At the beginning of my practicum, I was genuinely excited and motivated. I looked forward to gaining hands-on experience and applying what I had learned in class to a real world setting. I was placed at the EDI (Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion) Office at TRU, and I expected a structured environment where I could contribute meaningfully and learn about equity work in practice.
However, my experience did not meet those expectations. From the start, there was a lack of clear direction. There was no structured plan for my role, no defined tasks, and little guidance on what the office aimed to achieve. I often found myself unsure of what I was supposed to be doing, and even now, I feel I did not gain a clear understanding of the office’s purpose or impact within the university. This lack of clarity also made me reflect on why many students may not be aware of the office or its work. It seemed that much of the activity involved supporting or attending events organized by other departments, rather than leading initiatives with a clear vision or long-term goals.
Unfortunately, the situation became more difficult when challenges arose in my relationship with the supervisor. Without clear communication or explanation, my practicum was eventually cut short. This was a very discouraging and frustrating experience, and at the time, it felt like a major setback in my academic journey.
Despite this, I chose not to let this experience define my learning. Instead, I sought out other opportunities to continue growing and contributing. I began volunteering with the Lana Sky Collective Studio, and this experience was incredibly meaningful. Unlike my practicum placement, there was a clear sense of purpose and direction. Working with individuals experiencing homelessness and vulnerability helped me connect deeply with the reasons I chose this field of study. It reminded me that social justice is not just theoretical it is about real people and real challenges.
I also volunteered at the North Shore Food Bank, where my responsibilities included organizing donations, packing food, and maintaining the space. This experience gave me a sense of structure and allowed me to interact with community members in a supportive environment. In addition, I volunteered at Oasis Church during the Easter period, where I helped prepare and distribute food and gifts to people in need. Being part of an initiative that directly supported the community was both humbling and fulfilling.
Looking back, although my initial practicum experience was difficult, it led me to more meaningful opportunities that aligned with my values and goals. These experiences helped me grow both personally and professionally, and they reinforced my commitment to working with and supporting vulnerable populations. I believe everything I went through was part of a larger learning process. Even the challenges taught me resilience, adaptability, and the importance of seeking out spaces where I can truly make a difference.
Overall, this journey has shown me that learning does not only happen in structured settings it also happens through lived experiences, challenges, and the choices we make moving forward.