Grand Forks’ Selena Demenoff is one of 10 recipients of the inaugural 3M National Student Fellowship.
“The application examines a multitude of elements,” she explained. “It was a 15-page essay style in which adjudicators examine grades, your contributions to community service, as well as how well you reciprocate learning and education to community service and vice versa.”
Demenoff found out about the award through her school, the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC) when two professors nominated her application and stated the application was open to any undergraduate not in their final year.
“Part of the award is to be a part of the Society for Teaching and Learning Higher Education (STLHE) conference,” Demenoff added. “The hope is that you bring back aspirations and ideas for implementing projects within the following year to your home communities. STLHE hopes students can contribute to and assist to shape the future of education in Canada.”
STLHE is an annual conference that focuses on promoting quality in post-secondary educational institutions, where professional educators gather to speak about education.
This year’s theme is, “Learning without boundaries?”
Demenoff’s application similarly discusses culturally inclusive teaching and learning environment.
“Basically, the highlight of my application was that it amplified the importance of cultural inclusion in the classroom,” she said. “My passion for peace and culture is based on my upbringing, and I believe embodying one’s heritage can facilitate an enriching environment where we can all pursue further learning—tailored to meet individual growth goals.”
For Demenoff, the first step is to look at the challenges that individuals confront in education and how they can be unified to how students learn.
“We can learn together collaboratively while we overcome those challenges,” she stated. “Winters were definitely colder in Prince George than in Grand Forks. Pursuing an education at UNBC was great because I’m able to preserve and maintain a rural focus.”
In the future, Demenoff hopes to work in public health and research, within the sector of rural community development.
“All of my learning in the health field are applicable to rural regions across the world. I certainly draw parallels between experiences in my home town as well as in Prince George,” she concluded. “I see this award as a stepping stone in continuing my education and I really do believe that my best contributions to the community are before me.”
The 3M National Student Fellowship Award was introduced to honour undergraduate students across Canada who have shown leadership skills and how their educational experiences can further enhance academia.
Winners receive a $5,000 award, registration at the Society for Teaching and Learning Higher Education (STLHE) conference, and participation for a day-long retreat in Montreal.