Volunteer Related Activity in Canada (on or off TRU campus)-5 points
Volunteer activity is the best way to integrate into the community and build a social network. That’s why I have been actively involved since my first semester at TRU. I registered as a volunteer with Volunteer Kamloops and Kamloops Immigrant Services. Additionally, I volunteered for various multicultural activities in Kamloops, such as Timeraiser, the Saint-Claus Parade, Canada Day, Tapestry, and the Kamloops Caribbean Food and Music Festival. I was also engaged in supporting and organizing art workshops, Yoga in the Park, and potlucks. As a Master of Education student, I seized opportunities to take on mentoring roles, including serving as a French volunteer teacher for beginner classes at KIS and providing computer mentoring.
During my volunteering engagement, I heightened my cultural awareness, participating in events like the Chinese New Year’s Eve party, dragon dance, and creating handicrafts like red pocket lanterns to share Chinese traditional culture. Simultaneously, I gained insights into different cultures, including Canada Day, Tapestry, Christmas traditions with Saint-Claus, and tropical Caribbean cultures. This experience helped me develop a better understanding of various customs, traditions, and perspectives. Interacting with people from diverse cultural backgrounds has been instrumental in breaking down my stereotypes and dispelling misconceptions. Leveraging my trilingual skills, I improved communication and understanding across cultures, and enhanced my adaptability and flexibility when working with individuals from different cultural backgrounds and broadening my perspectives.