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Donald Martin, Manager, SASS-Counselling
What is your most important duty at the University? Why?
I supervise a group of professional counsellors whose role is to help students in managing stress and overcoming difficult situations.
What inspires you the most in your work?
Great challenges inspire me. I don’t like the feeling of defeat. SASS is an industry in full evolution. I sell hope.
What are you most proud of?
I have three beautiful children. My eldest has just completed her first year of nursing at the University of Ottawa.
If you could, what would you change in today’s world?
I would make it mandatory that all of our politicians obtain certification in active listening.
What is your favourite pastime?
I like cooking as well as crawling around in my vegetable garden.
What is your greatest hope for the future?
In the course of my 40 years at the University, I have known several generations of students. I particularly like today’s generation. They learn quickly and well. They are extremely resourceful.
What is the best-kept secret in your faculty, department or service?
The counsellors that I supervise constantly amaze me. Their compassion and insight have a direct impact on the success of hundreds of students who would otherwise be at high risk of failing.
