What brought you to UPEI? Why did you choose to study here? 

I'm from Natoaganeg First Nation, New Brunswick and I chose UPEI mainly because of the Foods and Nutrition program. I knew that I wanted a degree that would keep my options open professionally. The program includes the option for a dietetic internship, which I didn’t end up pursuing, but having the option was really important for me. I liked that there was a clear pathway towards becoming a dietitian if I chose that path. UPEI is also one of the few accredited nutrition programs in the Maritimes, which was important as I didn’t want to move too far from home. I really liked the smaller campus and class sizes, I liked knowing that I’d be able to develop deeper relationships within my classes. 

What do you find unique and interesting about your programs? 

For me the most interesting part about the Foods and Nutrition program is how hands-on it is. For many classes, we get the chance to work directly in the community, allowing us the opportunity to apply our skills in real-world situations. I also really enjoy the food labs, where we get to work in the kitchen and develop food products. I think getting to take classes in the Indigenous Studies program is a very unique experience as an Indigenous student. Being able to study Indigenous history and worldviews, and Mi’kmaq language, in a university setting has been very meaningful to me, especially as it’s not something I always got to see growing up. I really value that the entire faculty are Indigenous, and from all different parts of Turtle Island, as they provide many different perspectives. The Indigenous Studies program also offers many opportunities, like the option to participate in a Maymester program. 

What kinds of support have you received during your time here from UPEI students, staff, and UPEI faculty members? 

Within my programs, my professors have always been approachable and genuinely supportive. Outside the classroom, the Mawi’omi Indigenous Student Centre was a great place for support. It often offered opportunities to participate in cultural activities, and anytime I needed guidance on things they would point me in the right direction. 

What opportunities have you experienced because you're studying at UPEI, or because of the Island location? 

One of the most meaningful opportunities I’ve experienced through UPEI was participating in the Indigenous Studies Maymester in Aotearoa, New Zealand. During this experience, I had the opportunity to learn directly from Māori communities and knowledge holders, and share our culture as well. I also had the opportunity to study abroad in Córdoba, Spain for a semester. From the very beginning of the experience, the Study Abroad Office at UPEI were incredibly supportive and knowledgeable. They made the process much more manageable and were always available to answer any questions. Living and studying in Spain pushed me outside of my comfort zone in a completely different way. Being immersed in Spanish daily gave me the opportunity to strengthen my language skills. Overall, both of these study abroad experiences widened my perspective and challenged me both personally and academically. 

What's unique about UPEI, and Prince Edward Island, in your experience? 

What feels unique about UPEI is the smaller class size. Over the semesters you really get the opportunity to develop close relationships within your class. PEI is a slower pace of life—being on an island is a unique experience in and of itself, especially because of the ocean and nature surrounding. You’re never far from the ocean or nature, on this small island. 

"One of the most meaningful opportunities I’ve experienced through UPEI was participating in the Indigenous Studies Maymester in Aotearoa, New Zealand. During this experience, I had the opportunity to learn directly from Māori communities and knowledge holders, and share our culture as well."

What would you tell a student considering UPEI and the BSc in Foods and Nutrition and the Indigenous Studies minor programs? 

I would tell them that if you’re looking for a program where you want to make a deeper connection with your professors and peers UPEI is a great choice. The BSc in Foods and Nutrition is a very practical program, with a lot of hands on experience. It also offers a clear pathway to becoming a dietitian, but also leaves many doors open and is a degree that can allow you to to work in many different fields. The Indigenous Studies minor, adds an important perspective that I think both Indigenous and non-Indigenous students can benefit from. It offers a deeper understanding of histories, and systems that continue to shape Indigenous communities today. For Indigenous students, it can be meaningful to see your own culture and experiences reflected in higher education. 

How has UPEI prepared you for your future? 

I feel that UPEI has prepared me both academically and personally for what comes next. The Foods and Nutrition program has given me a strong scientific foundation and has allowed me to build practical skills through labs and community based projects. At the same time, the Indigenous Studies minor has influenced my understanding of health beyond Western view points. Studying abroad has opened me up to more global perspectives. It made me confident in my ability to adapt and communicate across cultures while engaging in international experiences.