"It's just like social networking, it's just not on the net."
Garrett Robinson
Northlands Volunteer. Business Student.
Meet Garrett Robinson, Northlands Volunteer. He's not your typical business student. While many of his college cohorts are busy social networking online, he's going about making his connections face-to-face. As one of Northlands' 1,975 volunteers, Garrett's efforts at the Heritage Ranch Rodeo and CFR have not only helped him build his list of contacts, they also earned him our Leader of Tomorrow Award. Because he, like Northlands, believes community comes first.
Q & A
Garrett Robinson
What's your connection to Northlands?
For the past five years I've volunteered with Northlands at the Heritage Ranch Rodeo and Canadian Finals Rodeo. I've set up pens and panels, worked score cards, hauled weights for the heavy horse pull—just lent a hand wherever I was needed.
What's been your favourite Northlands moment?
My favourite experience was working the score cards at the CFR. It put me right behind the chute so I got a close up look at how quickly every thing happens and at the winners and their animals before they went out for their victory lap.
What was your first concert at Northlands?
The first concert I saw at Northlands was Brad Paisley. It was a great show.
Corn Dogs or Mini Donuts?
Both are good, but definitely Mini Donuts.
How has Northlands changed your life?
It's been an all-around great experience. I've met and learned from so many people of all ages. And it's helped me feel more comfortable with networking, which is important as a business student. When I was 18, I was given the Leader of Tomorrow Award by Northlands. That was definitely a highlight for me; it's a personal achievement I can be proud of—and put on my resume and talk about when I go on job interviews.
What's the one thing about Northlands you want to tell Edmontonians that they might not know?
First, Northlands has volunteer opportunities for everyone. Second, rodeos always seem to get a bad rap. If people were to go out and see what they're about, I think it would definitely shift a lot of perceptions. The Heritage Ranch Rodeo is a really cool showcase of the kind of work ranchers do every day on their ranches. And the Wild Cow Milking is always good for a laugh or two.
