Who is Kristy Warrick?

Hello there,

It's time to unravel another one of Emergen's many talented people. This time I'd like you to meet featured member Kristy Warrick. I fear that if I introduced you to Kristy in this section, it will undo the whole point of what she tried to do when we asked her to tell us about herself. However, please do read on to learn more about Kristy, she is involved in the SIFE program at Curtin University and is willing to share some valuable lessons that she has learnt with us. I look forward to hearing your feedback on Kristy!

Tell me about yourself

I cannot believe how long it has taken me to answer this question.

“Tell me about yourself?” seems like such an innocent question. But don’t be fooled, it is not. Your natural answer to “tell me about yourself?” involves every adjective you would use to represent the person you believe yourself to be.  

I consciously did not want to describe myself by my work or my qualifications, because they are not who I am. So how do I tell you about myself?

Well it took an International Women’s Day for me to realise how I would be most proud to represent myself to you.

In answer to your question “tell me about yourself” I say:

I am feminist!

What is the project you are most passionate about right at the moment?

I am currently working as a Career Counsellor at Curtin University. As part of this role, I coordinate a student group called SIFE, which stands for Students in Free Enterprise.

SIFE is an international not-for-profit organisation that encourages students to develop social enterprises by engaging with communities in need. SIFE connects students with leaders in business and higher education while encouraging them to develop the skills to become socially responsible leaders.

At SIFE Curtin we follow the philosophy of ‘Help Others. Help Themselves’. We run projects that positively impact the local community in a sustainable way. We have also developed a for-profit business, which provides Curtin students with professional development and networking opportunities and helps sustain our community projects.

I am passionate about SIFE because I enjoy working with students (across all the SIFE universities) who are so engaged; passionate and articulate; and truly do make a difference to the world around them. They are all inspirational.

What’s your favorite book and why?

My favorite book is ‘The Bronzed Horseman’ by Paulina Simons. I like to read for enjoyment and relaxation. I am a fan of fiction. I particularly like stories about strong and capable women and Tatiana (the main heroine in the Bronzed Horseman) is an amazing character.

What are your special hobbies and interests?

I have enjoyed renovating my house over the past 3 years. Although it feels like a never ending job, we are actually very close to finishing.

I also maintain a healthy lifestyle, I enjoy running, boxing and swimming. I just completed my second year of the 2XU Women’s Triathlon which is so much fun. I think a goal in 2011 might be to compete in more Triathlon’s.

What are your aspirations over the next 1-5 years? And how will you get there?

Over the next 1-5 years of my life I would like to focus more on my family and personal life. My 20’s have been spent working, studying, traveling and even more working. I would like to spend my 30’s creating a family with my very handsome fiancé.

I don’t think you need to hear the details regarding how I plan to get there!

Based on your learning experience so far, what one piece of advice would you give to other emergen members and why?

My greatest learning experience over the last 12 months has come from the inspirational students I work with at SIFE Curtin. They have taught me to believe in myself and my capabilities and to have the courage and confidence to follow what I believe in. So I guess my advice would be just that… believe in yourself and your capabilities and go for it.

Why would I give this piece of advice? Well real social change happens when passionate and pro-social people believe in themselves and just get on with it. This is how each individual does their bit to change the world. It is how leaders are born!

Have a grat idea or think the featured members section can be improved? Please send your ideas and suggestions my way!

Linda Le