Hometown: Lethbridge, Alberta
Program: Master of Science in Audiology
Year in Program: First Year
What inspired you to pursue your program?
I truly have a passion for helping people, particularly in one-on-one settings. When I transferred to UBC, I hoped to eventually wind up in speech pathology. After taking a few audiology related courses during my undergrad, I realized that It could be an even better fit for me. The field gives me the opportunity to work with many different client populations, and I am excited to see where I find myself best helping the community I live in.
I believe hearing is a blessing that people do not realize they have until it is compromised. I want people to enjoy beautiful music, the sound of nature, and the voices of their loved ones for as long as they can. Or, give them that opportunity if they have never experienced it before – like those videos where you see little babies hear their mom’s voices for the first time! Total heart melt.
What are you looking forward to most this upcoming year?
As I start preparing for this new stage of my education, I am really looking forward to learning in new settings! With much smaller class sizes than what I experienced in undergrad, I think this year will bring more opportunities to grow and learn alongside my peers. I am also really excited to try out a number of different aspects of audiology during our first round of practicums.
Best piece of advice
Amidst all of your academic pursuits, don’t forget to find a community that truly does life with you, embraces you, and cheers you on while you push on to achieve your goals. Also, get outside as often as you can! B.C. has beautiful places and incredible people – I urge you not to miss out on the chance to enjoy them!
First job
My first job was as a Tobacco Enforcement Test Shopper. I drove around Southern Alberta trying to buy cigarettes underage.
What’s next on your BC bucket list?
Living in Squamish has given me the opportunity to take in a lot of this amazing province. My next adventure is a camping trip up Panorama Ridge with some friends, but I’m really hoping to get out to Vancouver Island and hike the West Coast Trail with my husband one day.