Janet Lee

What education have you taken?

I am currently studying in Brandon University’s Education department. This is my first year studying Education in the After-degree program. Prior to my enrolment in this department, I completed a 3-Year Bachelor’s degree at BU with a major in Zoology and a minor in Chemistry.

What accomplishments are you proud of?

Personally, I am most proud of my work in our community. To me, community life and spirit are especially important in establishing relationships and friendships, and raising one’s own sense of belonging, confidence, and esteem. I began to volunteer when I was 16 years old. Since then, I have volunteered at numerous locations including the Brandon Regional Health Center. Currently, I am donating my time to two main organizations: Westman Immigrant Services and St. John Ambulance.  When I first began to volunteer I did not realize that I would enjoy contributing to the community so much. But with the experience that I have gained throughout the years, I have grown to respect community life greatly.

Tell me about yourself/ your background/ your history.

My background traces all the way to Hong Kong. I was born in Hong Kong, but I immigrated to Canada when I was hardly a year old. My first place of residence in Canada was Brandon, MB and I have lived here ever since. I am grateful to call Canada home.

How did you become interested in your field of study?

My desire to become a high school teacher originated from my love of Biology, my good experiences in high school, and my natural tendency to help others that are in need of my help. To be quite honest, I never really thought that I would walk along this path to become a teacher. It was the teaching opportunities that I had during my elementary, high school, and university years that spurred me to choose this path.

I began peer tutoring in elementary school and high school unofficially when my fellow classmates were encountering difficulties with math. I was not convinced that I could tutor because I too was just a student. But as I taught I thought, ‘hmm… this isn’t too bad!’ I felt wonderful after my first teaching experience, because I was able to make a difference for my friend. After that experience, I never hesitated to teach another classmate of mine. My interest naturally grew from that point into university.

I began to accept teaching assistant positions in the lab with my Calculus I and General Chemistry Lab professors. I also tried my hand at teaching the Anatomy and Physiology Lab course as an instructor. It was a very challenging but a very enjoyable and valuable experience. This is how I became an Education student.

What is your philosophy in life?

This is an interesting question. At my current stage of life, I am constantly creating, shaping and reshaping my philosophies about life itself. I find this question quite funny in that I do not have an immediate answer nor a single answer that would fully satisfy all of my philosophies.

Generally, I believe that happiness, success, and hard work go hand-in-hand. I do not believe that one is more important than the other. All three are equally important. For example, being successful does not necessarily mean becoming a happier individual. Nor does working hard make you a successful person. All three are essential to one’s life and I believe that a person should and could enjoy all three to achieve anything that they want.

I also believe that life is not quite fulfilled without one’s family, friends and significant other. Always cherish one another and your own self to fully enjoy life.

Where do you see yourself in the future?

Who knows what the future will bring? I hope that I will be able to find an occupation that will be enjoyable and provide a wealth of opportunities to contribute back to our community.

Nominator’s Comments:

Janet Lee graduated last year with a major in Biology and applied for and was accepted into the Faculty of Education.  This year Janet applied to medicine at University of Manitoba and has earned an interview.  As well as being a teaching assistant in biology labs and active in student groups, she was a founding member of the Brandon University Saint John Ambulance Brigade.  Through her volunteering and dedicated efforts, Janet exemplifies a social activist.