Education

4 WINNIPEG FREE PRESS - THURSDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2018 THE UNIVERSITY OF WINNIPEG Destiny Elcock says the biggest misconception about history is that it's dry and boring. "It allows you to explore the life experiences of our ancestors through texts, oral history, artifacts," she said. "You're able to get perspectives and see how it has shaped and influenced our lives today." Elcock developed a passion for Canadian history — specifically Indigenous history — because it gave her the opportunity to explore her culture, language, and, most importantly, her family history. "I could relate personally to learning about the residential school experience, because my grandmother was a Survivor," she said. That passion for Indigenous history also played an important role in choosing UWinnipeg for her undergraduate studies, because Elcock "likes how the university promotes diversity through Indigenous studies." As she looks ahead to finishing her Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Education in History, Elcock dreams of being a history teacher and making a positive impact on the lives of youth. "I want to be a role model for students and help them gain a diverse perspective, so they can become global citizens," she said. "It is important that our future generations are empowered through education." Benjamin Dueck has always been interested in media and technologies, and the ways they influence us. That's why the now fourth-year student is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree in Rhetoric, Writing, and Communications. "That convergence between human and machine, and the way our minds are connected with technologies drew me to communications studies specifically," he said. Dueck is a recipient of the Michael Collins McIntyre Rhetoric, Writing, and Communications Scholarship and also works as a tutor in the department's Writing Centre. Most of his research explores the ways in which the human mind manufactures meaningful stories and narratives in an age of information overload, with a focus on communications, media, and technology. Once he completes his degree, Dueck plans to continue in academic research and pursue a master's degree in Toronto. His dream is simple: "I want to be able to write all the time, absorb ideas, and share those ideas with people." David Bosc is double-majoring at UWinnipeg in applied computer science and mathematics. While his passion for math dates all the way back to calculus classes in high school, he only recently discovered his love for computer science while taking a scientific computing course at UWinnipeg. "It turns out I really enjoyed programming, as it was a good application of my math skills," he said. Bosc also credited the University's co-op program for giving him the confidence he needed to major in applied computer science. "It really opens your eyes to what the industry has to offer and if you're a good fit," he said. "It was part of the reason why I pursued applied computer science as my second major." In addition, the small class sizes also played a role in the decision, he added, because it's easy to have one- on-one time with professors and build professional relationships with fellow students. Now, as he looks ahead to life after UWinnipeg, Bosc is dreaming big and wants to find a career that blends together his love of both science and art. "I'd like to become a developer, since programming caught my interest." Learn more about UWinnipeg's programs at uwinnipeg.ca. ❚ EDUCATION WITH IMPACT At The University of Winnipeg, students arrive with diverse, untapped talents and leave ready to impact their field. Along the way, they discover how to best utilize their strengths, leading to unexpected career paths. For Destiny Elcock, Benjamin Dueck, and David Bosc, their UWinnipeg journeys are soon coming to an end, but now they're ready to change the world. "I want to be a role model for students and help them gain a diverse perspective, so they can become global citizens. It is important that our future generations are empowered through education." Clockwise from top left: Destiny Elcock, Benjamin Dueck and David Bosc. The University of Winnipeg helped all three students learn how best to discover and draw on their strengths. University of Winnipeg photos — Destiny Elcock

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