Presenting June’s Woman of the Month:
Andree Janyk
Here’s a little bit about her:
I…
…am a former member of the Canadian National Alpine Ski Team
…started the Fitness Leadership Training certificate program in ‘79
…co founded the Fitness Certification Program for BC
…was a member of the first summit on Fitness in Ottawa in ‘86
…was the executive director for Fitness Appraisal in BC.
…am active!
Studying for my PhD in Brussels at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel, I focused on the growth and development of children.
I’m an active volunteer in sports and the arts, serving as the Whistler School Trustee for 12 years and recently lead a team of 180 volunteers aiding the Side Slipping team for the alpine events at the Vancouver 2010 Olympics.
There is much more but let it be said I am an eclectic person with many interests and a heart to give back to my community. Currently I am a private ski instructor in Whistler, a soccer referee, a gardener and an interested citizen in my community and country. I am proud to have been named this year’s Whistler Citizen of the year.
Last but never least, I am the mother of 3 –two are current members of the Canadian National Alpine Ski team and Olympians. My third child has explored acting in New York and now is a student of Fine Arts at Emily Carr University.
And here’s how she answered my 6 questions about creativity:
What does it mean to you to be creative?
Creative to me is looking for new ways to do something. I am not an artsy person so creative is an action for me. For example, if the school does not have a drama program find funds in the community to provide the same experience for young people to bring pride and a chance to create for themselves. Another example is when I helped over 55 households change their eating habits by providing the information and a simple way to change old habits. Sometimes it is the simple changes that are the most creative. In this instance I started an organic food coop out of my garage. Just that simple opportunity allowed so many of us to change our outlook on packaging, farming, food sourcing, etc. – just to name a few.
What triggers your creativity?
People. I care for my communities and the place we inhabit. I have a strong desire to provide youth a way to succeed in life and others a new way to do something.
What hinders your creativity?
People who always say no it can’t be done or who are not willing or can’t explore the option of possibilities. They block the way for even a discussion.
What’s the wildest journey your venturesome spirit has taken you on?
It had to be going to live in Belgium to study at the University of Brussels. It was suggested to me that I should do a doctorate program and the perfect spot to do it was in Brussels according to my SFU undergrad professor. I believed him even though I don’t think I believed in myself. I arrived thinking I knew the language – French, but I was on the Flemish side of the university. I ventured forth in a place where I had no friends, learned a new language, and came home after 6 years a very different person with degrees. I am grateful that I had the courage to take a chance on someone else’s vision for me. I am a much more well-rounded, multi-cultural, aware person as a result of those 6 years.
What does being bold and provocative mean to you?
I don’t think of myself as being bold and provocative. I think of myself as one willing to take initiative because I see a different way to do things or a service that needs to be added to the community. You could say that is being bold to a certain extent because you’re willing to get the job done. Every day I see so many people who are willing to bring a bold initiative forward. I am awed by how many people sometimes bring their creativity and initiatives forward to make our communities a better place to live.
Being provocative is not quite how I’d describe me…I am willing to stand up for what I believe in but I think I lead more by example than being provocative. I have learned that being patient and thoughtful of other people’s ideas and desires gets you a lot further on the road to positive change than being provocative.
I like to be respectful of others and act on gentle persuasion with good examples to create change.
What’s next for you?
Currently I am working on a book with a working title of “Raising Two Olympians”. I would like to become a public speaker discussing the role of parents with their sporting child. I love being in front of an audience. I have so many lifetime stories I’d love to share.
And here’s who inspires Andree’s creativity:
I am inspired by my mother who so simply with her consideration and respect for others, inspired many to make changes for themselves and open their opinions of the world. She asked for no fame – just gave her ears, heart and energy. She was well educated but never flaunted it. She stood strong for women and gave generously of her time. Every day I remind myself of her gift and I will always be eternally grateful for her guidance.
Be sure to check out Andree’s blog on alkaline water or follow her on Twitter…Ladyskipro.
Thank you fitness leader, thank you community leader, thank you Andree for helping build up our community!
To hear about the next Woman of the Month, follow DollyFaye on Twitter!
