Interests
Multiculturalism and Ethnic Relations
As a visible minority individual who struggled greatly with my own ethnicity and identity as a Canadian, I have always been drawn to issues surrounding multiculturalism and ethnic relations. Also, my time studying Sociology served to further my interest. I have always felt conflicted about multiculturalism as a realized concept. While I feel proud that Canada is one of only two countries in the world to have an official policy of multiculturalism, I also continuously grapple with what the complex lived realities of being part of a multicultural society actually are. Immigrants and Refugees Intertwined with my interest in multiculturalism and ethnic relations is my passion for working with immigrants and refugees, as well as other newcomers such as migrant workers. Stemming from my own experience as a member of an immigrant family, I feel very strongly about supporting immigrants and refugees and have a wholehearted sense of empathy towards the experiences and challenges such individuals and families may face. Also, I have always admired such individuals and am greatly inspired by their resiliency. Youth When I was still a rambunctious adolescent who spent countless hours holed up with my high school counsellor, she told me that she could see me one day as a counsellor of sorts that works with youth, but I deeply disagreed. Then when I was at the Cape Town Refugee Centre (CTRC), I was asked to develop a program for youth, which led to my co-creation, coordination and facilitation of a series of life skills workshop for youth. These youth workshops turned out to be my most rewarding and memorable assignment at CTRC and led me then to apply to be a Settlement Worker in High Schools when I returned to Canada. When I joined MJMC, I found an email address for my high school counsellor and wrote her to say, 'You will never guess what I am doing now...' International and Community Development Stemming from my influences from travelling and my interests in multiculturalism and immigrants and refugees, I became interested in pursuing a social work career in international development. In my practice, I want to be engaged with work that essentially helps people help themselves and that fosters sustainable long-term positive change for individuals, families and communities both in international and local contexts. Taking all of this into consideration, the MSW International and Community Development program with the University of Calgary made out to be an ideal fit. Women I was raised by an incredibly patient, inspiring, loving and strong woman and my life has always centred around the women in my life. As such, I feel that women are at the very heart of every family and community. Even when my social work practice is not specifically focused on working with women, I ensure that women, their roles, and gendered differences in equity and equality are always taken into high consideration. My interest in working to make a difference for women definitely influenced my decision to pursue my MSW practicum with HCU. |
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“We are visitors on this planet. We are here for ninety or one hundred years at the very most.
During that period, we must try to do something good, something useful, with our lives.
If you contribute to other people’s happiness,
you will find the true goal, the true meaning of life.”
- H.H. The 14th Dalai Lama
During that period, we must try to do something good, something useful, with our lives.
If you contribute to other people’s happiness,
you will find the true goal, the true meaning of life.”
- H.H. The 14th Dalai Lama