#facesofcsl

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Jenna MacGregor- 5th year Women and Gender Studies, and Sociology Student

Please introduce yourself! State your name, pronouns, and program. 

My name is Jenna McGregor, and my pronouns are she/her. I'm in my final year, my fifth year of my undergraduate degree, taking a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Women's and Gender Studies, and minoring in sociology. I'm also completing a Sexuality Studies Certificate. 

Can you trace your involvement with CSL?

My involvement with CSL began when I took SOC 371: Anti-Racism and Racial Injustice. I didn't know about CSL until that class. I ended up getting a placement with the Ribbon Rouge Foundation, and I thought it would be a really good opportunity to apply the learnings from the classroom into the real world and gain experience aligned with my career interests in public health. At Ribbon Rouge, a lot of the work I was doing was administrative tasks at cultural events or conferences. Ribbon Rouge works to promote sexual health, especially in racialized and under-resourced communities. I participated in the setup and takedown of events and took notes when there were guest speakers or seminar discussions. I also helped facilitate discussion groups and notetaking at workshops at Norquest College.

This past fall semester, I was also in CSL 370/WGS 498: Relationship to Self and Others. It was an integrated class, so the CSL placement was a bit different. Instead of an official 20-hour placement with a non-profit organization, I was able to meet a lot of different people and got to work on group projects with people from the community that I wouldn't have been able to work with otherwise.

Why did you decide to take your first CSL course?

I decided to take my first CSL course because it offered a valuable opportunity to apply classroom learning to real-world situations and gain experience aligned with my career interests in public health. CSL broadened my perspective by allowing me to see theoretical concepts from class in action. I was able to think about situations experienced at my placement from a lot of different perspectives and observe the ideas that we discussed in class, in real life, and in action. This hands-on experience helped me better understand how academic concepts translate to practical applications in the field.

What was the most important/memorable lesson you learned?

The most important lesson I learned was about my own privilege. Having the opportunity to pursue an education, take a CSL placement, and work alongside diverse community members made me realize how fortunate I am. This experience helped me understand how to use my privilege responsibly to support others and ensure that marginalized voices are heard and centered.

Did CSL expose you to new experiences and knowledge? How and what?

CSL definitely exposed me to new experiences and knowledge. As I said earlier, it was being able to be in the community, learn, meet new people, and discuss with people that I wouldn't have been able to if I hadn't taken the placement. Academically, CSL helped solidify my pursuits and what I wanted to take for my master's. Personally, CSL helped me understand where I want to take my education and where I want to be able to work within my career going forward. I will be pursuing my Master's in Public Health at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland.

How did CSL help you in your career/ future endeavors (if applicable)?  

CSL helped me in my future endeavors as well. It solidified my understanding of what I want to do and also exposed me to different things going on within the health world. Often in class we discuss, for example, social determinants of health and how they can impact somebody, but actually working with real people and hearing their concerns, it made me realize, ‘okay, I do want to work within this area.’ There's a lot of work that needs to be done, and I would love to be able to work within that.

How would you sum up your experience with CSL in one sentence?

It was an eye-opening and rewarding opportunity that really helped me pinpoint my direction, both academically and in terms of my future career.

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Asha Irobe- Faculty of Arts Student Majoring in History and Minoring in Native Studies

Asha Irobe (she/her), a Faculty of Arts student, majoring in History and minoring in Native Studies, discusses her CSL experience throughout her academic career. Asha's journey with CSL began when she stumbled upon a 100-level course while searching for electives, drawn by her interest in volunteering. Since then, she has completed multiple CSL placements, ranging from research projects to hands-on community work, and has now completed her CSL certificate.

Why did you decide to take your first CSL course?

I stumbled upon it based on my interest in volunteering. I took CSL 100 with Jay Friesen and he was a great professor. I thought it looked like a good elective to do. I had heard good things about CSL and upon looking at the website, I learned about the certificate too. All these things, along with wanting to volunteer, and seeing what CSL is, made it easier to say, “Yeah, I can do this.” In CSL 100, we learned theories about community service and leadership while actually volunteering and I found it to be a really fun and unique elective course.

Are you completing the CSL Certificate? Why?

Yes, I am completing the CSL certificate. Many classes I had to take during my degree were offering a CSL component so I thought it would fit nicely. I also like volunteering, so having a certificate to show that it is something I prioritize is important. I thought, “Why not take courses where I could actually get hands-on experience and show that I did it while completing my degree?”

What CSL placements have you completed?

I’ve completed several placements. My first placement in CSL 100: An Introduction to Community Engagement was with Volunteer Alberta. We gathered research on intersectional factors such as Identity, Experience, Needs, Place, Cause, and Interest to create surveys that support Volunteer Alberta programs in addressing volunteer needs.

I also took LA ST 210: South America where I was placed with an Afro-Latino organization called La Connexional to promote African and Latin culture within Edmonton. We did this by planning festivals and helping compile a list of music vendors for an event. 

My next placement was with Modern Fuel as part of a MACE 496: Topics in Community Engagement class. Modern Fuel is an Indigenous organization located in Ontario that promotes local artists and their work. We worked in a group to create an evaluation plan for the Mashkawizii Miinikaanan: Strong Seeds project, a beading circle program designed to create a space for Indigenous youth to cultivate cultural connections and kinship. My role focused on partnership mapping and identifying the communities and individuals, throughout the program, whose interests needed to be considered.

I also did a placement at the Campus Food Bank for PHIL 125: Practical Logic. I have continued volunteering with them since I enjoyed my placement so much. Our CSL group mainly reviewed the organization’s fundraising materials and suggested improvements, while also aligning with the organization's values and offering an outside perspective. I was also fortunate to volunteer with the office grocery program, and I am still involved with that program.

Most recently, I took PSYCH 344: Intercultural Communication where I volunteered at the Newcomer Centre, creating an internal survey for volunteers and participants to give feedback.

What was your favourite CSL placement, and why?

My favorite placement was with the Campus Food Bank. I really enjoyed all my CSL experiences, but I got to be more in-person at this one. I got the opportunity to connect more with the organization, see different sides of it, learn about all the programs, and become even more involved after the course ended.

Did CSL change your ways of thinking about certain things, and how?

CSL changed the way I think about how volunteering and programs are organized. Before, I would just go in and do the work, but now I see all the planning that goes into it. I learned that it’s not just about the idea of helping, but also the goals that need to be met. The volunteer experience is not just for one single goal; it has multiple goals connected to how the whole program and organization runs.

What was the most important/memorable lesson you learned?

The most important lesson I learned was understanding how planning and programming involve multiple different perspectives and people who all have a similar goal; it’s all about how that's managed. Seeing how there are many different perspectives and understandings of how people want to get things done was an important lesson. 

Did CSL expose you to new experiences and knowledge? How and what?

Yes, CSL exposed me to new experiences. For example, with La Connexional, we attended an event where we collected tickets and surveyed people on how they found out about the event. It was a new experience because I had never been to an event of theirs before and I got to see how our supervisor engaged with the crowd and connected with everyone involved. I've always enjoyed working with multiple different communities while volunteering, but learning about all the work that goes into organizing programs tailored to community's specific wants and needs was an eye-opening experience.

How did CSL help you in your career/ future endeavours (if applicable)? 

CSL has influenced what I want to do in the future, not only professionally but also in other aspects of my life. Through my various placements, I have gained hands-on experience in different fields, which has broadened my perspective on potential career paths. The skills I developed, such as program planning, research, and community engagement, are valuable for future endeavors. The connections I made with organizations like the Campus Food Bank has opened up ongoing volunteer opportunities, which are not only great to have on a resume but also provide valuable opportunities for growth.

How would you sum up your experience with CSL in one sentence?

CSL has been an eye-opening and rewarding journey that has allowed me to gain practical experience, develop new skills, and contribute meaningfully to various community organizations while enhancing my academic learning and shaping my future aspirations.

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Alana Tollenaar- Program Coordinator of Alberta Council for Environmental Education (ACEE)

What is your role at your organization?

I'm Alana Tollenaar, and I use she/her pronouns. I'm the program coordinator at the Alberta Council for Environmental Education, also known as ACEE. I coordinate the AYLEE program, which stands for Alberta Youth Leaders for Environmental Education. It's a virtual program for youth across Alberta in grades 7 to 12, focused on doing a deep dive into environmental issues. My role involves recruiting students and facilitators, including partnering with CSL to bring in university students, particularly prospective teachers, to work with our youth participants.

Can you trace your involvement with the CSL program?

I graduated from the University of Alberta in 2021, and during my undergraduate studies in Environmental and Conservation Sciences, I took several CSL courses. Two notable projects stand out: one with Boyle Street, where we created a community cookbook to improve nutrition for vulnerable populations, and another developing a social media strategy for a local growers guild. After graduation, I participated in interviews for a longitudinal study conducted by the CSL office studying what graduates chose for their careers. Now, I've come full circle, working with ACEE as a community partner for CSL, and offering CSL opportunities to students.

Why did you choose to incorporate CSL students into your organization?

I encouraged ACEE to partner with CSL because I knew the benefits of the program from my own participation. I recognized that it would be beneficial not just for our program's sustainability, but also for students to gain real-world experience. Last semester was our pilot, and it went really well. It's helped us expand our capacity as an organization, making it easier to manage the 60 junior high and high school students in our program.

What do CSL students learn in their placements?

CSL students, particularly those studying education, learn: facilitation skills, leadership skills, communication skills, and how to manage conflict. They practice encouraging conversations on difficult topics and gain experience engaging with students virtually. Many of our CSL students reported that it was challenging to engage with students online at first, but by the end, they had developed strategies to ensure the program participants were benefiting from the experience.

What have CSL and CSL students added to your organization?

CSL students have increased our capacity, allowing us to handle more students in the AYLEE program. They provide one-on-one attention to participants, which is crucial for the program's success. There's also a beautiful level of mentorship that happens – I've noticed strong connections forming between our CSL students and the program participants. This has allowed our program to grow and become more sustainable, as it's not feasible for one person to manage 60 kids effectively.

What have you learned by being involved with CSL?

Being involved with CSL has taught me so much, both as a student and now as a community partner. I can see things from both perspectives, which helps me understand the students' needs and time constraints. I've learned the importance of providing a meaningful experience within the limited time they have available. I've also learned about being a supportive community partner, offering feedback, suggestions, and encouragement. This experience has allowed me to develop my own mentorship and leadership skills.

Have you had any new experiences from the CSL program?

One memorable experience was a discussion with both participant students and the CSL students focused on designing sustainable future transportation. Almost all of our CSL facilitators mentioned this as their favorite moment. The students were incredibly excited, engaging in meaningful discussions about futuristic transportation like hoverboards. It was the first time everything really clicked, and I could see the impact on both our program participants and the CSL students. Seeing my vision for this partnership come to life was a new and meaningful experience for me.

Sum up your experience with CSL in one sentence:

CSL has provided me with valuable experiences both as a student and as a community partner, offering opportunities for personal growth, career development, and meaningful community impact.

With the support of CSL's BHER Partnership, what projects and initiatives is your organization working towards, and how has this partnership benefitted your organization?

Our organization is all about creating more environmentally educated Albertans through programs like AYLEE so it’s about creating citizens who have an appreciation for the natural world and want to move towards a more sustainable future. Therefore, receiving funding to advance our mission is so important. I think the funding would primarily go to expanding our AYLEE program, and being able to offer some in-person opportunities for students. We’re all virtual right now because we have students across the province and we have a limited budget. However, some additional funding would allow us to offer different kinds of opportunities to students or potentially funding for them to pursue their action projects in their own communities supported by ACEE.

In partnership with the Business + Higher Education Roundtable (BHER), and with support from the Government of Canada, CSL provides financial support to environmentally-focused community partners for their educational and mentoring roles with CSL students.

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Archana Joshi- Psychology and Sociology Student

Archana Joshi (she/her) is a Bachelor of Arts student in Psychology with a minor in Sociology, complemented by a CSL certificate. She brings a wealth of experience with the CSL program, having successfully completed six courses with integrated CSL components!

Why did you decide to take your first CSL course?

I didn’t know I was taking a CSL course until the professor mentioned it in our first class.  I had been trying so hard to find somewhere meaningful to volunteer in Edmonton, and I wasn’t having any luck, so I was super excited to learn about CSL and have this opportunity fall right into my lap. I was thankful to learn that we wouldn’t have to go out and find our community partners but we would be provided with a list of available opportunities.

Can you trace your involvement with CSL and summarize the CSL placements you’ve completed?

My first placement was with the Adult Development and Aging course (PSYCH 329) taught by Dr. Rust. My community partner was the Edmonton Newcomer Centre and I participated in their program, Conversation Circles, where we helped older adults from Chinese backgrounds practice and learn English. It gave many participants a space to practice their English with no judgment. 

I then decided to complete the CSL Certificate while in my fourth year. I took CSL 100, where I volunteered at the Campus Food Bank as a Buddy Driver. We went around to the other food banks in Edmonton and collected food and also bought food from wholesalers when needed.

Another placement I did was with Solar Alberta as part of SOC 291: Introduction to Environmental Sociology. This was an online placement where I transcribed and summarized three seminars the organization held. 

I also took MLCS 210: Approaches to Cultural Studies, where I volunteered at the Edmonton Institution for Women. My CSL group organized an event called The Cultures of the World, which consisted of ethno-cultural games and making posters about different cultures and countries. For this placement, our group went in for a visit, talked to the inmates, and made a list of ethnicities or countries many of the women were from. Then, I chose about 10 countries and made posters about each country, highlighting their food, language, and culture.

Last term, I took PSYCH 344: Intercultural Communication, and my placement was with the Newcomer Centre again. We helped design a survey for both the volunteers and administrative staff so they could see areas of improvement for their programs and learn about what individuals' experiences were like. 

Now, I am in my sixth CSL course, PSYCH 325: Applied Research in Developmental Psychology, and volunteering with S.K.Y. Club at the Edmonton Newcomer Centre. S.K.Y. Club is a four-hour program every Saturday, where two hours are dedicated to tutoring and academic support, the third hour is committed to doing a STEM activity, usually with arts and crafts, and then the last hour is either outdoor or indoor activities. 

What was your favourite CSL placement, and why?

It’s hard to pick between my current placement at S.K.Y. Club and my MLCS 210 placement at the Edmonton Institute. At S.K.Y. Club, I get to work with kids, so there's always excitement and spontaneity. On the other hand, volunteering at a prison was such a different experience, and I got to see an entirely different section of our society. Being exposed to that system was very eye-opening. In terms of academics, that course was so perfectly intertwined with the placement we did, and when it came time for our final reflection to connect course concepts, the answers were right there in front of us. 

Did CSL change your ways of thinking about certain things, and how?

Yes, the biggest change I experienced through CSL was deciding to shift my career path completely from what I had originally planned. Previously, I was deeply committed to pursuing a master’s degree in clinical psychology, but now I am pursuing a career in social work. I even remember my mother suggesting that I consider becoming a social worker, but at the time, I immediately dismissed the idea. Looking back, she was definitely on to something.

This decision came about because CSL helped me realize that being a therapist isn’t the only way to help and give back to your community, which has always been my ultimate goal. Through my volunteering experiences with CSL, I saw firsthand just how many opportunities exist in social work—opportunities that go far beyond the limited portrayals we often see in the media. There are so many unique and specialized areas within social work where you can create meaningful change and truly make a difference.

What was the most important/memorable lesson you learned?

During my first placement, which was conducted online, CSL students were invited to attend an in-person Christmas party. I often wondered if I was truly making an impact on the people I was helping through a screen and if I was genuinely making a positive difference in their lives. However, at the Christmas party, one of the ladies I regularly interacted with during conversation circles saw me and gave me the biggest hug. This was a new experience for me, as I come from India, where interactions with older adults are typically formal—hugging is common, but it's also customary to show respect by touching their feet.

That moment at the Christmas party was a profound realization for me: it was a light bulb moment where I understood that we are all people, and we all have the capacity to impact each other's lives in meaningful ways.

Did CSL expose you to new experiences and knowledge? How and what?

Plenty, enough that I decided to change my career path! I got to work in all different fields and sectors in our city, from prisons to non-profits. CSL made me come out of my comfort zone. For example, I tried so hard to complete my CSL certificate in my last year that I enrolled in MLCS 210, which ended up being one of my favourite placements; I never would have considered taking it otherwise. The class provided me with a lot of new knowledge as the professor incorporated different Indigenous researchers from Mexico, and learning from all these people and their own philosophies and research was really cool.

Is there anything else you’d like to add?  

I think CSL is somewhat underrated at university. Many students seem to prioritize research opportunities over volunteering, but CSL offers something unique: hands-on experiences that go beyond lab work. It provides students with the chance to engage in practical, real-world learning that complements their academic studies. This aspect of CSL is invaluable for those seeking to apply theoretical knowledge in meaningful ways. 

How would you sum up your experience with CSL in one sentence?

CSL has been the most amazing and gratifying experience of my life, as it streamlines my ability to volunteer and help by being part of the community, lessening barriers, and building strong relationships with community partners.

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Adam Barbe: Team Lead at Youth Unlimited

Adam Barbe (he/him) is the Northside Team Lead for Edmonton Youth Unlimited. He is in charge of two drop-in centers, The Vault and The Cellar, which welcome students for after-school programming, providing meals, group activities, and community networks. As a new community partner for CSL, Adam describes the impact that CSL students have had at Youth Unlimited so far and the importance of youth work. 

What is your role at your organization?

I am the Northside Team Lead for Edmonton Youth Unlimited. Our officially registered charity name is Edmonton Youth Unlimited (YFC) Society, but I specifically oversee two youth centers on the north side: the Vault and the Cellar. As Team Lead, I manage all practicum students, CSL students, and general volunteers. I also support part-time staff raising their wage, my own salary, and fundraising to support these youth programs. I engage in a mix of administrative and front-line work, but my primary focus is on keeping these centers running by building partnerships with various corporations and peers and meeting the centers' needs. 

Can you trace your involvement with the CSL Program?

This is our first year partnering with CSL and we currently have students from this term’s CSL 200 (Theory and Practice in Community Service-Learning) class. Youth Unlimited would definitely be open to having more in the future!

Why did you choose to incorporate CSL students into your organization?

It’s very rare to have the opportunity to reach people, and I consider it a privilege to be involved in investing in individuals pursuing a certificate or wishing to join a program like CSL. When CSL reached out to Youth Unlimited, we quickly expressed our eagerness to host students. We have some wonderful students here who have been a true blessing to the kids and the organization. We’re grateful that people are willing to give back to the community, as it can sometimes be discouraging to see so much suffering in the city. It’s encouraging to witness the next generation of world-changers stepping up to make a difference.

What do CSL students learn in their placements? 

Currently, CSL 200 students are learning how to build relationships with marginalized and vulnerable youth, walk alongside them, and deal with different situations every day. We call it mentorship or discipleship. We have many kids from different backgrounds, such as living in group homes or foster care, different belief systems, and all gender identities; they get to experience love, hope, and a great place to hang out. Our centers provide them with free tutoring, video games, pool tables, musical instruments, and a new gym we have just added at the Vault. CSL students learn how to engage with every demographic. Some CSL students might be intimidated by youth, but youth just want to be loved. The biggest thing that we provide here is love and helping them be seen. CSL students definitely develop their communication skills here. We have CSL students leading discussions and programs, if they are comfortable. They also get to build relationships and pursue mentorships with kids.

What have CSL and CSL students added to your organization?

The biggest thing is new life and energy to the centers, a sense of compassion, and reinvigoration. Sometimes when you do this for so long, you need fresh eyes and fresh people to give you that extra spark. Additionally, with new volunteers in our centers, coming into something they’ve never been to before, they can provide excellent feedback. They can provide new ideas or input on what needs to change because they’re seeing it for the first time. 

What have you learned by being involved with CSL?

Being involved with CSL has taught me that I don't have to do everything myself. Many non-profit workers tend to try and fix problems alone, but it's impossible to do so. We were designed to be in community and in relationships with each other. Seeing a younger generation step up to support and facilitate growth has been incredibly helpful. It allows me to delegate tasks and take care of myself, rather than always ensuring everyone else is okay. I've learned that I'm not facing these challenges alone; there are people who can help.

Have you had any new experiences from the CSL program? (Any interesting/good stories about students?) 

The main thing I think of is two CSL students in particular, always offering support in the fitness center. As we’re getting a full gym put in our center over the next few weeks, seeing their passion and willingness to sit alongside and nurture the physical well-being of kids is awesome. These students even come dressed in workout clothes to make themselves approachable, and they stay for three hours supporting the kids. It’s really cool to see how excited they are to be a part of bettering the holistic care of youth. 

When I think of a few other students, they attend staff meetings in the cold and try to help us to the best of their abilities, contributing and providing feedback. This group of volunteers that we have had from CSL this term has been more than volunteering, they want to help foster community growth, which is very commendable. It’s cool to see volunteers go above and beyond what they’re asked to do.

If you can, sum up your experience with CSL in one sentence.

A great bunch of students making a difference in the lives of those who need it.

Every year, Youth Unlimited hosts a Pickleball Tournament to help raise funding for programming costs. This is happening on April 5th this year (2025), and it’s taking place at the Central Lions Senior Recreation Center. It’s a scramble pickleball challenge meaning, you’ll register individually and play with different people throughout the entire tournament. It’s structured this way to build community and connect with different people. The cost is $60 per player and there’ll be concessions available at the event. I would like to highlight that any skill level can join and all are welcome to play. There are different categories and if you register as a beginner pickleball player, we will be offering professional coaching free of charge. This is a great opportunity to give back to our community and help support youth work! Hope to see you there!  (If you’d like to learn more about this opportunity open to anyone click the link here: https://www.edmontonyouthunlimited.com/pickleball)

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Katia Youssef- 5th-year Faculty of Arts Student

Katia Youssef (she/her), is a fifth-year student double majoring in Modern Languages and Cultural Studies (MLCS) and History of Art, Design, and Visual Culture (HADVC). Katia's CSL journey began with a translation project and has since evolved into a series of impactful community engagements. Today, she shares her experiences and insights on how CSL has shaped her academic, personal, and professional life.

Why did you decide to take your first CSL course?

My first CSL course was SPAN 406 (Exercises in Translation: English into Spanish). I was working towards the translation certification for Spanish, and the CSL component was mandatory in that course. It was so much fun because we got to translate Spanish videos. The videos were archived here at UofA Library and our job was to translate them and create the English subtitles. 

Can you trace your involvement with CSL?

My first course was SPAN 406. Then I took SPAN 441 (Reading Colonial Culture) which was an interesting course about Aztecs and Mayans. For SPAN 441, we looked at archival material written in cursive Spanish. Our job was to transcribe those documents and digitize the records, allowing people to access them online and search through them based on keywords. 

In another class I took, SPAN 399 (Special Topics: Translation Spanish to English), we worked with Sombrilla. I translated a video and volunteered with them for a few events. I have continued working with them since my placement and am starting to log those hours for the non-credit opportunity part of my certificate. 

Finally, in CSL 200 this Winter 2025 term, I am volunteering with Global Girls, a program run by the Newcomer Centre. I’m working with youth around 15-20 years-old who are all female-identifying and some are new to living in Canada. They hold in-person sessions every Saturday where they host guest speakers, do fun activities, and learn about the participants. 

Are you completing the CSL Certificate? Why?

Since many of my courses already had a CSL component, I thought it would be beneficial to complete the certificate. While completing the certificate, I’ve found it fulfilling to be a part of the community; not only to help people, but to grow as a person and student. 

What was your favourite CSL placement, and why?

Probably SPAN 441 where we transcribed old cursive Spanish documents because it’s not something I would have ever expected I could do. It was very fascinating to come across that as a CSL component. 

Did CSL change your ways of thinking about certain things, and how?

It made me think about the dynamics between universities and university students versus the community we work with. It shows me how meaningful collaboration with communities and community members is, and how important it is to go beyond a give-and-take relationship. I went into CSL placements thinking that I would be doing a lot of ‘giving’, but then I realized that I learned so much from these experiences that I didn't know who was helping who.

What was the most important/memorable lesson you learned?

A reading assigned in my CSL 200 class by Catherine Elizabeth highlighted three things that stuck with me: reciprocal partnerships, deliberation, and productive disagreements. Learning about those three ideas brought to light how people should communicate; especially in the world today, there’s often no middle ground or acceptance of disagreements between people. Productive disagreements force you to sit down, listen to each other, and try to come up with an understanding and solution for the disagreement. While topics like these are not often taught in traditional university courses, CSL classes integrate these skills, teaching students to cultivate respectful environments and discover collaborative solutions, preparing them for real-world challenges.

How has CSL impacted your academic and/or personal life?

It showed me opportunities that I didn’t know were an option, academically. It also changed my personal life in the sense that I became part of the communities that I did placements with and it makes me want to continue working with them. It’s meaningful for me to build relationships and connections that go beyond the course.

How did CSL help you in your career/ future endeavours (if applicable)?  

CSL led to me being involved in projects that I can show potential employers. I can put my placements on my CV or my resume, showing that I helped with that or I was involved in this.

How would you sum up your experience with CSL in one sentence?

Exploring what’s out there in our community.

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Valerie Miller- Treasurer of Alberta Envirothon

Valerie is the Treasurer of Alberta Envirothon, a high school environmental and natural resource competition. She plays a pivotal role in managing the organization’s finances and contributes to event planning, testing, and scheduling as part of a volunteer board. Her involvement with Community Service-Learning (CSL) has allowed her to oversee multiple collaborative projects, including creating a testing database and designing a judging platform for competitions. CSL will also be helping prepare for the 2025 international Envirothon, which Alberta will host for the first time, welcoming teams from across the globe this July. 

What is your role at your organization?

I am the treasurer for Alberta Envirothon, an environmental and natural resource competition for high school students. I am part of a group of volunteers who prepare and run this event every year. My job as treasurer is to handle the organization's finances. Our board is responsible for organizing, testing, scheduling, and all the fun activities at Envirothon. I am also part of the education team that develops the event's annual themes.

Can you trace your involvement with the CSL Program?

I discovered the CSL program about three years ago after being told about it by the UofA staff member discussing a particular computer science class that developed a program and I thought it was amazing. Since then, I am completing my sixth, seventh, and eighth projects with CSL this year, some of them with a research project I am involved with, Future Energy Systems. I have done previous projects over the last few years developing video games, and with Envirothon, developing a test database. This year, CSL students are helping create a judging system and preparing for the 2025 international competition which Alberta will be hosting for the first time bringing 55 teams from around the world to our province.

Why did you choose to incorporate CSL students into your organization?

As a volunteer board, finding support for organizations can be challenging and CSL has been a great opportunity to work with students with different experiences and backgrounds. All of our board members have full-time jobs so some projects we have had in our heads for a decade haven’t been able to be brought to fruition. CSL students have helped us do that. For example, last year we developed a testing database. Every year, students at Envirothon are tested with written tests and we wanted to create a database that lists all those questions and shows which years we have used them. This is something we’ve never had the capacity to develop because we are usually focused on what has to be done for this year’s event. Building those long-term assets is something CSL has been really able to help with. 

This year, CMPUT 401 is designing a judging platform where our judges can input all of their scores. The system will produce all the final scores in all the different categories. Right now, we do all that by hand. If this works for our provincial team, we might provide it for all international competitions. So, this project designed and created by UofA students could travel to 55 states, provinces, and other locations!

What do CSL students learn in their placements? 

It depends on the placement. For example, the testing database cohort learned more about each environmental topic they were assigned to, such as soil, water, agriculture, and various other environmental topics. With the judging platform project this term, they are learning about working with clients and how to build these programs. Additionally, our CSL 200 group this term is really going to learn how this event works and will be heavily involved in preparing for the international competition. Some tasks include things like preparing testing packets for students and building digital resources like filming a video on how our stopwatches work so that the kids know how to use them.

What have CSL and CSL students added to your organization?

CSL students have added new excitement to our organization. As I said, they have let us meet some of those goals we’ve never been able to meet in the past and given us the space to explore what else we can do. With the CSL partnership, we have the ability to be creative and innovative.

What have you learned by being involved with CSL?

It’s been really cool to work with students and let them guide the projects because we know the final idea of something, but they are the experts. It’s exciting to see them be the experts and to see their commitment to these projects. As a former university student, I know how busy you can be and these students put the time in and make sure these projects get done. It’s inspiring to see. For example, a Future Energy Systems project had graduate students use AI to develop geothermal resources. They took their AI products and used them to develop a physical game that kids can play and then created with CSL students a video game version (you can access it here: https://energyadventure.itch.io/geothermal-energy-game)

If you can, sum up your experience with CSL in one sentence.

CSL has been an opportunity to meet goals and to hopefully inspire new participants in the program, new volunteers, and maybe new board members to see what they can do when working with a non-profit and exploring environmental education. 

With the support of CSL’s BHER Partnership, what projects and initiatives is your organization working towards, and how has this partnership benefitted your organization?

One aspect we want to use the funding for is to bring some of our CSL students to the provincial and international competition and provide all their travel, housing, and food so they can see what their work through CSL has accomplished. With any extra funding, we’re going to think about what we can do next year and what we can create. We have time to keep this program going and figure out what new cool projects we can do with CSL. 

In partnership with the Business + Higher Education Roundtable (BHER), and with support from the Government of Canada, CSL provides financial support to environmentally-focused community partners for their educational and mentoring roles with CSL students. 

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Ethne James- 3rd year Bachelor's of Science Student

Ethne James (she/her) is a 3rd year Bachelor of Science student at Campus Saint-Jean (CSJ). She plans to pursue a Master’s in speech-language pathology and values the interpersonal and volunteer experience gained through her CSL classes and placements.

Can you trace your involvement with CSL?

The first class I did was Advanced Cognitive Psychology (PSYCE 458) and my placement was with Canadian Parents for French. They’re an organization that provides lots of resources and advocates primarily for parents who don’t speak French, but their kids are enrolled in French immersion schools. I got to create a resource that enabled parents to help their kids learn French at home, even though the parents might not speak French. I enjoyed it because it made me use both my French language skills and psychology knowledge firsthand. The resource I created was activity-based for learning new vocabulary in French. After my CSL placement, I have continued volunteering for the organization doing virtual tutoring and logging those hours for my non-credit opportunity for the CSL Certificate. It’s been great to continue working with them.

Then I took CSL 100 with Randi Nixon which I highly recommend, I learned a lot from my placement and the course itself. I got to apply the academic side of my university career to my placement with Skillcity Institute. For this placement, I was with a group of 3 other students and we were assigned to help recruit mentors and mentees for their STEM Heroes and Mentorship programs. These programs are after-school and run once a week, matching mentors who are in STEM-related fields with junior high and high school students. I was assigned Team Lead for that project and our team did a lot of different forms of recruiting. It was interesting to do something in STEM because that’s where my skill set background is. 

Why did you decide to take your first CSL course?

I had a teammate who recommended if I ever got the chance to take a CSL class that I should as she really enjoyed it. Then I enrolled in a class (PSYCE 458) at CSJ with a professor that I had had before, and she was offering a CSL component to the class so I took it. From there, I learned about the CSL certificate and realized that would be a cool opportunity.

Are you completing the CSL Certificate? Why?

Yes, I am working towards my CSL Certificate. One of the main reasons I want the Certificate is, being in a science degree, it’s very lecture-heavy so you don’t get really much opportunity to put academic experience into practice prior to graduation. I thought the Certificate would be a cool way to work with multiple different organizations, see how they run, and get more real-life experience outside of the classroom. 

What was your favourite CSL placement, and why?

My placements so far have been unique in different ways. With Skillcity Institute, I had more of a relationship with the organization which I appreciated as my placements had been mostly virtual. I got to learn more about how the organization runs, the different obstacles it faces, and saw more of the ins and outs of their non-profit. 

Did CSL change your ways of thinking about certain things, and how?

Yes, especially in my CSL 100 class. The class had a broad overview of many big concepts such as Indigenous history, politics, and sociology topics, that helped me see the world in a different way. Getting to bridge different perspectives in the readings and lectures, to my volunteer placement, and weekly reflections turned out to be rewarding for me. At first, that intimidated me, but I found myself enjoying the reflections and working through the topics throughout the class.

What was the most important/memorable lesson you learned?

A big concept we covered in CSL 100 was intersectionality and oppression. Those were the two topics I ended up writing quite a bit on in different exams and reflections in the class. I had never heard the term intersectionality before which puts forward that people who are intersectionally oppressed are oppressed in more than one way as a result of their identity. For example, a Black woman could be oppressed for their race and gender. This experience made me realize the impact of understanding and addressing the unique obstacles and barriers faced by others. By working to mitigate these challenges, we can create more equitable opportunities, such as career advancement, which I explored during my Skillcity placement, or access to education, as I witnessed in my work with Canadian Parents for French.

Did CSL expose you to new experiences and knowledge? How and what?

Coming from a science background, most of my lectures and content emphasize memorization and application and less critical reflection. It was refreshing to be in a discussion-based environment in my CSL classes. I’ve done previous volunteer work before, so that wasn’t new to me, but it is beneficial to get involved with many different organizations and placements that are set up by the CSL office, while also counting for university credit.

How has CSL impacted your academic and/or personal life?

Bridging academics to real-world situations has been very beneficial for me. For my curriculum vitae, having more volunteer opportunities and being out of my comfort zone has been amazing to do while still in university. Also, gaining interpersonal skills by working in a group setting or with other classmates. 

As a student-athlete and a student primarily on the French campus, I’ve been able to do two placements so far and balance all of my commitments, so if someone is hesitant about time management, it is possible to take CSL courses and still get the most out of them while having other engagements. 

How did CSL help you in your career/ future endeavours (if applicable)?  

I am hoping to go into a master’s program in speech-language pathology. So, getting different volunteer experience, even though not necessarily speech-related, is definitely helpful for my future career. I find that also in CSL classes you get to connect more with the professors and to have those connections for potential references goes a long way.

How would you sum up your experience with CSL in one sentence?

Bridging the gap between academics and the real world in an open and reflective environment.