Information Technology Services (ITS)
IT@UofT People — Justin Fletcher
Published on: June 6, 2023
The backbone of any successful team is its hard-working people. The University of Toronto’s Information Technology Services (ITS) unit is no exception. It is made up of a diverse range of people with an even greater diversity in their interests and talents.
In this segment, entitled “IT@UofT People,” we will get to know our IT@UofT team across the tri-campus community and find out more about their hidden or not-so-hidden talents and/or pursuits outside of work.
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Department: Centre for Teaching Support & Innovation (CTSI) and Academic, Research, & Collaborative Technologies (ARC), ITS
Title: Faculty Liaison Coordinator, Teaching, Learning, and Technology
How long have you worked at U of T?
I joined U of T about three and a half years ago, in December 2019, just a few months before the pandemic began.
What is your secret or not-so-secret talent or hobby outside of work?
I love to run. I began running as a hobby during the pandemic and have stuck with it ever since.
How and why did you get involved in this hobby?
I actually didn’t plan to get into running, but I signed up for the pride & remembrance run in 2021 because I thought it would be a good opportunity to celebrate Pride. However, during the run, I hurt my knee and told my friends that this would be my last run ever. Fast forward two months later: I won a pair of high-quality running shoes from an Instagram contest and took those for a few runs. I no longer experienced knee pain while running. My best piece of advice is to invest in good running shoes. I then signed up for multiple races of increasing lengths: 10Ks, an 8-mile race and some half-marathons. And now I’m signed up for my first full marathon in Chicago this October.
Do you have any professional training in this field?
None at all! With running, I’ve made friends who have signed up for races with me. I like to do running as a solo activity, but it’s good to have friends to talk about my training with. In fact, one of my friends encouraged me to sign up for the Chicago Marathon after he ran it last year.
Who/what are your inspirations?
Anyone who runs inspires me – I really appreciate the subtle waves, nods and hellos when running outdoors. I also appreciate those who are cheering during races because it helps give me the motivation to finish, even when I am getting tired.