KSA Spotlight: Krystal Wereta

1.How did you come to work for the KSA?
I was hired as a barista at GrassRoots Café and worked there for about a year. I’m currently studying at KPU and was just about to move out on my own so I needed a steady flow of income and a job that would be able to provide flexibility around my school schedule. I then heard about an opening in the KSA and that they were looking for a new MultiPass Specialist. I wanted to become more actively involved in the student association and wanted to make a greater contribution to student life so I thought that this would be the perfect opportunity to do just that.

2. What is your position, and can you provide a brief summary of what you do?
I’m a MultiPass Specialist so my job involves promoting and assisting in the day-to-day operations of the MultiPass program at KPU. I assist students in troubleshooting any issues they may be having with the program such as problems with using their U-Pass or Steve Nash membership. I also help to organize fun events such as EcoDays on campus!

3. What is your favourite thing about working here?
Basically everyone else’s answer which is: the people! When I started working at GrassRoots, I didn’t really have many friends on campus and ended up developing a close bond with a lot of my co-workers.

4. Best activity to do on the weekend?
Absolutely nothing. I am the queen of doing nothing. My roommate can probably vouch for me too. If I’m given the chance, I will find a way to kill time. Even if it seems impossible, I will always find a way. Trust.
But, on the rare occasion that I’m actually willing to venture out of my apartment, I love visiting art galleries and museums, as well as, bookstores like Indigo.

5. What is something that makes you unique?
I’m able to jump right into a new working environment and have no problem getting along with others. I’ve been told that I’m highly personable which helps me relate to others and put myself in their shoes so that I’m able to make meaningful connections with people.

6. What is something most people don’t know about you? 
I’m a music geek. I love listening to it and playing it. Ask me anything about it (especially if it has to do with musical theory & The Beatles and/or Queen) and I’m likely to know the answer.

7. What is your favourite food?
Honestly anything as long as it tastes good. I’m not picky. Food is life.

8. What is one of your best memories at the KSA?
Way too many. One of the highlights definitely had to be watching one of my coworkers at GrassRoots willingly chug an entire pitcher of lemonade at the end of our shift because he “didn’t want to waste it”.

- Krystal

Our Car2Go Adventure

Hi guys! I am Michelle, KSA Multipass Coordinator. Do you guys know about our KSA Multipass program that is exclusive to KPU students? MultiPass is so much more than just a bus pass!

Today’s blog is going to highlight our Car2Go service and Steve Nash UFC gym in Richmond.
I invited Shannen, our Events coordinator, Erin, our Sustainable coordinator, and Piper, our Active KSA coordinator, now Student Services Manager, to go on a Car2Go adventure with me.

KSA offers a Car2Go promo code which gives you 20 free minutes of drive time each month and free registration (regularly $35) if you’re not already a Car2Go member. You can pick up or drop off the Car2Go at the reserved spot on the Surrey or Richmond KPU Campus.  All you have to do is to email multipass@kusa.ca with your KPU ID to get the promo code. Then, you can use the code when you register online.

On that day, we reserved a Car2Go at KPU Surrey campus 30 mins in advance with the Car2Go app. We picked up a Mercedes-Benz GLA from the parking lot outside Surrey Main Building.

Car2Go provides a 2-seater smart car or a Mercedes-Benz CLA/ GLA. I always rent a smart car when I go grocery shopping. Its “small” size makes parking so much easier but its trunk is big enough to fit 3 carry-on suitcases, making it super convenient!

The Mercedes-Benz  can easily fit 4-5people, which makes weekend trips with your friends even better! They are equipped with great features like a rear-view camera and Blind Spot Assist for ultimate driving comfort and ease.

They have different pricing packages depending on the car you use:

We booked a 1-day package for $99. This way we were able to make multiple stops without giving up the car – simply turn off the car and take the keys with you. Stay tuned for more blog posts about our adventure to the sustainable grocery store and cherry blossoms in the Vancouver area!

Car2Go makes the trip from KPU Surrey to KPU Richmond quick and easy.  It was a 30 minute drive via Highway 91. After visiting our friends in KPU Richmond , we drove to the Richmond UFC gym and checked out the latest equipment for strength training, cardio, and functional training needs. The UFC gym offers many things, from free weights to bags, turf to the Octagon®, as well as, mixed martial arts and kickboxing classes to their members.

Interested in trying out the facilities in the UFC Gym? You can now sign up for a free trial at the KSA Member Service Office. There is a mandatory survey after the free trial. It will help us determine whether or not students like the UFC gym and if we should look into including it in the Multipass program.

More great news about our Steve Nash pass is that the Morgan crossing location is now available to the Level Two Sport Club Pass. Check out our map of all the Fitness World and Sports Clubs locations. Click here to see how to get the discounted Steve Nash Pass.

KSA Spotlight: Piper Greekas

1. How did you come to work for the KSA?
On Valentine's Day 2017, I started at the GrassRoots cafe as a barista. I was there for 14 months before graduating and moving up to Active KSA Coordinator position where I took students out on outdoor events on weekends. 

2. What is your position, and can you provide a brief summary of what you do?
I am now the Student Services Manager. I make sure all services and events run smoothly and students get all the right information about our programs, services, and all the free swag they can get before they graduate. I make connections between staff where they might not be found previously and hire new people to the KSA team.

3. What is your favourite thing about working here?
I like all the friendships in the office. We work hard together and play hard, we often play pranks on each other.

4. Best activity to do on the weekend?
While I was a part of the Active KSA team, my favourite activities were kayaking, canoeing, anything to do with boating. Now I still like to do those things, but since I no longer work weekends I’ve started to get into cooking more. Plus, hanging out with my friends and family, playing board games, BBQs, and other fun things are always great.

5. What is something that makes you unique?
I’ve been told my compassion and leadership skills make me stand out. They help me make strong connections with my friends and coworkers. 

6. What is something most people don’t know about you?
I can wiggle my ears.

7. What is your favourite food?
If I had to pick, it would be a good steak with roasted potatoes and veggies.

8. What is one of your best memories at the KSA?
One time, I went to do a liquor run for the cafe with Adam Rhode, the cafe manager. The liquor store had a promotion where they were giving out free sunglasses to customers. We grabbed a couple pairs of these hilarious rainbow shaded sunglasses when we left the store and we made sure to wear them as we walked back into the cafe with the order. I’ve never seen the whole cafe staff laugh so hard.

- Piper (Student Services Manager)