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Undergraduate student Simran Sandhu receives 2020 Dean's Convocation Medal

June 05, 2020

Congratulations to undergraduate student Simran Sandhu, recipient of Faculty of Education Dean's Convocation Medal for Spring 2020! 

The Dean's Convocation Medal, awarded by the Senate Undergraduate Awards Adjudication Committee, recognizes graduating students whose grades place them in the top five per cent of their class.

"I am honored to be a recipient of the Dean's Convocation Medal," says Sandhu. "I am proud of my accomplishments and feel very blessed for my success at SFU. I am thankful for the recognition that I have received along with the opportunities that have come my way".

Beavington’s piece Bringing Biology Back to Life is told through videography. Bringing Biology Back to Life highlights his research focus on remarrying science and philosophy, allowing nature to be one’s teacher and getting outside of the classroom to feel engaged and connected with our planet.

Q&A with Simran Sandhu

What led you to pursuing a Bachelor of General Studies (BGS) at SFU?

I have always been passionate about working with children. I knew from an early age that I would become a teacher.

When I came to SFU, I spoke with faculty advisors. They gave me a breakdown of the BGS in Education and how it would allow me to pursue my career goal. The BGS in Education provided me with an opportunity to learn about my interests while also developing the necessary skills and experiences to succeed as a future teacher. Within this program, I was also able to complete a double minor in Curriculum and Instruction as well as Social Justice.

This program is very flexible; it also allows you to enroll in courses and minors outside of the Faculty of Education. The BGS in Education has prepared me for the Professional Development Program (PDP) and is an excellent choice for all those who aspire to become elementary school teachers.

What were your favourite classes/experiences?

SFU has so many great courses to offer that have allowed me to discover who I am and what I hope to accomplish. My two favourite courses were Foundations in Aboriginal Education, Language, and Culture (EDUC 311) with Carolyn Roberts and Social Issues in Education (EDUC 240) with Dr. Charles Bingham.

The content presented in these courses has raised my awareness and understanding of how the education system operates along with the impact that I can have as a teacher. I not only learned valuable lessons and insights from these courses, but I also came to see the qualities that I hope to possess as a teacher as well as the environment that I would like to create for my students. Carolyn and Charles are amazing professors and great people as they have not only influenced my educational journey, but also my personal life.

What do you plan on doing next?

I will be starting the Professional Development Program (PDP) at SFU in the fall in hopes of earning my teaching certificate. I am excited for what my future holds and look forward to becoming an elementary school teacher!

Do you have any tips/advice for future students? 

As I reflect on my experiences as a student in the Faculty of Education, I can say that I have grown in both my personal and professional life. The greatest advice I can offer to future students is to do what makes you happy and what your heart desires. It is important to believe in yourself and not let failure or other setbacks stop you from reaching your greatest potential. If you hope to become a teacher, I encourage you to gain volunteer experiences with children and also connect with fellow Education students through events and gatherings. 

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