Category — Victoria

Victoria is a Vanier Social Science honours student majoring in International Studies. Coming from a Ukrainian-Armenian background, Victoria excels in languages, of which she currently speaks five. Her passion is languages and culture and this makes her especially suited for the International Education program as well as other social causes, including the Social Justice Committee.

Vanier was Victoria’s first choice because of the opportunity to volunteer for this project. Last year when visiting the school,she was encouraged by the 2007 student project to Malawi and determined that she would be a part of the next project. Determination and optimism are Victoria’s strongest traits and with them comes an affinity to learn, to build, and to be part of something larger. Her ability to easily work with people and connect with them deeply will ensure that she is an asset to the team. She has said of this opportunity: “You read about Africa, you know about it in a vague manner, but to actually experience it will be a learning and life-altering event.”

Victoria is aware that there will be a culture shock but she hopes that her interests in language and culture, as well as herwork as a dancer, an art form which can often communicate better than words, will create for an easier transition. Her goal is to not onlywork hard on this project but also to bring an awareness of contribution to the developing world to her peers at Vanier and in Canada. She hopes to inspire others to participate in activities that bring awareness to universal primary education for all. “We arethe next generation. Everybody says that past generations have robbed the earth of its resources and they are turning to us, the youth, to act. Canada is known for being a caring nation and has the privilege to serve as part of the world’s peace keeping forces.”

To see more pictures of Victoria, click on the link below:

http://www.vaniercollege.qc.ca/international-education/projects/vefa/malawi/victoria/index.html