It’s a common misconception that a small community means fewer opportunities. I would argue that the opposite can be true, especially here. I’m grateful for the intimacy of the B.U. campus and the range of experiences at my disposal.
University is full of possibilities, and if you take a smaller campus like B.U. The student experience becomes that much more personal and meaningful. With a smaller student body, there is an abundance of opportunities for every student. A chance for everyone to take part.
I transferred to Bishop’s three years ago, and from day one, I felt like I belonged. At Bishop’s, you are a person before a student. The University staff and faculty know me not by a student number. But by my name (and mine is not an easy one to pronounce). My double Major in Psychology and English has allowed me to foster relationships with my professors in both the Humanities and Social Sciences.
Gateways of a Gaiter
At Bishop’s, I’ve taken on a variety of roles. I’ve been a member of Gaiters Athletics, motionball, Big Buddies, Jr. Gaiters, the Charity Fashion Show, and many more.
As a student-athlete, I have been adopted into the athletics sea of purple that I now call family. I have worked alongside other student-athletes on the motionball committee, where we put on various events, such as Tipsy Yoga at the Gait, to raise funds and awareness for Special Olympics. After our latest Marathon of Sport, we raised over $20,000 for the Special Olympics Canada Foundation.
I’ve had the chance to engage with many people in the Lennoxville community. Through the Big Buddies and Junior Gaiters programs, I’ve spent time coaching and playing with children of all ages. The Lennoxville and District Community Aid organization has also allowed me to spend hands-on time with the charity volunteering with Meals on Wheels where I have seen the positive impact it has on seniors in my community.
When I finished playing soccer in my senior year of university, I was nervous that a part of me would feel empty. So, I embraced campus life more fully and joined as many clubs and committees as I could, and I haven’t looked back since. I learned how to write as a journalist for the Bishop’s student newspaper, The Campus. I also performed in the B.U. Charity Fashion Show as a dancer and model. The show raised over $37,000 for Lennoxville and District Community Aid, and it is one of my favorite memories here.
Bishop’s has offered opportunities that let me grow as an athlete, scholar, and artist. Through these roles, I’ve led others and learned just as much in return. I’ve collaborated with fellow students and been able to pursue novel experiences that I can grow from.
Finding my True North in the Southeast
Through my Psychology and English major, I’ve been able to stimulate my math and science brain as well as my love for language. One day I’m learning about brain functions and statistics, the next, I’m writing a poem or a children’s book. I have gotten to try a variety of courses and have been able to reflect on what suits me best. I’ve been challenged to think in different ways with an education that’s broadened across disciplines. I’ve learned how to write as an English scholar, as a researcher and scientist, as a journalist, and as a student speaking to my classmates. I believe the versatile repertoire of skills I’ve developed at Bishop’s will propel me forward in my future career.
