BENJAMIN KISSELL: A Jack-of-all-Trades
 Benjamin Kissell truly is a jack-of-all-trades. He is currently studying simultaneously in the Construction Engineering Technology program and the Renovation Technology program (Coop Diploma Apprenticeship), at George Brown College. To extend his educational pathways further, Kissell plans to eventually bridge to the Bachelor of Applied Technology Construction Science Management Degree.
Kissell first discovered the trades as a child when he watched his home undergo renovations. It’s that experience, combined with his passion and drive, that have lead Benjamin Kissell to a perfect 4.0 average. “I find a great deal of satisfaction in my work, and always strive to go beyond the minimum requirements by providing superior quality workmanship, communication and service.” He recently built a wood shop where he is fine-tuning his skills—making furniture, cabinets, and musical instruments.
But Kissell’s drive is not limited to building and construction. He’s a talented musician and an avid cyclist as well, and his work outside the classroom incorporates a desire to help others. In November 2008, he volunteered with the Sew Be It Studio where he built beds in conjunction with the Toronto Humane Society, and spent the summer working with kids at the local Library Shakespeare Club.
“For some this was their first experience with Shakespeare,” Kissell said. “Many of them came from single parent families with an absentee father. I discovered my presence as a positive male role model was invaluable to their experience.” Kissell is actively involved as a mentor and student leader at George Brown—he’s worked as an orientation leader giving tours and helps current students by volunteering as a tutor.
This passion for helping others inspires Benjamin Kissell’s ultimate goal. “The most favourable career goal I would like to achieve is to build libraries for children and adults in countries that do not have free access to educational resources.” Kissell grew up in a single parent home where his family often struggled to make ends meet. “Education has always been a key factor in keeping my life on a positive path, and the free public libraries in Ontario have been the primary source of my educational resources.”
In July 2009, Benjamin Kissell was awarded the Millennium Excellence Award from the Government of Canada for his outstanding leadership, community involvement, innovation and academic achievement. Earlier this year, he was also presented with the Make It Right Award—presented by Mike Holmes of the Holmes Foundation—on the basis of academic excellence combined with a commitment to a career in construction.
“Being able to work in a team environment has been very important. It has prepared me to be adaptable and outgoing in new environments, and has given me the confidence to share my thoughts and ideas while simultaneously receiving thoughts and ideas from others.”
Kissell is currently the president of a network of volunteers in trades and construction who are interested in using their skills to make a difference in the community and across the globe. |
