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Location: Saint Mark’s Summit
Current Location: My Home Workspace
Over the last six months and the summer semester of my final year at university, it has certainly been a challenge for me to gather motivation for writing and working in primarily non-academic settings. The transition to virtually conducted course work and limited access to academic study spaces has been one of the many challenges that the COVID-19 pandemic has manifested for me in my daily life. I could have never imagined that I’d be spending my final eighteen months of degree reading, writing and learning from a desk in my bedroom. Having to work tirelessly on my self-accountability and time management skills has been a blessing in disguise, as many opportunities in the professional world are now incorporating elements of remote work. Although I am not yet finished my undergraduate degree at SFU, I am excited at the prospect of pursuing post-graduate studies or work in a professional setting with this mindset honed and well-practiced.
The past six months have been a transitional period for me. On March 10th of this year, I was travelling to Birmingham, Alabama for the NCAA Division II Indoor Track and Field Championships with my SFU teammates and coaches. Less than two days later we were told the event had been cancelled, and were soon bombarded with virtual rumours of Canadian border closures. The next morning, we made the journey back to Vancouver distraught with concern for our health and safety, disappointed at the loss of our championship we had trained so hard for. I reflect now on the defeat that I felt, and am grateful for the change in perspective that it gave me. The COVID-19 pandemic has opened my eyes to my identity as an academic university student and empowered woman, and helped me separate my self-worth from my abilities and performances as an athlete. Distance running will always hold a special place in my heart, from the fire it lights inside my chest to the the many life-long connections I have made with peers and teammates. However, I am excited to pursue my passion for sustainability and enter into the post-university chapter of my life feeling at peace with sport as a part of my lifestyle. During the next year, I look forward to channeling my enthusiasm and drive full-time into my career-related goals, and this space is a step towards that.
In terms of writing, my experience lies primarily in academic-style pieces, due to the nature of my university studies and course work load. Consequently, I have created this space as a portfolio-style creative outlet for my writing on sustainability-related issues, and contributions to promoting sustainable businesses and initiatives I am passionate about supporting. I am hopeful that this page creates opportunities for me to connect and collaborate with sustainability-focused organization, projects and businesses, sharing their stories and supporting their missions.
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