Feeling connected with a professor is a unique feeling that some people are very fortunate to experience. I am one of the fortunate ones, the faculty in the Social Work department at TRU is amazing. Whether it is their ability to create a safe and caring environment for everyone involved, or their genuineness to connect with you as a person, they are amazing individuals with an overwhelming amount of knowledge to create a rich, remarkable environment for learning.

During my classes in the Human Service Diploma, I have encountered many individuals who have taught me valuable life lessons as well as skills that will transfer into the field. One professor that sticks out in my mind is Tanya Pawliuk, she has left a mark on my life and learning as she is a quality individual. With her background in Child and Youth Care, she is a kind and genuine person who sees the individuals she teaches as people who each have their own goals and different styles of learning. Her work in the Child and Youth Care field helps provide a good quality perspective into the work and learning we are doing as Human Service students. Her ideas are heavily based on relationships and the ability to communicate with people. Being able to create a relationship and focus on the person in front of you by being present and attentive are some of the ideologies she holds.

From my time being taught by her I learned that the values of empathy and the want to help are present, making her a phenomenal professor.