From Ontario to Saguenay: My Summer Expedition With ECO-02.
Meet Zainab, Our New Social Media Assistant!
Hi everyone! My name is Zainab, and for six weeks this summer, I’ve had the absolute joy of working alongside the incredible community members here at ECO-02. As the new Social Media Assistant, I teamed up with Meg-Anne to bring you fresh, vibrant content across our Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok accounts.
I had a group of exchange students who also worked in Saguenay during these 6 weeks!
This is a candid taken at the Grand rassemblement des Premières Nations on the territory of the Mashteuiatsh community.
Originally from a small town in Durham, Ontario, I am heading into my senior and final year of high school this September. I have always had a keen passion for digital creativity. Over the years, I've developed skills in designing and editing everything from promotional flyers to social media graphics, experience I gained firsthand as an active member of my school's yearbook committee. I was placed here at ECO-02 by the YMCA for an exchange program. This way I could enhance my French speaking skills while discovering the amazing culture and scenes of Saguenay, and get work experience during it all!
Beyond digital design, photography is a massive part of my life. What started as a hobby has grown into a true passion, and I hope to launch my own photography business in the near future. In fact, many of the photos you will see across ECO-02’s media platforms this summer will be captured through my lens!
Language, Culture, and Community: The YMCA Exchange
I was placed here at ECO-02 through a YMCA summer exchange program, which designed the perfect opportunity for me to enhance my French-speaking skills while discovering the breathtaking scenery and rich culture of Saguenay. Getting to combine language learning with real-world work experience has been an incredible milestone for me.
Working at ECO-02 is much more than just a summer job or a checklist of daily tasks. It gives me the chance to collaborate with professionals who hold their roles in Saguenay with the highest regard, allowing me to use my skills to truly contribute to the community.
From the very first day, the environment at the office and community center has been one of the most comforting and welcoming places I have ever experienced.
Whether it's the warm smiles from my colleagues, the cozy coffee corner, or the massive bookshelf where I love to unwind and read during my breaks, this place quickly felt like a second home.
Behind the Scenes: Daily Routines at the Centre
As for what I actually do day-to-day, photography is a huge part of it. I get to snap photos at our events and programs, like the Picnic Club and Hiking Club, which you should most definitely come to attend if you can!
When I'm not behind the camera or working on social media posts in our conference room, you can usually find me hanging out in Laurianne and Gaby’s office, exploring parts of the community centre I haven’t seen yet, or making myself another cup of tea.
Before I got here, I'll be honest: I was super nervous. I didn't know what to expect from the area or the people, and my French was pretty rusty. But looking back now, joining the team this summer is something I am so incredibly grateful for, and I know I'll remember this experience for a really long time.
Here is a TikTok that we did : https://www.tiktok.com/@eco_slsj/video/7673899012910550290
