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

My hometown is outside of Truro, Nova Scotia. My program is a bachelor's degree in Sociology/Anthropology with a minor in Indigenous Studies. I'm in my fourth year, and I will be graduating in May. My mother went to UPEI, and it's relatively close to my hometown and family. I really love UPEI's small size and how I can get close to my professors. My small program allows me to meet with my peers, receive attention from my teachers, and build connections.

What do you find unique and interesting about your major and minor programs and classes?

Something that I find unique about my program, along with my minor, is understanding more about people who are not like myself. My worldview has been broadened and allows me to see things from other points of view. I also think that it teaches me a lot about the world that I live in and how I am affected by society and the people around me. Learning to think critically is essential to my degree.
 

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

The support that I have received at UPEI has been amazing. My classmates and peers are essential in my learning environment, and our small program has created a small community. My instructors have been the same. Not only are they kind, intelligent, and supportive, but they also enjoy speaking to students on a personal level. I have made connections with my teachers and faculty members, which have certainly helped my learning here.

"UPEI is one of the only schools in Canada with an Indigenous faculty, and it's having such a positive impact on me. We are very involved in school events, and it's such a welcoming community that welcomes everyone of all backgrounds. Knowing the history of our country is essential, and UPEI has begun a long journey to reconciliation."

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

Something unique about PEI that I have had a good experience with is the strong Indigenous presence here. UPEI is one of the only schools in Canada with an Indigenous faculty, and it's having such a positive impact on me. We are very involved in school events, and it's such a welcoming community that welcomes everyone of all backgrounds. Knowing the history of our country is essential, and UPEI has begun a long journey to reconciliation.

I think just as I said earlier, UPEI offers a small community that allows for connections to your peers. This is similar to PEI as a whole. It's a small island, and there are many people with whom you can build relationships. The scenery and vibe of the Island are incredible, especially during the warmer seasons. Sun, seafood and, of course, potatoes!

What would you tell a high-school student considering UPEI?

The faculty members and instructors are amazing, and there is such a strong community here and a small program can benefit students in many ways. It is also the place where I 'became an adult' and learned to be a continuing member of society. It is a safe place to make mistakes and learn from them.

How do you feel UPEI has prepared you for your future?

UPEI has prepared me well for the future. The bubble that I've lived in has been between adulthood and childhood. It has allowed me to flourish safely, being far enough away from my hometown, while also only being a couple hours away. There is independence while also not being "thrown to the sharks". The teachers have also allowed me to succeed, guiding me while also not babysitting me. The teachers and friends that I've connected with are connections that I will carry for the rest of my life.