Category A: Additional Language:
Through out my years in high school, I had the opportunity to learn through the French Immersion program. Throughout these years, I have accumulated a B1 certificate from DELF (the certificate has yet to be fixed to the proper level obtained) as well as a greater understanding of the french language and culture. My process of learning french was not easy. As somebody who already has learning disabilities, I had to learn all of my high school courses in another language. Math, science, social studies, everything was in french. Through all of the struggle, learning french was very beneficial as it has helped me in workspaces, school, and travel. Being able to communicate in another language opens up many doors of opportunities and also eliminates possible restrictions when making friends from the french background. Since joining TRU, I have been an active member of the french club which has helped me develop a love and understanding for the french culture. I can’t wait to see where this language can take me next!
Category B: GLBL 1000 Related Courses:
SRCL 1000 has been a very enlightening course that has taught me about different cultures, communities and give back projects. During my time in this course, I got to volunteer at the Royal Inland Hospital Intensive Care Unit and managed to give 40 hours of my time. I got to engage with members of different cultures and backgrounds which really helped with my bedside manner skills and understanding of different communication styles. This course touched on topics of poverty, volunteerism, international celebrations, and more. This course has been a stepping stone coming into GLBL 1000 and I definitely learned a lot about the people around me.
Category C: International Experience:
Back when I was 16, I had the privilege to go to Saint Pierre et Miquelon on a school trip for course credit. During this trip, we were able to attend the Francoforum which is a building dedicated to education. The staff were so welcoming and encouraged us to use our french to the best of our abilities. We learned how to cook french food, shop and use “shopping terms” in french, and take many tous around the island. I had the opportunity to meet new friends and experience a culture first hand which was a very enriching experience. To see the difference in the way people engage with one another and how they welcome foreigners was truly astonishing and I hope to one day revisit Saint Piere et Miquelon.
Category D: Employment Related to GLBL 1000:
- Intercultural Ambassador
Since August of 2024, I have been selected to work as an Intercultural Ambassador for TRU. After completing 50+ hours in the program, I have learned an immense amount about different cultures and how to ensure that I’m being respectful to them. From hosting/working on workshops to creating fun reels, I aim to spread the message of interculturalism and how we can learn and unlearn from the past.
2. TRUSU Equity Member
Since May of 2023, I have been employed by the Thompson Rivers University Student Union on their Equity Committee. From May of 2023-May of 2024, I was a board member ( Women’s Representative) and now I am a Members-at-large. I have accumulated over 150 hours serving students as a representative. I had hosted/worked on speaker series, women’s day events, pride parades, Indigenous projects, fundraisers, etc. Since my time at TRUSU, I have interacted with people of many different cultures and nationalities. From indigenous Canadians to international students, I have learned so much about the people I share a classroom with. Having the chance to be a voice for those on campus has been a very rewarding opportunity. I can not only learn, but unlearn things that may have been stereotyped in my head growing up. Being able to take this new-found education into my workplace and teach others is truly what this experience is about.
Category E: Volunteering in Canada:
Over my time at the Royal Inland Hospital Intensive Care Unit, I have had a very enriching experience not only for my future profession, by for my own growth. I have had many interactions with community members that helped me understand how people cope with trauma and high intensity situations. My responsibilities were cleaning, guiding guests around the unit, helping nurses, keeping track of patients, and often times staying by patients beds. I was able to see and understand how different cultures interact during different stages of their lives as well as engage with those responses. I have learned so much that I was able to take back to my peers at TRU and go forward in my career.