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Two-Minute Interview

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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.