|
" My name is Mack MacKenzie and I am a student in the post degree BSW Programme at St. Thomas University. In the few short months I have been attending STU, I can honestly say that all of the faculty members in my programme have motivated me, challenged me, stimulated me and even humbled me. They have enlightened me about important issues facing our society today, some of which I have never considered before. Without exception, all of my teachers have successfully managed to raise my consciousness about issues related to poverty reduction, homelessness, public policy, racial discrimination, political and ideological theory, structural components and foundations of community organisations and agencies, aboriginal inequities, dialogical relationships with consumers who are in front of us with a presenting problem, structural and systemic contributions to societal issues and even confronting my own internal and personal struggles with LGBTQ issues. Each of them in their own unique way has opened up my mind up to new ideas and challenged me to build on my own personal experiences. They have invited each of us to incorporate our own personal knowledge into the invigorating learning atmosphere which we have come to respect at STU. They have utilised the vast experiences and histories of my fellow students and encouraged each of us to share our own stories thereby contributing to the greater good and knowledge in the classroom setting. They have parked their ego at the door and shared with us their shortcomings, exposed us to their vulnerabilities and warmed us with their heartfelt stories about their own professional and/or personal experiences at home or in the field. They have laughed with us and they have cried with us. This labour dispute has been an inconvenience for the students but one which will not likely even register on our radar map when we gather as friends in ten years but it does affect the livelihood of our professors. It may even taint their image of the institution that many of us hold so dear. When this is finally resolved, we will need to be there for them to assist with their healing process. The wounds will be raw and deep for some of them. Our continued show of support and respect today and in the future will hasten that healing period. Tell them how you feel. Show them the support they have showed you. D. S. Mack MacKenzie STU, BSW Student Saint John, NB mack.mackenzie@stu.ca" Told on January 21, 2008 @ 11:03am, by D. S. Mack MacKenzie. Regarding All of them. from the Social Work department. |