Remember to take care of yourself during your post-secondary experience. It may sound simple, but it's the most important thing you can do for yourself. Treat yourself like a plant, get lots of sunshine, nutrient, air, and don't forget to hydrate.
First-year neuroscience student Rejoice Makiwa chose the University of Lethbridge because she heard we have a spectacular neuroscience program. When deciding which university to attend, Rejoice considered her interests and knew that the brain and how it functions was something she wanted to learn more about. Rejoice is participating in the Challenging Worldviews cohort of the Global Citizenship Cohort (GCC). As we near the end of the year, we wanted to catch up with Rejoice and learn more about her GCC experience.
What drew you to the Global Citizenship Cohort? Why did you apply?
I was drawn to the GCC because It would introduce me to a group of amazing individuals that would become familiar faces in other classrooms. Also, because it provided an opportunity to participate in thoughtful discussions with one another, I've loved getting to know other members of my cohort. Our conversations have greatly helped develop my critical thinking skills.
What has been your most memorable GCC experience?
It would have to be the debates between the Challenging Worldview cohort and the Environment and Culture cohort. I never thought that debating could be fun, but I loved hearing from the other cohort members about their views and enjoyed thinking about topics through a lens that might not be my own.
Why should future students participate in the GCC?
Future students should participate because the GCC provides a great way to be introduced to the multitude of courses available at the U of L while allowing you to make friends with a close group of people also taking that course. The GCC also will enable you to build upon skills such as communication and critical thinking.
Please describe your capstone project for the GCC.
For my project, I volunteered with an organization called Days for Girls. They are an organization that provides menstrual products for women and girls in need worldwide. I plan to sew up to 40 drawstring bags which is a resource that the organization provides their products within. I chose this project because of the issue of period poverty and how menstruation is often stigmatized, reducing talk about period poverty and the negative effects it can have on one's life. My project aims to break the barrier and allows conversations to happen while also providing aid to an organization that is definitely doing valuable work.
Is there someone specific who had an important influence on your uLethbridge experience? This can be a friend, mentor, staff or faculty.
I can't think of one person because all the staff and faculty at the U of L have positively influenced my experience. Thinking back to my first day of classes, I remember feeling nervous about taking classes online. Still, the staff here have adjusted to new life circumstances, and I'm grateful for the ability to continue learning.
What is the most important lesson you have learned this year in the GCC?
The most important thing I learned in the GCC is that often taking a chance at something you find interesting can bring great things. I was initially unsure about applying for the GCC, but it has been a wonderful experience, and I'm so glad that I took that chance to apply.
We are spending a lot more time at home now. What do you do to keep busy? Have you picked up any new hobbies?
I keep busy by being creative. I've recently started crocheting, cross-stitching and sewing. A great passion that has continued into this year is for my houseplants, which seem to multiply every time I close my eyes.
What advice would you give to students who are about to begin their post-secondary journeys?
Remember to take care of yourself during your post-secondary experience. It may sound simple, but it's the most important thing you can do for yourself. Treat yourself like a plant, get lots of sunshine, nutrient, air, and don't forget to hydrate.
The Faculty of Arts & Science Global Citizenship Cohort (GCC) offers a unique opportunity for students to connect some first-year courses around a common theme while interacting with a group of like-minded students. Learn more about the GCC.