SAMANTHA ARO
Graduated from SFU in 2008
Major: Kinesiology
Degrees Received: BSc, MPH
Credentials: Co-op, Health & Fitness Certificate
BIOGRAPHY
After completing her BSc Kin in 2008, Samantha went on to work in multiple roles in Recreation at SFU. She went on to complete her Master's in Public Health (Population Health) at SFU, while working in Student Engagement and Retention. Samantha is currently working as a Facilitator with the San'yas Indigenous Cultural Safety Program, under Provincial Health Services Authority.
QUESTIONS
1) What is your current position? What does a typical work day look like for you?
I'm currently working as a Facilitator with San'yas. This is an online education platform aimed at addressing anti-Indigenous racism across sectors. I usually work from home and a typical day includes responding to participants journals and discussions, collaborating with colleagues, as well as pursuing continuing education in my field.
2) How did your education in BPK influence your career?
BPK formed the foundation of my educational experiences, as well as continues to inform my critical analysis of research findings. This was my entry point to working in Fitness and Recreation, which I did for nearly 10 years. It also helped me know more about the social determinants of health and broader systems of power and privilege. Though I've now shifted my main work to be around anti-racism and anti-bias, I also am still certified as a fitness instructor, trainer, and trainer of trainers, and look forward to returning to teaching when my children are a bit older.
3) Who in BPK had an impact on you and why?
So many wonderful professors (Dr. Richard Ward, Dr. Josephine Anthony, Tony Leyland, and Stephen Brown) and of course, the incredible team at BPK Co-op Darleen Bemister and Cheri Fiedler.
4) What is your favourite memory of your time at SFU as an undergraduate?
I loved my upper-division lab courses. I appreciated the hands-on application of the lecture material. Then by extension, loved my co-op experiences. The real-world application process and interviewing, followed by the on-the-job experiences were truly formative in helping support my overall career development.
5) What advice would you give to today’s BPK student?
Don't rush your undergraduate experience - take your time and explore topics that are of interest. Also, reach out to people in fields of interest. Nearly everyone will make time for an information interview for a soon-to-be graduate.