Sheyenne Waal, a teacher candidate in the Faculty of Education, reflects on the workshops she attended as part of the uOGlobal recognition program’s first cohort. The program seeks to provide students with intercultural experiences, at home and abroad, to better prepare them to succeed in today’s global economy.
Different perspectives
The three uOGlobal workshops I attended introduced me to a range of ideas and skills that I look forward to applying in my future career as an educator. Leading up to the workshops, we completed activities in online modules to further our understanding of some main concepts. One section focused on the importance of understanding and reflecting on different perspectives. I found this beneficial. It reminded me that, as an educator, I will encounter students who bring diverse experiences, beliefs, values and customs into the classroom.
An interactive card game
We were also able to put our learning about diversity into practice through an interactive card game that sought to mirror the challenges people face relating to diverse groups with differing customs and values. The exercise both frustrated and intrigued us — and drove home the importance of being open and adaptable to differences.
Practical skills
The program provides participants with practical resources to further their careers and stand out as a professional in the global workforce. The third workshop addressed how to make a professional first impression, stressing the importance of a proper handshake, professional introductions (elevator pitches), and networking and making connections. The latter, in particular, is a beneficial skill for teachers given that building relationships is vital to creating a safe and welcoming environment for students.
Diverse backgrounds
The students taking part in the uOGlobal program also brought diverse backgrounds and experiences into the workshops. This program encourages you to think differently about how to understand and interact with others, from anywhere. We all have a range of skills to contribute to the global workforce. We learned to be more aware of our actions and how they situate us in the world as global citizens.
Insights and information
Interesting guest speakers shared insights about how international experiences had changed their own paths. For example, Gee-Gees women’s basketball team alumna and assistant trainer Rose-Anne Joly spoke about the projects in Togo and Haiti she has initiated as founder of Basket Plus. Her point that sometimes we have to create our own opportunities really resonated with me. Another speaker, Cynthia Allan, is an adviser with the University’s Career Development Centre. She gave us many useful tips and resources to guide us as we build our careers.
A global community
I highly recommend the uOGlobal program. The workshops alone provide a wonderful opportunity to meet students from all faculties across campus who share a passion for being involved in a global community.
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