During our one-hour conversation, her eyes glowed. Even when Claire talked about the hurdles she had to come through, her gaze remained luminous. Claire was humble yet confident, composed yet passionate, and compassionate yet determined.
"Construction and restoration have always held a special place in my heart. This is where I should be because it is where I feel I thrive the most. Being a woman in this profession, I believe I bring unique advantages that can contribute significantly to its growth and innovation."
First Part: AT ARSGEM
Abigail (Interviewer): It's nice to meet you. Briefly introduce yourself, please.
Claire: My name is Claire Ryan. I'm a Project Coordinator and I have been working at the ARSGEM for almost a year now. A unique part of my role is that I get to be on-site frequently where all the work takes place and see it happening in real-time. I often find it quite gratifying.
A: What are some unique parts of your work that people might not know about?
C: There's a common misconception that restoration work is merely about fixing things and moving on. That does not represent the whole picture of our work. The nature of restoration work is that we are going into someone's life to help them through something they did not expect to happen. Dealing with emergencies in valuable properties can be immensely stressful. As a project coordinator, you're at the forefront, liaising with various parties - customers, property managers, vendors, condo boards, and regional officers to name a few - to ensure the best outcomes. This job is highly people-oriented, requiring high emotional intelligence.
A: If you could give a piece of advice to someone who is just starting one's career in this field, what would it be?
C: Maybe I can share the piece of advice I too often remind myself of: Do not be the person to tell yourself "no".
Second Part: Your Philosophy
Third Part: More About You
A: Favourite ice cream flavour?
C: I really like mint chocolate chip. In addition, I enjoy products from the Kawartha Dairy.
A: If you can live anywhere where would it be?
C: California, possibly San Francisco. I have never been there yet but would love to visit!
A: Pet peeve?
C: People who don't signal!
A: Favourite exercise?
C: Playing ringette. It is a uniquely Canadian winter sport that resembles Ice Hockey: Instead of a puck, you have a 'ring', as the name suggests. I grew up playing it competitively and still enjoy it very much.
A: Favourite singer?
C: Beyoncé. 'Love on Top' is my favourite song.
A: Favourite colour?
C: Pink
A: Favourite movies?
C: Two movies come to my mind at this moment. Holes (2003) and
The Spy Who Dumped Me (2018). Both movies are quite hilarious.
A: Favourite dish/cuisine?
C: I love Vietnamese food. There is a really good restaurant I often visit, it is called Vit Beo. I would highly recommend that. I also enjoy Korean food. I can eat Kimchi all my life!