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Equity, Diversity & Inclusion

Equity, Diversity & Inclusion

Because together, we can make sure there’s room for everyone’s story.

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Welcome

Equity, diversity and inclusion are the foundations of creating safe, welcoming and engaged environments. This topic is integral to personal development, as you you are sure to foster a stronger sense of empathy and respect after reading through these heartfelt and informative pieces.

The Latest

Student hiding behind a pile of books
The Student Life Balancing Act

Finding balance in university is surely one of the greatest challenges a student faces. Shanice believes that communication is key to maintaining stress levels and living a balanced life.

a lotus blooming
Understanding Sexual Violence: A Graduate Student's Perspective

Why is understanding sexual violence important as a graduate student? SFU PhD candidate, Aynsley Pescitelli, discusses some of the unique factors that create barriers to disclosure for graduate students. 

poster calling out justice for Colten and Tina
We Deserve More

We deserve more and so do our Indigenous youth. The justification of our suffering needs to stop.

A photo of Heather Prost in the recording studio
Making Space
Injustice Anywhere is a Threat to Justice Everywhere
Why Doesn’t Canada Have a Disabilities Act?

It is 2018 and Canada has not yet implemented adequate protection and legislation for people with disabilities. When it comes to equality for all, Canada is falling far behind. In this article, Jien discusses the research and reality of why Canada needs a Disabilities Act.

We Can Do It!
How to Satisfy Your Inner Activist

When people think about social justice, they think of things like protests or hunger strikes, but the options don’t end there. These volunteer organizations can help you satisfy your inner activist.

Photo of Tony Botelho and Albert Fung
How Volunteering Can Help You: With Tony Botelho and Albert Fung

In this article, Jien discusses volunteerism through Tony Botelho and Albert Fung of SFU’s Career and Volunteer Services. Read more to explore the benefits of volunteering for students with and without disabilities.

Jien Hilario photo
What’s in a Name? Coming to Terms With Labelling Myself as a Person With a Disability

If you were to see Jien on campus, you wouldn’t know that she had a disability. She does not use a wheelchair nor does she have a seeing eye dog. She has an invisible disability. In this article, Jien shares her journey on how she came to terms with labeling herself as a person with a disability. 

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Disclosing Disability

Living with a mental illness or any invisible disability comes with many challenges. One of the most prominent is whether or not one should disclose their status to others. In this article, Jien discusses her experience disclosing her disability with her employer for the first time. 

a different perspective by holding up a sphere against a background
Nondisabled Privilege: What is it?

Privilege shapes our world in both visible and "invisible" ways. Jien discusses the ways in which privilege is granted to the non-disabled, and how acknowledging this privilege is one way we can all help. 

a person standing on top of a hill staring at the horizon
How Volunteering Helped Me Expand My Career Options

Trying new things and volunteering to help your community can open up new options and ideas, some of which can be life-changing, and may direct you down a path that you never imagined you would be on. 

a portrait of the author
Bringing Visibility to Disability

Communication student and former Career and Volunteer Services staff, Katerina Cookson, sits down with Blogger Jien Hilario to talk about her mental health journey and resources available to SFU students. 

A photo of a group of people gathered together for orange shirt day
Orange Shirt Day: Remembering the Horrors of Residential Schools

Three SFU students reflect on their experience as volunteers at the City of Surrey's commemoration of Orange Shirt Day.

A group of friends posing for a photo
Keep Sight of Your Purpose

As many university students know, the start of many major projects begins with a very simple thing -- procrastination. And that is definitely what Jeremiah did before departing for their co-op term in South Korea. However, they soon found that when it comes to teaching you have to have a plan. Read Jeremiah's story to learn more about Teach and Learn in Korea!

Students in the TaLK program
Student Life vs. Teaching Life: And Everything in Between

This is the story of how one Psychology and Criminology student went from being a diligent undergraduate at SFU to a fun-loving English teacher in South Korea. Read Queenie's story to learn more about how you can Teach and Learn in Korea, too!

A photo of the author in a field
How to Approach the World

On my first day of work, I woke up too early, rehearsed too much, and imagined too many scenarios which didn’t end up happening. I thought, “What if the students don’t listen to me? What if they don’t like my lesson? What if they don’t like ME!?” Looking back at my experience teaching English in South Korea, it’s funny to think that I began my new life plagued with all of these worries. 

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Becoming Globally Engaged

Being an international student at SFU is not easy as there aren't many opportunities to meet other students. The Global Student Centre welcomes all, hosting events that bring students together to celebrate diversity and create intercultural awareness. 

A photo of the author
My Life as an International Student: Becoming Different in a Different Culture

If you are an international student struggling with language and culture barriers in Canada, you are not alone. Liu Siyu, is a fourth-year international student here to share her stories about study, work, and career. 

picture of mount fuji in the distance
Co-op in Japan: Traversing Cultures

After finishing two co-op semesters in Canada, Health Sciences student Samantha Lui wanted to take things farther and ventured off to Japan for eight months as a Research Assistant with the Kao Corporation. Find out how she successfully transitioned into a new environment whilst exploring every part of this exciting country.     

Someone walking along a railway track towards the horizon
Overcoming Cultural Pressures in University: A Personal Journey

Read Henna's story on how she overcame career pressure and her journey of career and interest exploration!

Image of the Author during the Internship
Learning to Teach and Not Just Treat Patients

As a Laser Therapist/Clinic Office Assistant, Kim discovered that learning occurs every day and everywhere. Not only did she apply knowledge from school, but researched and learned about the different patient conditions she treated, teaching patients about their conditions and care. Read on to find out about her co-op experience. 

Image of the Author
My Journey of Indigeneity (From a Non-Indigenous Perspective)

In this blog, I take you through my personal life story from immigrating to Canada, working and living in a rural First Nations community, to finding a sense of belonging and a second identity, which has forever changed the way I will view the world.

Author's front profile. He is wearing a blue half-sleeves shirt and black square framed glasses. He is standing in front of a blue building and some foliage.
A Humbling First Experience

On the first day of school, your hearts racing, sweat is forming across the forehead and you're nervous beyond belief. Now imagine attending school as a co-op student on your first work term at Mediated Learning Academy - That's exactly how Andrew felt. Read about his experience with MLA!

Author and her young male student smiling at the camera and holding up tennis balls in both hands.The picture is set in a field with trees in the background.
Making a Difference: My Co-op Experience as a Child Life Specialist

Emily, a Health Sciences Co-op student, worked for Western Society for Children (WSFC) as a Child Life Specialist. This allowed Emily to see the ability within disability, and realize that anyone has the power to make a difference. Read Emily's article to find out more about WSFC, and how good intentions lead to meaningful impacts!

(Left) Yassemi's profile. (Right) Title of the blog with three circles underneath it.
An Experience Learning with Kids with Special Needs

Saba did her very first co-op work term at the Mediated Learning Academy. In this post, she shares her experiences working with children between the ages of 6 to 9 with special needs and the things she learned with them along the way.

A photo of the author
The Way You See The World: Culture and Communication

Communication and interaction are fundamental parts of everyday life and a person’s ability to communicate and interact has a major impact on their well-being, happiness, and success. In this post, Akanksha shares her own experiences at the intersection of culture and communication.

A photo of the author at work
Discovering Abilities with Developmental Disabilities Association

Since applying to the Kinesiology program at SFU, Lois knew one day they wanted to work as an Occupational Therapist. They spent time volunteering in recreation-based work, but when it came time to apply for a co-op, Lois decided to expand into the realm of teaching life skills.

Custom Indigenous Banner
Indigenous Student Cultural House

The Indigenous Student Centre has collaborated with Residence and Housing to pilot the Indigenous Student Cultural House (ISCH), a new living and learning community available SFU Residence (Burnaby Campus).

Deborah
Indigenous Career Journey Stories: Deborah L. Smith

"The road has been a long one and filled with many stops and starts. I would say never be afraid of having to do things over and over again because failure is not weakness or "bad". It's a way to know how to move forward." Read more to follow Deboarah's story.