Meet Cameron Bluekens, a dedicated Bachelor of Arts student majoring in philosophy at the University of Lethbridge. Through curiosity, resilience, and a willingness to explore new ideas, Cameron has navigated an evolving academic journey that reflects her passion for learning and self-discovery. From presenting at the Undergraduate Philosophy Student Conference to mentoring peers, she has embraced every opportunity to grow and thrive within the ULethbridge community.
My academic plans have changed a few times in a relatively short period. However, that journey has really helped me to figure out where my deepest interests lie, where I excel, and which goals I want to achieve, academic and otherwise.
Meet Cameron | Inquisitive. Playful. Dedicated.
Program: Bachelor of Arts | Major: Philosophy
Why did you choose ULethbridge?
I chose the University of Lethbridge because it seemed like a great place to take my education to the next level after taking several courses at Lethbridge Polytechnic. I was very attracted by the many course offerings at ULethbridge that were aligned with my personal passions and interests, including philosophy, psychology, and religious studies. Choosing ULethbridge meant that I would have the opportunity to pursue these passions and interests more fully and intensely.
Did you know what you wanted to study before you came to ULethbridge?
Before I came to ULethbridge, I knew that I wanted to pursue religious studies, and chose that as my major when I started. Later on, I decided to switch my major to psychology. After a fair bit of deliberation in my third year, I decided to switch my major again, settling on philosophy. My academic plans have changed a few times in a relatively short period. However, that journey has really helped me to figure out where my deepest interests lie, where I excel, and which goals I want to achieve, academic and otherwise.
Please tell us about your experiential or work-integrated learning at ULethbridge.
I have spent some time as a peer tutor for our Philosophy and Logic Peer Help Centre. My three biggest takeaways (so far) have been:
1. A positive attitude is one of the most helpful things one can provide anybody
2. Having others trust you enough to seek help from you is a privilege and an honour
3. Some of the best personal learning opportunities come when one tries to help others learn.
What is your most memorable ULethbridge experience so far?
I have had several memorable experiences, but one that stands out is participating in the 2024 Undergraduate Philosophy Student Conference here at ULethbridge. I presented a philosophy paper that I had worked very hard on and was quite proud of. The amount of positive feedback I received from peers and faculty members was incredibly encouraging. It was also fun and exciting to see the great work that my peers had done and to share and celebrate that with them. By the end of the conference, I felt really "at home" in philosophy.
How have your professors impacted your education?
My professors have been indispensable sources of knowledge, mentorship, encouragement and inspiration. They have seen my potential and helped me realize what I can achieve. Their love of philosophy has further kindled my own. Their challenge to think critically has caused me to examine my personal views and the world around me more closely. As a result, I have been able to think more freely and recognize the incredible complexity of human beings and the universe.
There are so many aspects of life that are easy to leave unexamined despite the fact that we engage with them every single day and despite the fact that they are fundamental to how we think, behave, communicate and learn. Those things deserve whole-hearted, serious investigation: How does a word mean what it means? What is consciousness? What is knowledge? What is science? What makes statements true or false? What makes an object what it is? What factors should we consider when it comes to treating others well? To put it one way, my professors have helped teach me to take nothing for granted.
Cameron Bluekens is a bright, enthusiastic student with a keen interest in epistemology and a wonderful sense of humour! University classes and hallway conversations are greatly enriched whenever Cameron participates. — Dr. Victor Rodych, Department of Philosophy
Have you received any scholarships and awards?
To date, I have received the Arts & Science Award of Excellence, the Louise McKinney Post-Secondary Scholarship, the University of Lethbridge Scholarship, and the Gerald Trechka Memorial Scholarship. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all of the donors who have so graciously helped to fund my studies. Your generosity has provided me with the means to continue on in my academic career and to make my aspirations a reality. Thank you!
What do you like to do in your free time?
I enjoy going out for walks and listening to music (hard rock, punk, and metal). On the rare occasion, I like to write poetry or draw.
What are your hopes/plans for the future?
Ultimately, I would like to be a philosophy professor. It would be an absolute joy and a privilege to teach the subject that I love so much and which has had such a big impact on my life. I want to help others gain the valuable skills one can obtain from doing philosophy, and also to help others appreciate how important it is to think deeply about things we might often take for granted. Furthermore, I want to share some of the tremendously beneficial lessons and encouragement which I have received from my own professors.
What advice would you like to give those about to begin their journey at ULethbridge?
You are basically guaranteed to encounter ideas and perspectives in university that you haven't encountered before — don't be afraid to explore them! You never know which exciting paths they will lead you down or in what positive ways they might broaden your own personal worldview. Be curious!
Is there anything else you want to share with us about your decision to pursue a university degree?
Pursuing a university degree was one of the best decisions I have ever made. Being in university has been a life-changing experience. In my time at ULethbridge, I have grown tremendously as a person and have developed a strong sense of independence. I have gained new friends, tried new things, and created many positive memories. I have been given the tools, opportunities and assistance I need to succeed in my current and future endeavours. For all these things, I am very thankful.
Quick Answers
Favourite class: Theory of Knowledge
Favourite social activity at ULethbridge: I really enjoy having fun, interesting conversations during meetings with the Philosophy Club!
About Shining Students
Shining Students engage inside and outside of the classroom. What makes a student shine may differ from person to person, but they all share a passion for learning. They may be top students, involved in an innovative project, participating in ground-breaking research, playing Pronghorn athletics, fighting for social issues or all of the above! When students find something they enjoy and combine it with what they are good at, they shine.
Each year, the Faculty of Arts & Science's faculty and staff nominate students who exemplify the ULethbridge student spirit. Congratulations Cameron!