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Hi everyone!
I'm in my first year of the MEd program and I am very excited to be collaborating with you all. Prior to starting in the AECD program I completed my undergraduate degree in criminology with a minor in psychology at University X (Ryerson University).
What interested me most about taking this course was the hope that I would be learning how to work with disenfranchised people, specifically in gentrifying neighbourhoods, to better assist them in advocating for their needs. My time studying criminology is what influenced this specific interest, however I am very excited to learn how to empower disenfranchised people through various issues locally and globally.
Looking forward to learning from you all :)

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Hello Everyone!
My name is Caroline Song. This is my second course as a M.Ed AECD student. I am really excited to be part of this course. I completed my BSc in Physiology and Human Biology though that all seem a long time ago now. I am currently working at UofT as an academic appointments officer.

I don't have much experience the areas of community development and adult education but I look forward to learning as much as I can!

I look forward to meeting everyone!

-Caroline

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Hi everyone! My name is Malaika & I’m in my second year doing the mED in AED with a collaborative specialization in workplace learning and social change. I’ve been working for the city in the Shelter and Housing sector servicing houseless and refugee clients for a couple of years now &
I wanted to take this course to learn more about ways we can be productive and beneficial to communities who need an array of resources that may not be easily accessible. It’s important to create spaces where the disenfranchised can feel comfortable and confident in whatever they do. I hope to learn more about all this with you all!
I’m a cinema freak, love to watch horror and sci films the most but also love downtime cooking and hanging with family and friends. Very happy to be here and excited to learn with and from everyone.

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Hi everyone! My name is Kevin Machado (He/Him) and I am in my last semester as a M.Ed AECD student. I have had such great experience in this program here at OISE.

I am currently a DSC for the TPS and I enjoy working and engaging with the community. I am also a dance and Zumba instructor (as you can see in the photo). My undergrad degree was surrounding justice studies and my interest is to learn more in depths regarding how to work with the disenfranchised in order to increase my understanding and enhance my skills within my field.

Looking forward to communicating and learning from you all!

Best,
Kevin Machado

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Hi all! My name is Annie Chau (she/her) and I'm in my first year and second term of full-time PhD studies in Social Justice Education at OISE. Previously, I worked for feminist organizations in Ontario and Nova Scotia (right now based in rural northeastern NS) for ~10 years, mostly responsible for coordinating community-based sexual violence response and prevention projects. I am interested in intersectional, feminist activism, especially led by Black and Indigenous feminists, and that's what my master's research was in. For my PhD, I am interested in "looking in" and amplifying Asian feminisms and also drawing from Marxist feminisms (specifically, thinking about the lives and labour of Asian women domestic workers). I am constantly struggling with what authentic and effective activism and allyship are. I've been pretty steeped in the non-profit industrial complex, so I question my own role in reform rather than revolution. Or perhaps those two are not as dichotomous as I think. I so look forward to connecting and learning together.

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Hi! Salam!

My name is Razan (Ra-zan, rhymes with can). I'm a full-time MA AECD student. I'm excited to start my second semester here at OISE.

I'm currently a graduate assistant at the Tkaronto CIRCLE (Collaborative Indigenous Research Communities Land and Education) Lab. My research interests focus on relationship building within / between Palestinian youth and Indigenous youth activism communities. I'm interested in how we make sense of our communities, care for one another, and engage in solidarity building. I'm excited to explore ways in which creative empowerment intersects with my current research interests.

A little bit about my background... I graduated from a STEM-based program at McMaster University back in 2020. During my undergrad, I was working as a journalist for the Silhouette, an independent student-run newspaper based in Hamilton, ON. I wrote articles about the arts and culture scene in the city, which often intersected with activism and community development. Prior to starting my masters, I was working as a Program Manager and Coordinator at a non-profit that worked predominately with Arabic-speaking refugees. I was engaged in strategic planning, grant writing, community consulting, program design, implementation, and evaluation. I also freelanced with a few local galleries to design and facilitate storytelling workshops for youth.

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Hi everyone, my name is Ke, you can also call me Savannah! I am a full-time MEd AECD student doing my first semester at OISE.

I graduated from City University of Hong Kong, majoring in Creative media and minoring in Asian studies. Throughout my bachelor's, I have worked on multiple documentaries and short film projects regarding immigrants, women and political activism.

My past working and volunteering experiences are mostly related to social work, activism and education. In the past three years, I have supported students from public schools in Sydney, Red Cross School and an IB World School in Hong Kong. I am passionate about empowering students and helping them navigate life transitions. Looking forward to meeting you all!

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Hey everyone! My name is Clara and I'm in my 2nd semester completing my M.Ed. in AECD. Through my Psych undergrad, supervised study, on-campus engagement with mental health clubs, and volunteer work, I became passionate about people's innate need to self-actualize, to learn from personal experiences, and to make meaningful contributions to their community with their unique abilities and skills. I believe the human mind has incredible abilities that research has yet to uncover, and that there is absolutely no limit to the human potential, so individual-focused and community-focused empowerment are key to improving quality of life. Also, a commitment to positive social change and community development are required for these kinds of empowerment.
I joined the AECD program to learn about theories and methods for empowering the marginalized youth in Canada. I aspire to work for NPOs that are focused on creative (i.e., arts-based) activism and youth community engagement.

Some extra facts about me: I can speak Brazilian Portuguese and some French. During my spare time, I like to engage in some sort of artistic activity (creative makeup, drawing, crafts, etc.), watch anime, read research papers, play video games, and chat with friends. I'm currently a volunteer at the 519.

I look forward to meeting you all! :)

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Hi!

My name is Daya Gill. I’m in my 2nd semester of the MEd AECD program. I’m a registered nurse by trade. I work in the community and I do mostly palliative care. I live in Vancouver so be kind if I look tired in our zoom meetings! I am interested in learning about anti psychiatry as I’ve had experience where I’ve questioned a diagnosis given to a female patient I’ve cared for. Fun fact: I started pottery two years ago and I’m still terrible! Thank you for the future engagement and colourful conversations :)

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(Yew-sur)~I'm a 1st Year AECD MA student. I've primairly worked with refugees in Jordan but with my immigration to Canada in 2020 I'm looking to widen my scope and get a sense of the society I'm living in more intimately, despite pandemic restrictions, and hence I chose this course. The arts aren't really my forte, and I think it's gonna be an interesting challenge trying to visualize meaningful work beyond the written and standard forms of approaches. I still haven't developed much links or institutional knowledge of the non--profit sector around, so I look forward to learning from everyone!

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Hello Everyone,
My name is Carlos and I'm currently in my 1st year of the MEd AECD program. I'm very excited to be a part of this course and continue on my journey of completing my masters.

I've been working in the social service field for over 10 + years and I have a strong passion for helping others.

I want to learn new techniques and practices that can better equip me to help the population I serve. Pretty much be a sponge to the wealth of information I know Professor Osborne along with all of you that will be brought to this course. I look forward to everyone.

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I am a full time MEd student in AECD - this is my second term. I have volunteered in adult literacy for many years, which eventually led me to the AECD program and to this class. I have a passion for writing and storytelling, and I have facilitated creative writing classes through the literacy program at West Neighbourhood House as well as with the Writers Collective of Canada. I really wanted to take this class to learn more about arts-based education and outreach; I would also love to gain a deeper understanding of trauma-informed education. I am looking forward to learning from all of you and engaging with the theories behind creative empowerment work. Cheers!

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Hello everyone! My name is Mariah and I am starting my second semester of an MEd in Adult Education and Community Development. I have worked for 2.5 years at a non-profit organization called the Arthritis Society, working in Communications. I quit in order to pursue my true passion of Adult Education and I hope to one day work in a post-secondary institution, assisting students navigate their way through school and life.

My desire to work with diverse students is one reason I was interested in taking this course. I would love to learn new ways of working with people and empowering them.

I am excited to meet you all!

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Hello everyone! My name is Yue and this is my second semester in Adult Education and Community Development. I graduated with my B.A. last year studying in Film and Global Development Studies. My interest in Arts-based practice lies in storytelling that empowers individuals. I worked as a student docent in a local gallery during the last year of my undergrad and enjoyed talking arts to the public. I didn't have much work experience as many of you here so I am eager to learn from you throughout this course. I look forward to meeting you all!

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My name is Eliza (she/her), and I'm in my second semester of the MEd AECD program. Excited to spend this semester learning with all of you!

I have lots of experience in arts education, teaching visual art, dance, & music in after-school program / summer camp capacities, but that was mostly just a fun and creative way to help fund my undergrad! I'm interested in studying how these two spheres of my life - the arts and community development - can collide in powerful & positive ways.

I'm looking forward to learning how to use less familiar frameworks, like antipsychiatry and socialist anarchism, to analyze social issues.

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Hi everyone! I am Fei Fei Z, you can call me Fei! (She/Her)

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Hi everyone! I am Fei Fei Z, you can call me Fei! (She/Her)

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Hello everyone!
My name is Fei Fei Z and you can call me Fei or Fei Fei both are fine for me.

This is my last semester of the MED AECD program in OISE and I am very excited to meet you all online.

I'm currently live in Shanghai, China means I have quite big time difference with you guys. Luckily i can meet you all through internet!! Hope we will have a fun semester together!~

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Hi everyone!
I'm Kameka and I am excited to be here with you all!
I am in the first year of the M.Ed. AECD program and this is my second semester.

I am a teacher of English and History, and I am also a trained Guidance Counselor.
Of particular relevance to this course, however, is that I have experienced disenfranchisement myself and I have worked with adult learners who have also been disenfranchised. I am keen to be exposed to the variety of practices through which I can help adult learners transform their lives, and of course, I am excited about continually transforming my own life.  Outside of school, I am the co-founder of a small theatre production company that aims to expose Black talent to a more diverse audience. We had a good year in 2019 when we began but things ground to an unwelcome halt in 2020 as a result of Covid. My intention is to pivot virtually but school, parenting and self-care have taken precedence. I believe wholeheartedly that this course will stir me up once again, and I am excited about that! Looking forward to meeting you all!

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Hello everyone! My name is Yilin and I'm currently in the first year at AECD program. I completed my undergraduate studies in B.A. in Communication at the University of Ottawa, Canada. I was an international student mentor during my undergrad and helped a lot of international students to adjust themselves to the Canadian culture and Canadian life. I was also passionate about giving back to the community and was a volunteer at ACORN Canada (an international community-based organizations in Toronto), which targeted at low and moderate income people in Canada. I hope to learn from all of you in this class.

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Hi everyone! My name is Emily, and this is my 9th course in the Adult Education and Community Development program.  I currently work at Durham College in the Academic Upgrading department.  This is my 7th year teaching in the program.  Before this, I worked as a high school teacher where I worked in many diverse and alternative programs.  I am so looking forward to this course, as I want to better understand how to creatively engage the people that our program serves.  Also, Bonnie was my first professor at OISE, and I remember her fondly talking about this course.     Outside of education, I am a mom of 2 and spend all my free time at the barn playing with our horses, chickens, and dogs. I am so looking forward to learning with all of you!

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Hi everyone! My name is Miki. This is my first year (second semester) in the Adult Education and Community Development program. I was born and raised in Long Beach, California, which is just south of Los Angeles. I completed my undergraduate degree in Environmental Studies at the University of Washington. During my undergrad, I developed a passion for education after joining an organization focused on college access. That led me to pursue my first master's degree in student affairs. I worked with college student-athletes supporting personal, leadership, and professional development, and student activism. I am taking this course with hopes of understanding the ways to bridge the gap between educational theory and practice and learning about the various ways empowerment can take place. Outside of academics, I love cooking and DIY projects. I am looking forward to learning with and from you all!

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Hey everyone! My name's Katie and I'm in the first year of my M.Ed. in the AECD program. I just recently graduated from Michigan State University with my B.A. in the Arts and Humanities, focusing specifically on community engagement work. Over the past couple years I've worked on projects addressing a wide range of topics such as violence against women in central america, arts programming for incarcerated men and youth, sustainable farming practices, and most recently sex work solidarity. I currently work in education but am interested in potentially changing career paths soon. I'm excited for this course and I'm excited to learn from my peers as well!

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Hi everyone,
I am a fulltime M. Ed in Adult Education and Community Development student in my first year second semester. I completed my B.Ed. in  Business and Computer Studies.
I worked in Adult education for 4 years in Jamaica where I was exposed to various adults learners who have been disenfranchised. In 2018 I migrated to Canada where I pursued Project Management .
I am excited about the  knowledge that I will be obtained to empower and transform that lives of others especially immigrants  who have had some difficulty transitioning into the Canadian system.

Looking forward to meeting you all!

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Hey All!
My name is Almontaser Bellah Al Jajeh. I go by Montaser [Mon-Ta-ser].
I am in my first year of the M.Ed in AECD.  Before OISE, I finished my BA in Global Political Economy at the University of Manitoba. I have ten years of experience in working with disenfranchised communities in various capacities and fields. Mostly, I worked with Syrian refugees in Jordan and Syrian newcomers in Canada. According to the course description, I would be categorized as a community theatre practitioner or a political artist. In 2016, I have co-founded a Theatre group called Sawa Theatre in Winnipeg, MB for Syrian youth newcomers. I am fascinated by stories and storytelling as a tool for healing, agency, and resistance. I create storytelling podcast content in Arabic for children as well as adults.
I am looking forward to learning from all of you!
See you all soon!
Salam!

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Hi everyone! My name is Asha, and I am in the 2nd semester of my first year in the MEd in Adult Ed. and Community development program. Before OISE, I finished my second degree at UoG and worked in the equity space, be it in wellness, community, or the workplace. In addition to my work, I am also a certified Yoga teacher, which is both a personal and professional endeavour tying seamlessly into practices I bring to different spaces. I am excited for this course to engage with alternative forms of empowerment that center the individual. Beyond the classroom, I enjoy being in nature, gardening, and cooking/baking. Looking toward an engaging semester with you all!

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Hi everyone,
I am in my first year of the M.Ed in Adult Education and Community Development and it's lovely to meet you all. Prior to starting at OISE last fall, I worked for almost 20 years in the nonprofit arts and community arts sector. I have seen first hand the transformative nature of arts-based practice and am very interested in the strategy behind community organizing. I look forward to deepening my knowledge and understanding of theory, counter-hegemonic frameworks, and decolonized practices in arts-based activism and adult education. Outside of school, I  spend most my energy keeping up with my 4-year old kiddo, and when I have time I love reading, baking, anything to do with plants, sewing projects and fixing things. Looking forward to seeing you all on Thursday!

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Hello everyone!! My name is Jiayi Guo, and you can also call me Joy. This is my second semester in Adult Education and Community Development program. In my undergraduate school, I majored in Medical English which is totally different from what I'm learning now.
I volunteered at a local school specially for students with intellectual disabilities in China for 4 months. Instead of naming it a school, I prefer to considering it as a small community and the majority of members is students’ parents who shared me their previous sufferings that their kids were deprived of the rights to study at public schools and had no where to go. This experience made me reconsidered the idea of "global citizenship".  One of my favorite writers Gabrielle Zevin’s representative work The Storied Life of A.J.Fikry saying that no one is an isolated island. And the volunteering experience at the community reminds me that we are all needed and irreplaceable fragments of the society and we could support each other as a member of the community that is free of prejudice and indifference. So that's why I'm taking this course!
I love to watch documentaries, sci-fi and all kinds of interesting movies in my spare time. I'm looking forward to learning from you all! See you all on Thursday!

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Hi all,
Very excited to meet you all. I'm in my first-year of the MA in Adult Education and Community Development. My work background before returning to school was with nonprofits working with newcomer populations in Vancouver, and as part of that line of work, I was able to do some creative work with groups (specifically creative life-writing with newcomers). I'm excited to take this course, because after finishing at OISE I hope to continue work in settings with disenfranchised groups. I'm also looking forward to understanding the theoretical underpinnings of this work since I haven't had a chance to engage with it very much. Outside of school, I write plays, and I also love hiking, walking, swimming, and meeting new people. Can't wait to meet you all Thursday :)