Charlotte McEwen
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Cornwall, ON
My path to Lakehead began here, in Thunder Bay, throughout those summers spent here with family. The eventual decision was rational, as the nursing program here has a reputation for excellence, but emotional, too: I knew I was in the right place when I came to take a tour in the spring of 2012 and fell in love with the campus and university community.
I chose the BScN program because it offers the unique combination of the sciences that I love and practical applications of skill in the clinical setting. I am honored to work with and learn from the excellent health care professionals here in Thunder Bay, and these shared experiences have enriched my learning.
I think the biggest challenge facing students today is balancing the many competing demands of the university environment. As a student nurse it can initially be overwhelming when we’re asked to simultaneously prepare for clinical placements, maintain academic focus, engage in the university’s community, and become involved in the greater community. The process of learning to balance these demands teaches us to organize and prioritize. This last year in particular, I have experienced challenges that threw off my balance and forced me to adapt my practice. My family has been a great source of strength and support throughout this learning experience.
It is my position that the most important learning we do is outside of the classroom, and the most interesting things I’ve learned have been through interaction with other students. One of my favorite things to do is sit down to a meal in the cafeteria with various members of the residence life team and listen to them share their knowledge and perspective on every subject under the sun, from the latest hockey game result to international affairs. Education is sometimes thought about as a cold construct, filled with facts and reason, but it’s a concept that I’ve come to believe is warm and alive, exemplified by the sharing of information between people.
Right now, the focus of my involvement has been with the University community as a Resident Assistant with Lakehead University Residence Life. As a part of that team, I’m a resource person for students throughout residence, and ultimately we are responsible for supporting the safety and security of those students. The job description is pretty wide and specific duties vary, but the most essential part of our role is that of mental health support through personal interaction, suicide awareness and crisis intervention. I have specific training in mental health support, including crisis intervention and one-on-one support, and I’ve used those skills many times this past year.
My main focus as a Resident Assistant, aside from meeting its many daily demands, has prepared me for health promotion. This has been realized through communication with students including information and awareness campaigns, collaboration with team members to create events on topics such as safe alcohol behaviors and positive body image, and leadership of a fitness challenge that ran throughout residence. It is my position that if students start effective health behaviors during their university years, those effects will ripple outward for the rest of their lives.
I am also a regular volunteer with the Lakehead University Student Union Food Bank, run by Adrian Arts. This non-profit center provides food and supplies to students in need, and supports many in the university community. In the community, I volunteer with the Canadian Heart and Stroke foundation as a member of the skipping team, a group that connects with students in elementary schools to promote physical fitness and fun.
I don’t yet know what the future will hold, but right now it will be completing my undergraduate degree and then pursuing more education. I do know that I love learning, working and interacting with people, and challenge, and I think that will lead me to where I’m meant to go.