UCN Shines, meet  Ying Kong

Ying started working with UCN part-time, teaching remotely, in 2015. She liked the job, and when she successfully secured the permanent position at the Thompson campus, she sold her house in Winnipeg “without hesitation” to come to the north.

What Ying loves most about her role at UCN is the daily interaction with students. “It’s incredibly rewarding to see their growth and learn from them,” she says. Teaching Indigenous literature courses, which are always popular, offers her a rich and engaging classroom environment. “Before UCN, I knew little about Indigenous cultures. Now, I feel a strong connection to my students and colleagues.” Handling sensitive topics like residential schools in her classes, Ying relies on the support of her colleagues and academic network. “It’s not always comfortable, but it’s essential.”

During her time at UCN, Ying co-founded the Muses of the North journal to amplify the voices of UCN students. “UCN is more than a workplace; it’s my home. The inclusiveness and diverse culture here allow everyone to grow.”