Summer Jobs: Dr. Vianne Timmons, President and Vice-Chancellor

By Dale Johnson Posted: July 27, 2015 6:00 a.m.

President Vianne Timmons says she learned about money management from her low-paying summer jobs.
President Vianne Timmons says she learned about money management from her low-paying summer jobs. Photo: Courtesy of U of R Photography.

This is the first in a series in which some leaders at the University of Regina talk about their summer jobs.

What was your best summer job, and why?

The best summer job I ever had was working at the Pictou Training Centre in Pictou, Nova Scotia. The Pictou Training Centre was an institution for children with disabilities. I loved working there because each child was unique, and the experience taught me so much about the potential that lies in all of us. Working there helped set me on my career course as an educator, so I am very grateful for that experience.

What was your worst summer job, and why?

All through high school I worked at KFC. The job was alright at first, but it became the worst job ever when they hired my brother as well. He was a pain to work with, particularly because he knew I would never get him in trouble, so he would slack off when he was scheduled to work with me. With everyone else he was an exemplary worker, so the boss loved him. I haven't worked with him since!

What was your most interesting summer job, and why?

I worked as a tree planter, which was really interesting and fulfilling. I loved being outside for the summer, and I loved challenging myself each day to surpass the planting that I had done the day before.

What lessons from you summer jobs have stayed with you?

My summer jobs all taught me about the value of hard work, and since none of them paid very much, I learned a lot about money management as well.