Three Alumni Share How Thompson Rivers University (TRU) Prepared Them To Make A Difference In The World
Monique gray smith
Photo credit: Centric Photo
Smith, an award-winning author, consultant, and speaker, says her time as a student at TRU (then Cariboo College) laid the foundation for her way of thinking about the world. “It was such a safe place to land,” he emphasizes. “The classes were smaller, our teachers were very engaged and they treated us with dignity.”
She learned about tough topics like residential schools and AIDS in her first psychology class. “We were able to talk about difficult things and we learned that they don’t have to be social secrets. It was a door opener and I began to learn about aspects of the world. “
The ability to speak openly stuck with Smith, who is Cree, Lakota, and Scotsman. “That has been huge in my writing, speaking my truth,” he says. “What is my role, the role of my family and society to advance and defend humanity? TRU was the starting point for me to learn. “
Smith’s books, including his most recent novel, Tilly and the Crazy Eights (listed for Canada Reads 2021) shares indigenous experiences with themes of resilience, wisdom, hope and the teaching that love is medicine. “The university opens windows to the world. My writing reflects that early critical thinking and perspective taking that I experienced at TRU. “
Dean nelson
Nelson, TRU Honorary Juris Doctor and Distinguished Alumnus, produced the annual award-winning Whistler Pride and Ski Festival (2006-2018), founded the Pride House at the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics, and co-founded Mr. Gay World. The TRU faculty provided Nelson, a leader in tourism and LGBTQ activist, with the inspiration, motivation and confidence to succeed.
“When I reflect on what was special about my experience at TRU, it brings me back to the instructors and the accessibility of the deans,” he says. “A lot of them would pressure us to be better and think outside the box, to really stretch beyond our comfort zones.”
In particular, Nelson was mentored by former dean of tourism Philip Schettini. “He was truly an inspiration and constantly challenged me to do more. He and his team really helped mold me to be confident and face every challenge with both feet. “
At TRU, Nelson felt empowered to “be brave and courageous. It fails spectacularly, as this is where you learn in a safe environment. “His TRU network of fellow students and instructors became active for him to leverage throughout his career.” TRU has even helped me stay on track. in the most turbulent storms and it has allowed me to rise up and be the successful person that I am today. “
Kevin Loring
Photo credit: Ian Redd
A distinguished TRU alumnus, Loring has made great strides in Canadian arts and culture as a playwright, actor, instructor, and mentor. A member of the Lytton First Nation and Nlaka’pamux (Thompson) Nation, Loring has performed in numerous plays in Canada and is the artistic director of the Indian Theater at the National Center for the Arts. His award-winning works show indigenous stories.
Loring’s time at TRU helped him figure out what he was supposed to do. “As a young indigenous student coming to TRU right after high school, it took me a while to realize the career path I wanted to pursue. The smaller class sizes gave me a lot of access to my teachers and that helped me figure out what my interests were and how best to pursue them. “
In particular, it was through Associate Professor Ginny Ratsoy’s CanLit class that she first learned about the playwright Cree Tomson Highway’s play, Dry Lips Oughta Move to Kapuskasing. “I was assigned a monologue of the play to memorize and present to the class. I stood in front of that classroom and for a few minutes I “dropped down” and became the character. Then a miracle: my colleagues applauded. In that instant, I was hooked. “
The following semester, Loring enrolled in an introductory theater course and landed a role in his first play. “It was a small role where I only had one line. But it was these humble beginnings at TRU that led me to a career and a passion that has carried and sustained me to this day. “
Loring continues to pay through a fundraising campaign started by his indigenous arts organization, Savage Society. She is working with TRU to help Lytton students continue their education, following the devastating wildfire this summer in that community.
For more information on how you can find your TRU call, visit tru.ca.
Reference-www.macleans.ca