Follow Kamryn Sawa (BHSc ‘26) and her experience at her addictions and mental health counselling practicum at Fleetwood Bawden Elementary, which culminated in a farewell ceremony celebrating her hard work and dedication.
“Pursuing this path is not just a career choice but a personal commitment to empathy, understanding and meaningful change.”
Read to learn more about how her personal experiences instilled the desire to support others on their healing journey.
Meet Kamryn | Empathetic. Passionate. Open-minded.
Program: Bachelor of Health Sciences (BHSc)
Why did you choose your program of study?
My decision to pursue a program in addictions and mental health counselling at the University of Lethbridge is deeply rooted in my personal experiences. Throughout my life, I have witnessed firsthand the realities of addiction and mental health struggles affecting people I care about. Growing up in a home with a loved one who struggled with addiction for many years was both confusing and challenging, especially as a young child trying to make sense of it. I often felt a strong urge to help but did not understand how.
I have come to understand that healing is not limited to one person — it affects everyone connected to the journey. Both individuals and their support systems face emotional, mental and sometimes physical challenges. Being able to support others through their healing process is incredibly meaningful to me.
How have your professors or mentors influenced your learning and personal growth?
What has impacted me most is their willingness to share their own lived experiences, which is something that requires vulnerability, courage and deep authenticity. I am deeply grateful for their openness, as hearing their stories has not only expanded my understanding of addiction and mental health, but has also shown me the importance of leading with honesty and compassion.
I am especially thankful for my practicum mentor, Alex Ann Mulner, the teacher counsellor at Fleetwood Bawden Elementary, who showed me what it means to show up every day with a smile and a genuine passion for understanding children. Alex Ann provided me with an abundance of opportunities throughout my practicum, and I am very grateful for the time, guidance and trust she invested in me. Her mentorship has shown me the power of simply being present with someone without judgment, and it continues to shape how I show up for others as I move forward on this path.
What has been your most memorable or meaningful experience at ULethbridge so far?
My practicum experience was the most meaningful part of my time at ULethbridge. It gave me the opportunity to step into the mental health field in a hands-on way and learn directly from professionals who have dedicated many years to this career. Through this experience, I developed a deep and growing passion for supporting children’s mental health, particularly during my time at Fleetwood Bawden Elementary.
My practicum supervisor, along with the staff, students and my ULethbridge liaison (Erin Kardolus (BHSc ’15, MEd ’19)), each contributed to my growth in different ways and helped shape my understanding of what it means to support children in a thoughtful, responsive and compassionate way. I was very fortunate to receive a final farewell and thank-you assembly, which is something I will always remember as a core moment in my university experience.
I was also able to contribute to advocating for children and youth mental health through the opportunity to represent Fleetwood Bawden Elementary and ULethbridge on the news, sharing insight into what children’s mental health can look like in schools.
“Overall, my practicum was a defining experience in my time as a ULethbridge student. It strengthened my passion, shaped my goals and confirmed my commitment to working in the field of children and youth mental health.”
Who has inspired you and how?
My parents have been my greatest source of inspiration and continue to shape who I am today in very meaningful ways. My dad is one of the most caring and supportive people I know. I have learned so much about compassion through him, especially in the way he treats every person with kindness and respect, regardless of circumstance. From him, I have learned that your circumstances do not define your worth, and that kindness is something you choose to carry, even through difficult times.
My mom is a very driven woman who has shown me what it means to be loving, resilient and confident. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated the importance of doing your best no matter the situation. She has also shown me that the way people treat you does not define your value; it is the way you choose to move forward that truly matters. I continue to be inspired by how strong she is, and she motivates me every day to strive to become a strong woman like her.
Both of my parents have shaped not only my values, but also the way I understand strength, resilience, compassion and love. I have always wanted to make them proud, but more than that, I carry a deep sense of gratitude for the way they have loved and supported me throughout my life.
How do you like to spend your time when you’re not studying or in class?
When I’m not studying or in class, I enjoy reading, golfing, spending time with family and friends and staying active. I’ve also worked at the Fitness Centre since my first year in 2021, where I’ve built meaningful friendships that have reshaped my understanding of support and connection. I also met my partner, who has encouraged and motivated me to grow into my best self, through this job. Together, we regularly use the Fitness Centre and have participated in intramural volleyball, which helped me maintain balance, well-being and a strong sense of community outside of academics.
What dreams, goals or plans are you most excited to pursue after your time at ULethbridge?
After completing my practicum at Fleetwood Bawden Elementary, my passion for working with youth has grown in a very meaningful way. This experience has been a huge part of my journey and has shaped both the person I am today and my career goals and personal values. What excites me most about my future after ULethbridge is the opportunity to continue working with youth in supportive and meaningful ways. I am drawn to being a consistent, safe presence for children and youth experiencing challenges, emotional struggles or difficult home environments.
“This practicum also showed me how important simple but genuine connection can be. I learned that often the most meaningful support begins with listening without judgment and meeting youth where they are.”
This has strengthened my interest in this field and helped shape how I hope to show up for others moving forward. Looking ahead, one of my long-term goals is to open a private practice, while continuing to gain experience in different settings that support children and youth.
What advice would you share with new students just beginning their ULethbridge journey?
I would tell new students that there are many different ways to get involved at ULethbridge, and it is worth exploring them early on. When I first entered university, I already had a foundation of friends from high school, as I am a Lethbridge local. Because of that, I initially found it intimidating to put myself out there and meet new people outside of that circle. As I progressed through my time at the university, I realized I wish I had opened myself up to new connections sooner. Some of the most meaningful experiences I had came from stepping outside of my comfort zone and engaging with others.
Overall, I would encourage new students to be open to new experiences, even if it feels uncomfortable at first, because some of the most important connections and memories come from simply putting yourself out there.
Kamryn is one of our many brilliant Health Sciences students.
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