Hello

[Mandy]

Hi guys,

My name is Mandy. I am soooo excited to see someone take the
initiative and create this group! Coming from Vancouver, BC, the Duke
of Ed program wasn't such a "big thing" over on West coast, and I
thought it was very much a high-school program so I started working
toward the Gold on my own.

I signed up for the Duke of Ed program when I was 18 years old. I have
completed most of the requirements but I'm still in need for one more
practise trip and one gold qualifying trip...I just wanted to take
this opportunity to quickly introduce myself and hopefully I can make
new friends with other people that are still working on this fantastic
program.

For services, I volunteered at the International student office as a
shadow volunteer, at the career services centre as a student marketing
assistant, at the United Way campaign as an office volunteer. I also
volunteered in some special events so I have got all the hours needed
for services.

For expediture, I went on a 3 day hiking trip with 6 Rivers Wildness
group to Snake Point(?) national park near Milton. Hiking for three
days in a row without being able to shower was quite a challenge to
me, so I have been putting off the other two trips...I am thinking of
joining the Outers Club at UW in spring 2009. here is the link.
http://watserv1.uwaterloo.ca/~outers/.

For skills, I started to take violin lessons 2 years ago and I enjoy
playing it!

For fitness, I joined Goodlife Fitness last summer and have
incorportated working out into my daily routine. I now do cardio 5
times a week for 30-45 min and weight training 3 times a week for half
an hour. I was proud to have shed 20 pounds since then.

For Residential project, I spent 2 weeks in Mexico in August 2007,
lived with a home-stay family, took Spanish lessons in the mornings
and volunteered at an orphanage in the afternoon. I had a great time
down in Mexico.

Anyway, I enjoy making friends and trying out new things. Look forward
to seeing everyone soon. (I am on co-op in Mississauga this term and I
will be back on campus in May).

Thanks!

Mandy Tao