Victoria Goodwill

Who was your community partner, and can you describe the project objectives?

The organization I did my CSL with is called the Northeast Edmonton Safe Neighborhood Association (NESNA). My role was to assist in updating verbiage and online presence. 

What was the biggest takeaway from your CSL project?

My biggest takeaway was working with a Director who took all suggestions to the board of directors and getting agreeance and approval before anything was finalized, it was great to work that way and a great experience for me. So, to say it better it was the process of: I was given a task(s) and I would do them and submit, then the task(s) I had done would be brought before the board of directors where they would make their suggestions and edits that would be conveyed back to me. I would make the changes and the process was repeated until the final objectives were approved. Clear communication was a key factor. 

How can you apply any newly gained knowledge and skills to your future endeavors?

I had gained the skill to listen intently and follow precise directives, not to take creative liberties unless given the allowance. As a Graphic Designer, you have to listen to your client to get a clear understanding of what they want, and what suits their brand. I brought my Graphic Design skills into this project and that was the main goal. 

Why should students consider being involved with CSL?

Students should get involved because working for nonprofits can be very rewarding and the trade-off for free 'labor' is free 'real world' experience which can benefit anyone by giving lived examples and possibly to take away any anxiety or excess anxiety that can happen in new situations.