Awesome students help RAPS save animals.
Each year, thanks to the Canada Summer Jobs Program, RAPS is able to hire a number of students to support our work through the summer, when so much is going on!
Every year, we are inundated with applications from outstanding young people. Every year, we are amazed and delighted by the dedication, brilliance, energy and commitment of the few exceptional individuals we are able to hire.
We have four “business” interns and four interns working at the RAPS Cat Sanctuary.
This week, meet the three who are helping RAPS in a million ways – repping us at public events, helping sell furniture, creating videos and social media posts, and advancing the cause of saving and improving the lives of animals in so many ways.
Daniel Schatz
What and where are you studying?
I’m in my second year at UBC in the Bachelor of Media Studies Program.
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in a small town near Ottawa called Carleton Place. I lived there in the same 130-year-old house my whole life. I moved out here for university two years ago.
Why did you choose to work at RAPS?
I’ve been lucky enough that everywhere I’ve worked has had something to do with animals. I worked for a pet store, and a parrot sanctuary, and now I’m excited to continue using digital media to help improve the lives of animals and work towards RAPS’ mission. All of the things RAPS has going on are extremely exciting, and I’m happy to get to work for an organization with such a dynamic set of goals and a kind and enthusiastic team.
Do you have a pet?
Back home, I’ve had cats my whole life. Currently I have my cat, Smokey. Being able to have a pet here will be tough, but as soon as I can, I hope to adopt a cat (from RAPS, of course), or maybe even try my luck at training a dog for the first time.
What do you do in your spare time?
I like to have a project going on at all times. I make music for short films and video games, I do a bit of writing and I’m trying to get into digital art. I’ve also gotten very into learning languages over the past few years. I’ve taken French immersion, courses in Mandarin, and taught myself a bit of Spanish and Portuguese, but don’t test me on any of it because it’s all slipping away!
What are you super passionate about?
What am I not super passionate about? I love movies, TV and filmmaking, art and art history, guitar, piano, game design, cooking, fitness, lots of types of music, evolutionary biology, philosophy, geography, anthropology and history, linguistics and languages, interior design and architecture, books and writing, and of course, animals!
Future plans?
I’d love to work as much as I can in video and graphic design, but I’m happy to see where co-op takes me and see which fields I gravitate towards. Vancouver is the most beautiful place I’ve lived, and I’m hoping to stay here for the near future.
Anything else about you that you would like to share? Fave food? Weird hobbies? Quirky accomplishments?
My biggest accomplishment as a geography nerd is that I’ve memorized the locations of almost every country on the map. I genuinely can’t pick a favourite food. Korean fried chicken or Thai food might be up there. My favorite dessert is Milk Tea Ice cream, or anything with copious amounts of chocolate.
Katie Chen
Where and what are you studying?
I am a second-year business student at Western University, preparing to enter the Richard Ivey School of Business.
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in South Vancouver.
Why did you want to work with RAPS?
I have always been a passionate animal lover, and I have long aspired to channel this passion into meaningful action. RAPS has provided the ideal opportunity to align my personal values with my professional ambitions. Being part of an organization dedicated to making a real impact in the lives of animals allows me to grow both personally and professionally. I hope to continue building on this experience and, in the future, extend my efforts even further into the community.
Do you have pets?
At home, I have a golden retriever named Benny—he’s a big boy with an even bigger place in my heart. I also love guinea pigs and hope to adopt two in the coming year!
What do you do in your spare time?
I enjoy staying active by going to the gym and playing sports such as badminton or volleyball. I am also definitely a shopaholic, so I love thrifting and finding cool pieces in stores.
What are you super-passionate about?
I am passionate about advocating for women’s equality in business and giving back to the community. In the future, I hope to merge these two passions by launching initiatives that create unique opportunities within the business world, especially for underrepresented groups. My goal is to drive meaningful change by combining social impact with professional growth.
What are your hopes for the future?
I aspire to build a career in management consulting, where I can apply my skills to support meaningful and socially responsible initiatives. After graduating from university, I plan to travel across Asia, exploring countries like China, Korea, Vietnam, Taiwan, Japan, and beyond, to gain new perspectives, experience diverse cultures, and broaden my understanding of global business practices.
Anything else about you that you would like to share?
My favourite food is hot pot, this week I have eaten it four times already!
Yulia Breiman
Where/what are you studying?
I am now entering my third year at the UBC Sauder School of Business, pursuing a specialization in Marketing.
Where did you grow up?
I was born and raised in Israel and later moved to Richmond, where I currently live. My family is originally from Russia, so I’ve also grown up with a Slavic cultural influence throughout my life.
Why did you want to work with RAPS?
I wanted to work with RAPS because their mission to care for and support animals really speaks to me. As a Richmond resident and huge animal lover, it feels special to be part of something that makes such a positive difference right in my community. I’m also excited to grow my marketing skills in the nonprofit world by helping communicate RAPS’ mission and values to the community, raising awareness about the important work they do. For me, this internship is the perfect chance to combine my passion, values, and career goals in a meaningful way.
Do you have pets?
Unfortunately, I don’t have a pet of my own, though I’ve always wished I did. I often pet-sit for friends when they’re away, and recently fell in love with my friend’s dog, Benny.
What do you do in your spare time?
I enjoy playing volleyball and spending time in nature hiking, swimming and camping.
What are you super-passionate about?
I am passionate about helping others, whether through simple acts of kindness or volunteering efforts in my community. This passion drives my interest in marketing, as I believe that effectively communicating an organization’s values is both an art and a vital tool for positive impact. Ultimately, I want to use marketing as a way to amplify causes that matter, helping organizations like RAPS reach and support more people and animals in need.
What are your hopes for the future?
I hope to graduate with my Bachelor’s degree and begin my career as a marketing project or brand manager at a company whose values align with my own. While I’m unsure if I will remain in the non-profit sector for my entire career, I am committed to working only with organizations that uphold strong, positive values.
Anything else about you that you would like to share?
I’ve always loved performing and acting, which has been a big part of my life. A little fun fact about me is when I was younger, I had the opportunity to be a body double for the character Dizzy in Disney Channel’s Descendants 2!
Leila Macli-ing
Where/what are you studying?
I am currently pursuing a Bachelor in Business Administration at Kwantlen Polytechnic University! Having said that, I plan on pursuing a career in Law after completing my studies in business.
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Baguio City, Philippines before immigrating to Canada in 2010!
Why did you want to work with RAPS?
I chose to work at RAPS because I believe in RAPS’ mission of helping animals and their families. While I may not be able to help in the Animal Hospital, I enjoy knowing that my work at the thrift stores and community events will still support and stay true to RAPS’ mission!
Do you have pets?
I do! I have an adorable English Bulldog named Iris who is turning 4 in December!
What do you do in your spare time?
In my spare time I enjoy reading, listening to music, as well as going out with my friends and family!
What are you super-passionate about?
I am very passionate about giving back to the community. It is one of the main reasons as to why I chose to work for RAPS! It is also why I enjoy volunteering with other organizations such as the Canadian Cancer Society, BC Cancer Foundation, and KidSport BC among others.
What are your hopes for the future?
Other than going into Law, my plans for the future are to travel the world. My dream destinations at the moment are Japan, Greece, and Italy!
Anything else about you that you would like to share?
I have a few hobbies! I love photography and collecting enamel pins from the countries I visit!