For second-year student Gabriela Perez Vasquez, being part of the Varsity Blues promotions team, via the Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education work study program, has become one of the most meaningful parts of her university journey. 

Balancing life as a work study employee, a full-time student in the Faculty of Arts and Science, and a student-athlete on the Varsity Blues women's rugby team, Perez Vasquez has embraced the many opportunities that the University of Toronto offers. Now in her second year studying criminology and sociology at New College, she has discovered not only a passion for understanding society and the justice system, but also a deep appreciation for the behind-the-scenes work that brings university athletics to life.  

Like many students arriving at the University of Toronto for the first time, Perez Vasquez didn't immediately know exactly where her academic path would lead. 

"My academic path has constantly been changing as I've gained a better understanding of my interests and the type of work I want to pursue in the future," she said. "When I first started university, I initially chose to study political science because I was interested in learning about systems, politics and the ways institutions shape society."  

But after her first semester, she realized something was missing. 

"While I found interest in those systems, I was always more drawn to social behaviour, inequalities and other structures that influence crime and justice," she explained. 

This spurred on her shift in major and guides her future aspirations. 

"My goal is to attend law school and pursue a career in criminal law," she said. "Studying sociology and criminology has helped me develop a deeper understanding of crime, social structures and the justice system, which I think provides a really strong foundation for a future legal career." 

Looking to supplement her current studies with an on-campus employment opportunity, U of T's work study program offered that chance. Perez Vasquez first learned about the Varsity Blues promotions team through a familiar connection - her sister. 

"My sister actually started working there before me, and she thought it would be the perfect opportunity for me," she said. "She knew how much I love athletics and how much I enjoy connecting with people."  

The role immediately stood out to her because it allowed her to combine those two interests. 

Through the promotions team, Perez Vasquez helps create the environment that energizes fans and supports student-athletes on game day. Whether it's encouraging students to attend games, helping organize in-game promotions, or supporting the operations around events, her role contributes to the overall experience that fans and athletes share. 

For her, the job is about more than logistics; it's about recognizing the hard work student-athletes put into their sports and making sure they feel supported by their community. 

"As a student-athlete, I know how much of a difference the atmosphere around a game can make," Perez Vasquez said. "When there are people in the stands cheering and supporting the team, it creates a completely different experience for the athletes. I really value the idea of helping create that supportive and exciting environment for other athletes."  

After two seasons with the Varsity Blues promotions team, Perez Vasquez says the most rewarding part of the experience is how dynamic every shift can be. 

"After that first game, I wanted to work as much as possible," she said. "I started picking up as many shifts as I could and working with as many different sports as possible. As an athlete, you're never really aware of all the work that takes place before you step on the field. It takes far more than the coaches and the players on the field to win games. There are dozens of people working together behind the scenes to create a successful game day."  

Balancing academics, athletics, work and extracurricular activities requires careful time management, but she says the experience is worth it. 

"Being part of athletics and work study keeps my schedule full, but it also keeps me motivated and engaged," she said. "At the end of the day, I'm very aware that I'm receiving one of the best educations possible, and I'm really fortunate to be able to do what I do."  

Looking ahead, Perez Vasquez hopes future students take the same approach she has. 

"My biggest advice would be to make the most of every opportunity that comes your way. Some of the best experiences and connections you make at U of T come from stepping outside your comfort zone and saying yes to new opportunities."  

For Perez Vasquez, working with the Varsity Blues promotions team has been one of those experiences. It has allowed her to support fellow athletes, connect with the campus community and see university sport from an entirely new perspective. 

And as her journey at U of T continues, she remains committed to doing exactly what she encourages others to do: say yes to every opportunity.