Four STUdents named FutureNB and FutureWabanaki Award Winners

STUdents Chanté Laverlot, Jazna Ward, Juliane Martin and Noah Deas have been selected as FutureNB and FutureWabanaki Student Excellence Award recipients.

 

The awards are given on an individual basis to students in New Brunswick who have demonstrated excellence in experiential learning through their university. Selected students must have made a significant contribution to a community partner or their internship host employer.

 

Chanté Laverlot: The Ville Cooperative

 

Chanté Laverlot, a fourth-year Psychology and English student from Cape Town, South Africa, is a recipient of the FutureNB Student Excellence Award. Laverlot completed her internship with the Ville Cooperative, coordinating workshops and courses and assisting with the programming for the ReConnect summer camp.

 

Laverlot said working with so many people on a wide variety of programming during her internship helped her develop her communication, leadership, and collaboration skills.

 

“My internship made me want to participate more within the Fredericton community and the community here at STU. The new things I learned and skills I gained will continue to be with me throughout my life.”

 

Jazna Ward:  Indigenous Tourism Association of New Brunswick  

 

Jazna Ward, a Social Work student from Metepenagiag Mi'kmaq Nation, is a recipient of the FutureWabanaki Student Excellence Award. Ward completed her internship with the Indigenous Tourism Association of New Brunswick, where she worked as a Communications Officer.  

 

In her role, Ward researched and promoted Indigenous tourism information and experiences to contribute to the organization’s mission to unite communities, Indigenous organizations, and industry leaders to support the growth and promotion of a sustainable and culturally rich Indigenous Tourism in New Brunswick.

 

“It was a very enriching and rewarding experience. I was able to harness multiple tools while I did my internship including running a website, handling all social media posts, and managing communications between our director and other organizations. I was able to do it under Indigenous supervision which gave me a lot of confidence,” Ward said.

 

Juliane Martin: John Howard Society of Fredericton

 

Juliane Martin, a second-year student from Miramichi, is a recipient of the FutureWabanaki Student Excellence Award. Martin completed her summer internship with the John Howard Society of Fredericton and the Oak Centre Shelter, which is run by the society. Over the summer, Martin spearheaded the building and planting of the first community garden at the Oak Centre, which will provide food for shelter residents.

 

“My internship enhanced my experience at STU through giving me confidence in my communication skills. It has also helped me to be a more thoughtful person and has taught me more independence,” she said.

 

Martin is majoring in Spanish and French and minoring in Economics, a background which helped her when budgeting for materials. Martin said the confidence and independence she gained during her internship translated into her academic work.

 

“I was lucky to have very supportive coworkers and people around me who cared deeply about my success with this project. Knowing I had endless support behind me helped me trust myself and my abilities to succeed.”

 

Noah Deas: Solo Chicken Productions

 

Noah Deas, a fourth-year student from Oromocto, New Brunswick, is a recipient of the FutureNB Student Excellence Award. Deas completed his internship with local theatre group Solo Chicken Productions, planning workshops, working on the Spirit Project and coordinating the Plain Site Theatre Festival last spring.

 

“My internship placement helped to put the various skills and lessons I’ve learned during my degree so far to practice in a supportive environment. My experience during my internship has made me a better student, leader, and artist,” Deas said.

 

Deas is honouring in both English Language and Literature and Fine Arts. He said his internship helped develop his discipline, creativity, and confidence in his abilities.

 

“My advice for any student who wants to take part in an internship as a part of their degree is to just go for it. Make suggestions. Say your boldest ideas. You never know where it can take you.”