Alumni Testimonial

I knew I wanted to work towards a degree from University of Winnipeg but until I researched the Developmental Studies program, I did not realize that it complemented my Red River College diploma so well. I decided on a  major in Dev Studies because of the options of in class and online supports. I enjoyed the options and flexibility of the Humanities and Science courses while still having the set course requirements within the degree.

Because of the program, I was able to participate in the practicum of my dreams! Going to Churchill opened opportunities within my current role as a director. I have made professional connections with northern directors who are aligned with the Indigenous teachings that our centre follows. It also has created opportunities for me to public speak and present on a number of topics. At the university, I have presented to other educators during WestCast and spoken about leadership and mentoring. I have spoken at conferences in Ontario and Winnipeg that support multiple First Nations around leadership and mentoring as well as staff leadership models.

My advice for current students in the program is to speak with other students during Community Day and do group work with someone you don't know. It is an opportunity to put a face to the name with someone you may have only seen during online classes. This connection is critical when students are struggling or to forge professional relationships. There is a vast knowledge base of students that could make the learning experience richer and provide valuable professional connections once classes are complete. 

After graduating , I will continue as director of Makoonsag and continue to champion reconciliation with all people. As well, I have engagements with organizations to present and share my knowledge with them. This is extremely rewarding and I feel it is an excellent example of how organizations value degrees. 

My experience has led me to this point which now only feels as it's a springboard to do much more. I want to be a great ambassador for the Dev Studies program so I will take my responsibility seriously as an alumni. I speak about the strengths of the degree program to our staff here at Makoonsag and to other directors. 

Because of this program, I have been able to grow in various roles as an educator and had the opportunity to travel and experience many things. Through my practicum, I was able to really see how integral childcare programs are in various communities in Manitoba. As a senior research assistant for Dr. Dunnington, I was able to see all the work that goes into what makes a program high quality and the role pedagogical mentorship plays in educator burnout.

To current students I would advise that they take all that they can from the program, engage in every discussion, resource and assignment. Think about not only achieving a higher classification in your career field, but also a higher understanding of yourself in the role you've chosen as an educator. Use this program to truly explore the field and think deeper into what person you want to be and the world you wish to see in the future.

There are various pathways that present themselves to those who graduate this program, whether social work, administration, education, or government is your calling there are many future opportunities. For me, I can see obtaining my Masters in Child Development from UBC, or exploring a career in education in my future. One thing is for sure, I am so unbelievably grateful for my short time at the University of Winnipeg and hopefully you haven't seen the last of me yet.

The opportunity to take classes related to the field of ECE was great but what surprised me was how much I enjoyed the opportunity to also take a variety of classes from other programs. These courses opened my eyes to new perspectives, and I learned so much about myself in the process. Along with those new perspectives came new opportunities, for example, I had classes that focused on newcomer populations that I really enjoyed. This eventually led to an opportunity to work at great non-profit with newcomer and refugee children and youth where I was able to offer my knowledge and expertise in child development. Even though my elective courses had no relation to the program, in my mind, I was noticing a connection to the field of ECE, and it felt exciting!

With each new experience, my perspective on the field of Early Childhood Education continues to evolve. Graduating from the Developmental Studies program, I knew that in theory, this work was important. My heart wanted to believe that it was important, but deep down, as a young graduate trying to find my place in the world, I so badly wanted to feel successful. Unfortunately, I was still listening to the dominant narrative that society had been telling about this field for so long, and I was letting that define how I saw myself. I am so glad that I continued to follow this path and today, can confidently say, not only with theory, but with my whole heart and being, that this field is indisputably important. This is a field that changes lives every single day. Not only for children, but for families, communities, and societies and what could be more important than that?  

With my BA in Developmental Studies, I was accepted into the Master of Arts in Early Childhood Studies at Toronto Metropolitan University. I then had the opportunity to relocate to Toronto and eventually graduate with an MA degree – something I never planned on doing! Completing my MA, gave me the knowledge, confidence, and motivation to teach ECE students in my current role.

I am so grateful for my educational and personal journey, I never could have predicted that this would have been my path, and I never would have gotten here without the Developmental Studies program.