Vivian Lai-Bui

Bachelor of General Science, Psychology Major, Biology Minor, 4th Year

Course: PSYCO 423 (Winter 2022) with Instructor Dr. Wendy Hoglund

Who was your community partner and can you describe the project objectives?

Braided Journeys - Aimed to cultivate student success in their educational journey, especially towards a focus on Indigenous students in the Edmonton Catholic School district. 

What was your biggest takeaway from your CSL placement? 

I was able to apply my knowledge and concepts learned in class to the real-world setting. It was wonderful to be able to interact with other people in person, to be able to see peer relationships happening and observe peer networks and groups within adolescence, especially early junior high which is a crucial transitional and social phase for students. I was also able to form meaningful connections with the students with my time there as they began to get more familiar with me! 

How can you apply any newly gained knowledge/skills to your future endeavours (courses/employment/volunteering)?

By being able to gain more experience in interacting with individuals of various age groups, these communicative skills can transfer into other future fields of work or volunteering and more. Additionally, by being able to see the differences in each individual and where they came from, their story, it helps me realize and celebrate the diversities of everyone through any setting!

What are some of the ways that COVID-19 has affected your community partner or your placement? 

Initially, I was nervous that it would be online and usually, video calls through zoom may be a little awkward as it leaves room for minimal interaction. Prior to restrictions being lifted, schools were online so it leaves little opportunities for Braided Journeys to help students. However, now that schools are in person, the program was able to go back to normal, which allowed me to come in and get to meet and see people and build more genuine interactions!