In this audio clip Laura Gilmour asks her friend Shallen Blanchard about her experiences being a member of a rural indigenous community who had to acclimate to an urban college setting far from family when she attended an undergraduate program. Laura and Shallen find a lot of similarities in their experiences, even though they come from different minority groups. This discussion helps us learn more about the ways all students can be supported during their college journeys.
Shallen Blanchard grew up in a remote Saskatchewan farming community. She is the daughter of Métis First Nation parents from Duck Lake, Saskatchewan. Being both a minority student and a student with anxiety made the transition to a major city to attend university difficult. She is a strong advocate for her community and other individuals who face barriers, such as refugees and immigrants.
Download the transcript here:
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