Community Service

Virtual Tutor - Boys & Girls Clubs Big Brothers Big Sisters of Edmonton and Area (BGCBigs)

Engaging in tutoring with Boys & Girls Clubs Big Brothers Big Sisters of Edmonton & Area has been an enriching experience. As I connected online (from May 2022 to June 2023) with my mentee, focusing on academic support in math, science, and literacy, I realized the importance of effective communication. I learned to articulate concepts clearly, avoiding assumptions about my mentee's understanding.

One key takeaway was the significance of creating a structured tutoring plan to make the most of our time together. The plan enhanced the hour's effectiveness and highlighted the importance of clarity and goal-oriented sessions. Understanding the value of taking the time to know my mentee personally, I recognized that building relationships might feel awkward initially, emphasizing the need for patience rather than forcing connections. 

The experience emphasized the importance of breaks, especially when grappling with challenging academic topics. Allowing my mentee to decide the activities during study breaks, whether playing video games or engaging in card games, contributed to a more collaborative and enjoyable learning environment. Our favourite game was Pokémon Showdown, despite my lack of knowledge of Pokémon. Occasionally, I had to be firm in steering the session back towards our goals, ensuring our time remained focused and productive. 

In my tutoring role, I learned the importance of clear communication with my mentee and the coordinator, notifying them in advance when I was away or unwell. Our attention to detail and proactive communication became valuable skills in maintaining a supportive and collaborative learning environment. 

My experience resonates with my mission by embodying collaborative learning, supporting the holistic well-being of my mentee, and contributing to social equity through accessible education. It directly informs my career aspirations, providing insights into effective communication and relationship-building—essential skills for my paths in family medicine, health promotion, and health policy analysis.

Wayfinder and COVID-19 screener - Misericordia Community Hospital 

Volunteering as a Wayfinder and later as a COVID-19 screener at the Misericordia Community Hospital has been a transformative experience, aligning with my mission to support individuals and communities through collaborative learning for holistic well-being and social equity. These roles have significantly contributed to my understanding of healthcare navigation, especially in the dynamic landscape of public health during a pandemic. 

In February 2020, as a Wayfinder, I assumed the responsibility of greeting and escorting patients, aiming to provide a comforting presence during their journey within the healthcare system. This initial experience emphasized the importance of a pleasant and caring attitude to alleviate patients' anxieties, showcasing the human aspect of healthcare.

The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic prompted a shift in responsibilities, and from June to July 2020, I took on the role of a COVID-19 screener. This period marked a challenging yet invaluable experience as the outbreak led to a temporary suspension of volunteering, reflecting the unpredictable nature of healthcare work during a pandemic. This dynamic environment reinforced the need for adaptability and resilience in healthcare, particularly in public health roles where the landscape is constantly evolving. Navigating through the initial lockdown and subsequent outbreak required quick adjustments and an understanding of the broader public health implications. 

Reflecting on these experiences, I recognize the impact of public health work in promoting holistic well-being and social equity. The role of a COVID-19 screener, albeit brief, provided insights into the intricate balance between safeguarding community health and addressing individual anxieties. It underscored the importance of clear communication and empathy in a healthcare setting, aligning with my mission to foster collaborative learning for the well-being of individuals and communities. 

My hands-on involvement in healthcare navigation informs my aspirations in family medicine, health promotion, and health policy analysis. The exposure to the challenges and complexities of public health during a pandemic has equipped me with a unique perspective, emphasizing the critical role of adaptable and compassionate healthcare professionals in times of uncertainty.

Senior Moderator - John Humphrey Centre for Peace and Human Rights (JHC)

Being a Senior Moderator for the YEG Community Response to COVID-19 at the John Humphrey Centre for Peace and Human Rights has been a profound and enlightening experience.

In this position, I played a pivotal role in ensuring that Edmontonians facing the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic had a supportive online space to access the resources and assistance they needed. Coordinating and supervising shifts of moderators, I facilitated connections to vital resources through social service agencies, providing outreach and support for emergency food needs.

Discovering my passion for a career focused on helping people has been the key takeaway from this experience. My hands-on involvement in community response during a crisis highlighted the significance of collaborative efforts in promoting well-being and social equity. It emphasized the interconnectedness of individuals and communities, aligning with my mission.

This role has had a profound impact on my career aspirations. In family medicine, it has reinforced the importance of community engagement and understanding social determinants of health. In health promotion and education, the experience underscored the value of accessible resources and effective communication in times of crisis. For health policy analysis, the insights gained from coordinating community responses have provided a nuanced perspective on the intricate balance required in policy-making to address the diverse needs of communities.

My engagement as a Senior Moderator has not only solidified my passion for a career centered on helping people but has also enriched my understanding of the complexities within healthcare and community responses. It serves as a testament to the potential positive impact that individuals, working collaboratively, can have on the well-being of their communities.