10/26/2007 (By Y&F Team)

Larissa Walkiw is Young & Free and wants to be your spokesperson!

We have another very capable entrant! 19-year-old Larissa Walkiw from St. Albert is our latest applicant for the Young & Free Spokesperson position.

Here is Larissa's blog post:

"Like many young adults, I have had my share of odd jobs. And I'm beginning to notice a trend in the workplace: smokers get better breaks. Now don't get me wrong; this post isn't about hounding smokers. All I'm saying is that as a non-smoker, it is challenging to come up with legitimate reasons to take a well-deserved breather. If someone says "I'm taking a cigarette break", there are no questions asked. But other excuses ("I would like to... go observe the parking lot?", "I would like to... not work... for a while?") aren't as graciously accepted."

"I therefore motion for a universally accepted tobacco-free breaktime excuse. Spontaneous bird-watching? Paddle-ball training? I don't know, but something that you could go confidently to your boss with and say "I'm taking a ________ break!" and never have to fear rejection again!"

"So here's the fun part: tell me what you think and help me brainstorm. What should that 5-minute break activity be? Let me know!"

Here is Larissa's video application:

This is Larissa's current situation:

"After completing a two-year fine arts program at an international college in Italy, I've temporarily hung up my globetrotting shoes to take a gap year at home before moving (again!) for university. With travel memories still fresh in my mind, I now devote my time to random jobs (henna tattoo artist, waitress, graphic designer— you name it) and a drawing class at the U of A. I'm excited about what the coming year has to offer; I know I have a lot to think about, and a lot to discover about my home, myself, and others."

That's five! We can't wait to get your application as well! Make sure to get it in by our new deadline of Friday, November 9, 2007.

Y&F Team

Comments

1) Kendra Drake - 10/26/2007

GREAT job Larissa! Your youthful exuberance will be an awesome asset as our potential spokesperson!

2) Sammy-Yammy - 10/27/2007

What an amazing video. If this is the dynamic personality we get to see for a whole year, Larissa is the clear choice. Amazing.

As far as your big question goes, I think the root of the issue is you have to come up with something disgusting, like smoking, that your boss doesn't want to be around.

1) Just had beans, mind if I take a fart break? 2) I have to clean my toe jam. Back in 5. 3) Boy, I sure have been sweating lots. I'm just going to air out the pits for 5 or 10.

Go Larissa go!

3) Kyle Mulligan - 10/29/2007

That is an amazing Video, for someone who is only 19 I think you have done an amazing job trying to win this Job, for all Young & Free Members. Congrats and Best of Luck

4) Cassandra - 10/29/2007

Wow! This is an incredible video! It's so spunky and fun. You definately took a different approach to this video blog application and I love it! I'm looking forward to reviewing the results in hope you will be our first Young and Free spokes person.

5) Christine Mann - 10/30/2007

Go Larissa !! awsome video I love it, good luck, I think you'll have a good chance

6) Devo - 10/30/2007

You got my vote. Great job!

7) Curtis - 10/30/2007

Well Done. It was a very thought out video. You have my vote to represent Common Wealth. Best of Luck

8) Aaron Mielke - 10/30/2007

Larissa, I am very, very impressed!

Everything about this video screams awesome; the color, the background music, the minimal focus on yourself and more on your audience(a good CU trait by the way), and the editing as a whole. Your creativity and enthusiasm, hands down, gains my vote.

9) Kätlin Sandvik - 10/31/2007

Wow! What an awesome person! I have never met her but I sure would like to in the future! Please win, please win!! And she is so talented!! I would buy whatever she sells! And she is so right about non-smokers having no excuse to ask for a break! YOU ROCK!

10) Niklas Peters - 10/31/2007

WOW! This girl has what it takes! So much energy and creativity. Vote Larissa!

11) Yuri - 11/01/2007

Your video rocks. I hope you win the contest. The videography was stunning.

12) Geoff - 11/01/2007

Larissa, your video rules! I hope you win the job for the next Young Free Alberta spokesperson. The first Young Free Alberta spokesperson, I guess.

13) Tracy - 11/02/2007

Wow Larissa, you did a great job on your video and the whole app. I believe you diserve the title of spokesperson of young & free. You have my vote.

14) Irene - 11/02/2007

Larissa, your video is brilliant. It shows that you are a capable and confident young woman. You sparkle with energy, enthusiasm and style. CW would be very fortunate to have you for a spokesperson. You definitely have my vote!

15) rafaela dolenc - 11/03/2007

larissa, your video is beautiful, you are beautiful, and if commonwealth hires you, they are beautiful.

16) Nikki - 11/06/2007

WOW!!! I think that with your fun and exciting attitude the Young and Free account will be an even bigger sucsess. Good Luck!!

17) Justina Connelly - 11/06/2007

♥ it!

18) Steven - 11/06/2007

Great video. Fun and spunky it is by far the most original video thus far. My vote's going for you

19) christine - 11/07/2007

we started a facebook group of people that are supporting Larissa Come check it out, Join us if you are voting for her Larissa for Young& free spokesperson

20) Josée - 11/07/2007

Larissa's video is awesome. I too have been the victim of not being a smoker and that makes me feel sad. I relate to your video and suggest the following:

1) I have to go shoot up in the alley. 2) My (relative) is having a baby next door, be right back. 3) I am narcoleptic AND psychic. I sense I will be experiencing my narcoleptic sleep in 30 seconds. Be back when I wake up.

I hope this helps. Good luck.

21) Dani - 11/09/2007

Wow Larissa, it's a great clip. I am totally impressed. I really hope you win!! :)

22) Marc L - 11/09/2007

Wow awesome video! you have my supprot =P

23) Slavisa Mijatovic - 11/10/2007

Oh my god!!! That's all I can say. I agree with that girl Katlin when she says that she would love to meet you one day - me too! You are a brilliant person! Go Larissa! VOTE LARISSA!!!

24) Matteo Pregio - 11/10/2007

That was a great clip! The girl is really convincing, energetic and cheerful. I'll vote for her. I support you Larissa!

25) Laryssa - 11/10/2007

Great video, Larissa!! like most people have already said, I'm really impressed! good luck! i hope you get the position!

26) Stephania Romaniuk - 11/12/2007

Rock on Larisochka! LOVE the video - you've got my vote!

27) Mitja Tretjak - 11/13/2007

http://www.soup.si

Larissa is the best! gorgeus clip of a gorgeus person! all the world should vote for Larissa!

28) Yiliu Shen-Burke - 11/17/2007

Wow Larissa, if I ever meet you can we be friends? Because I bet we would hit it off so well. You are so full of energy and inspiration... Great work!

29) Dani G - 11/19/2007

Forget Young and Free Spokesperson...you ought to PM!

And if you want a five-minute break? Pfft. You don't need an excuse. Just quit, then come back five minutes later and ask to be re-hired. If you play your cards right, you might even swing a pay increase!

30) Natasha - 11/20/2007

How about that I just need a breath of fresh air (as I cough with the people blowing smoke in my face on their regular breaks). I do know what you mean about that! It drives me crazy!!!

31) Lis - 11/22/2007

Waw waw waw this girl is just amazing!!!! you are very funny and you dedeserve the first place!! I'll vote for you!!!

32) Dominika S. - 11/22/2007

Lars, you have definately the bestvideo out of the three people....I really love it....Good luck I keep my fingers crossed for u

33) Ulana S. - 11/22/2007

Hey Larissa! The video is awesome! You have my vote! You WILL make an awesome Spokeswoman!

34) IJ - 11/23/2007

BOLD, BRILLIANT, & BEAUTIFUL!

35) Gena Slawuta - 11/23/2007

Great video!!!

36) Salim - 11/25/2007

Hi Larissa - It has been a long time I know. You make a wonderful spokesperson, really. Good luck.

37) Iryna Graf - 11/28/2007

I love you!!! you are super-puper, perejihana mashynoju!!! good luck!!!

38) Elroy Bell - 11/29/2007

OH MY GOD!! This girl is absolutely FABULOUS!!!!! Where has she been all my life. Anyone who doesn't vote LARISSA, must be slow. GO Lars, GO!!!!!

39) Marii - 12/02/2007

Lars, you are just the best. This thing is awesome !!!!

40) Dawn - 02/20/2008

http://www.staleycu.com

For a break just say, "I'm taking my non-smoking break",. Trust me the point will be taken and not questioned. Since we just went smoke free in our state our company has offered its employee's help on quitting. They can smoke but it has to be in their cars. I LOVE being smoke free!!!