Why did you choose UCN?
I am born and raised in Thompson so being able to attend university in my community was ideal for me. Throughout my university career, I also knew I wanted to work and going to UCN allowed me to remain at my job with the Northern Health Region while also pursuing my degree
Did you know what you wanted to take at UCN?
I originally started out in the nursing program, and it wasn’t until I was going into my third year that I decided it wasn’t for me. I have worked in healthcare since I was 18 so this was quite surprising to me. I decided I should go into the arts to eventually pursue an education degree. While I was doing my arts degree, I fell in love with English and Sociology and often found myself drawn to the interconnection between Sociology and Healthcare, specifically how race, gender, and class intersect with Healthcare. This was further reinforced by the books I would read in my English courses; I often found myself making sociological connections or connections to healthcare.
How have your professors and instructors impacted your time at UCN?
I have had many incredible professors but I have to specifically mention Dr. Rebecca Tillman and Noreen Barlas. If there was an opportunity for me to take a course with either of them, I would always sign up immediately. The positive reinforcement and feedback I received encouraged me to keep going, and also trust that I was capable of succeeding. Having professors that challenge you but also genuinely care about your education is highly important, and I feel as though I received that to the full extent at UCN.
What was your most memorable experience during your time at UCN?
I took a food from the land course in the spring term one year, and one day we spent the entire day learning from elders, harvesting medicine, and eating food from the land together. It was such an impactful day, and it is not necessarily something you would be able to experience at other universities.
What is the most important lesson you have learned during your time at UCN?
You can not pour from an empty cup. School can be stressful so it is important to take care of yourself too.
What are you most proud of accomplishing during your time at UCN?
I think probably allowing myself to change my path and completely switch programs. That was really scary, and I am very proud that I took the leap.
How does it feel to be graduating?
Exciting! But I will admit, it will be strange not returning in the fall.
What’s next for you? Tell us your hopes and plans!
I currently work as a community health developer with the Northern Health Region. This job, although still in healthcare, is much more focused on social determinants of health. I am constantly using the skills that I developed during my degree, especially in English and sociology. I currently don’t plan to go back to school right away, but down the road, I would like to pursue graduate studies.
What advice would you give somebody who’s just starting out at UCN?
Allow yourself to change your mind. Explore programs or courses differently, learn about what UCN has to offer, and take the changes as they come. University is a time for reflection and development, so it’s okay for your experience not to go how you originally had planned.
Message for family, friends, and instructors.
I want to thank all of my loved ones for supporting me throughout this journey!
