerism and action.

Although being a leader means working with others, I believe that it is ultimately about the individual, and how he/she focuses on his/her abilities, attitudes, and desires to achieve a personal goal. Leadership is choosing to take action, overcoming obstacles, and accepting the consequences.

Before one becomes capable of leading others, he/she must be able to know him or herself. This journey of self-discovery is, essentially, the path to effective leadership, as the individual will be confident, able, and ready to take on an initiative.

Although my first year here at the University proved to be quite challenging, I dedicated time and energy into my studies, achieving a high-80 average and a spot in the Dean's Honour List. Of course, I did not forego what I loved to do. In fact, at the beginning of September, I immediately sought opportunities to get involved with various expects of university life, from my residence to the community-at-large.

St. Jerome's Residence Council

Spotting an opportunity to get involved at St. Jerome's University Residence, I successfully obtained a position in the Residence Council as Community Contributions Chairperson. This position enabled me to plan, spearhead, and execute any fundraising task I wished to pursue, single-handedly contacting businesses, charities, and other organizations. During the Christmas season, I ran the Operation Christmas Child Program, collecting toys and other personal hygiene items and raising over two hundred dollars for children in less developed countries. I also promoted volunteerism through the Out of the Cold Program by taking twenty-one volunteers to soup kitchens in the Kitchener-Waterloo area. Befor the end of the Winter Term, I organized Shave Your Head for Cancer, a fundraising event for the Canadian Cancer Society, raising over $1500 for a very worthy cause.

UW DEX

My passion for business became evident in my active involvement in UW DEX (Delta Epsilon Chi), a business organization. As Finance Executive, I created a corporate sponsorship package to help with the club's funds for future events and activities. Apart from my responsibilities in fundraising and budgeting, I also designed the club's banner and bookmarks. To add to that, at the recent Ontario DEX Provincial Competition, I achieved Third Place standing in the Marketing Management category and qualified for the DEX International Competition in the United States.

Accounting Students' Education Contribution (ASEC)

My interest in the Accounting and Financial Management program is evident in my participation in the Accounting Students' Association (ASA) and the Accounting Students' Education Contribution (ASEC). In the Fall, I was a journalist for the ASA Working Paper. On the other hand, as a First Year Winter Committee Representative for ASEC, I organized a Dining Etiquette Dinner in collaboration with UW Catering. Through this event, first year Accounting students were given the opportunity to improve their dining etiquette skills in a formal setting, mingle with other Accounting students, and prepare for the co-op recruitment process.

"Margarita's involvement at Christ the King Roman Catholic Church serves as inspiration to other young people. She has consistently shown love for what she does and never fails in her duty as a role model to the children and a follower of God. Indeed, [she] demonstrates outstanding community leadership..." (Deo Simao, Christ the King RCC)

"An outstanding, well-rounded student, she is one who dedicates her time in pursuit of excellence in academics and extra-curricular activities. Margarita is a very active member of the school community and is well-liked by her peers. Her participation in the life of the school, along with the level of confidence and professionalism she exudes, are extremely commendable." (Bruno Berto, Teacher, John Cabot Catholic Secondary School)

"Having the role of CEO...Margarita has done a really great job. She organizes teamwork effectively and she will also try to convince teammates to have their work done in advance...She has demonstrated leadership effectively by...supporting other team members. And the most important thing is that she treats every team member fairly and with respect... However, she will not do so by forcing us. She is also willing to give assistance when we need help. She is a great team member overall."(Chi Lin Kitty Leung, AFM 131 teammate)

"Margarita...is a born leader... She helps us stay on top of the work and is always encouraging other group members to get tasks completed on time and with care...Margarita always finds the time to encourage other team members, even by placing a small encouraging phrase at the beginning or end of every email. These phrases, such as 'Way to go!' promote confidence within group members and help to establish a friendly atmosphere. Margarita will definitely make a superb leader one day!" (Bridget Anne Stockie, AFM 131 teammate)

The UW Experience

A detailed look at my first year at the University of Waterloo.Gives a better description of my involvement, and also contains a reflection of the past year. Click here.

We Attract The Best

Click here to view the BAFM Class of 2009.

AFM 131 Portfolio

This portfolio was created as part of our AFM 131 class. It contains reflections, evaluations, and other work samples written by Team 82. Click here to access the portfolio.