Tell us a little bit about yourself.

Much can be inferred from this confession: I have always preferred winter to summer. I suspect few others feel that way, but to borrow a phrase from Wallace Stevens, I just “must have a mind of winter.”

How long have you been at ULethbridge, and what do you do here?

I joined ULethbridge in 2018 as an Instructor with the Academic Writing Program (AWP), a program which includes operating our Writing Centres (in Lethbridge and Calgary). The course I teach is Writing 1000: Introduction to Academic Writing. I also teach a writing course called Writing 520: Preparation for Academic Writing in the Indigenous Student Success Certificate program (ISSC). I’m now the Coordinator of the AWP (I began this role just a few weeks ago), and I’m sure this will involve a learning curve, but as Goya reminds us as we walk past the main entrance to the Library and UHall, “I am still learning.”

What's the best part of your job?

My colleagues in the AWP are compassionate, collegial and resilient, and I’m glad that I work with them.  

Another wonderful part of my job is teaching Indigenous students in the ISSC.  Being a small part of their journey has been a big part of my own journey here at Iniskim.

As well, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the University of Lethbridge Faculty Association. I began volunteering with the Association a year or two ago, and I’m always impressed by the care and dedication of ULFA’s staff and the other faculty who volunteer. 

Let me add a few other things I love about the campus:

·      The Dr. Margaret (Marmie) Perkins Hess Gallery and the programs they offer throughout the year are fantastic and ought to be celebrated. 

·      Our library is beautiful.  Fiat lux indeed. 

·      Of course, I must mention the rattlesnakes that sun themselves on the concrete patio by the cafeteria. You can eat beside venomous reptiles here. Sandwiches and danger — now that’s a lunch break. 

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?   

Samuel Beckett was once asked a variation of that question, and I believe his answer went something like: "sit on my arse, fart, and think of Dante." That seems like a fine way to spend a few idle hours.