EMC News West published the following story about a Carleton student winning an award from Ontario Parks in its Dec. 16 paper. It was written by Theresa Fritz.
EMC News – You can’t beat good customer service and no one knows that better than Will Brooks.
The Arnprior resident and second-year journalism student at Carleton University recently received an Ontario Parks Bursary in recognition of excellence and leadership in summer student employees. The bursary is in the amount of $500 and he received a cheque and a plaque.
Last summer, Brooks worked at Fitzroy Provincial Park in Fitzroy Harbour and was nominated for the award by a park visitor for his dedication, customer service, initiative and leadership while working in the park store.
“Whenever I won the bursary, I got a call from the park superintendent telling me that a visitor to the park nominated me, other than that no details were given. I would not be able to tell which visitor nominated me,” Brooks told the EMC. “It feels great.”
Brooks, 19, is one of 40 Ontario students who received the bursary this year and believes that good customer service goes a long way.
“At all the jobs I’ve worked at I’ve tried my best to be polite when interacting with the public and it’s great to see that it pays off some times,” Brooks stated. “I was kind of surprised it was me (who received the bursary) over other people because I know the (park) superintendent was happy with each and every employee. He said it was a great year for that.”
Brooks his job was a great one and he really enjoyed himself and would recommend working in a provincial park to others.
“Everyone says it’s a cliché when you have a hardworking job that is fun. I thought so too. But working at a provincial park really is fun and I don’t even like the outdoors,” he stated. “I love it and it was great.”
He’s not sure whether or not he will return to the park next summer because he is living in the city and does not own a vehicle. But, if he could find a way to get out to the park again, he would “love” to work there again.
As for his future journalism career, this Arnprior District High School graduate is leaning towards broadcasting, with a keen interest in radio. In fact, he’s currently doing some off air work at Carleton’s CKCU radio station.
“Hopefully once I hone my skills I can do some on air radio,” he stated.
More than 2,000 students work in Ontario Parks each summer. A partnership between Ontario Parks, park supporters and corporate sponsors has made it possible to assist deserving students with their education.
“I’m pleased to see that these young Ontarians are being recognized for their excellent customer service and we are able to help them a little bit with their education through this partnership bursary. I’d like to thank all the partners who have stepped up and are supporting these young leaders,” concluded Linda Jeffreys, Ontario’s minister of natural resources, in a news release.