Talia Siobhan

Anthropology (2nd Year)

MLCS 210, Fall 2024, Dr. Ann de León

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

I worked with Change Reality VR Education with our creative director, Jeremiah Levine, who is developing a virtual reality training tool to encourage more men to confidently involve themselves in cases of harassment against (Indigenous) women.  My group was tasked with creating marketing materials to promote the initiative toward our target audience, and I was asked to design a logo that would be added to each of these materials.

What was the biggest takeaway from your CSL placement?

I've especially come to appreciate the possibilities technology offers in creating a sense of interconnectedness between people.  Change Reality is deeply embedded within the relationship between humans and new media, and interacting in the digital scape is a core component of its interface.  Implementing virtual reality technology provides an interactive approach to the educational aspect while preserving its initial purpose.  By design, it is not intended to distance ourselves from one another, but to unite and encourage us to have a stronger sense of community.  That's what the CSL opportunity is to me, a chance to involve yourself in the community and explore a passion that is meaningful to you. 

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

As someone who works with the public, I am more confident in recognizing and de-escalating potentially unsafe scenarios.  I feel empowered with what I’ve learned from the experience with the VR training, and I feel assured that I can play an essential role in mitigating potential conflict.

Why should students consider being involved with CSL, and how does it enhance their academic learning?

CSL is where school, community, and advocacy initiatives offer the chance to facilitate a positive experience for the individuals and organizations that partner with the University as a part of this program.  I highly recommend this opportunity for students to navigate networking and apply their classroom learning to real-world discussions to enhance the concepts they study.  By taking our learning outside of the classroom, we are able to transform our knowledge into wisdom.

There's something for everyone!

How has receiving the Student Equity Award been a supportive avenue for you?

Receiving this scholarship allowed me the financial feasibility to continue applying myself to University programs that take me outside of the classroom!  Thanks to the Student Equity Award, I will be going to France as a part of the immersive French program, La Rochelle, to further my degree. This recognition was a significant financial contribution and an investment in my future career, for which I am ever so grateful. 

Talia recieved a CSL student equity award! With support from the Co-operative Education and Work-Integrated Learning Canada (CEWIL Canada) and the Canadian federal government, CSL awards scholarships to equity-deserving students for their successful participation in an official CSL course.