Emily Potter grew up here in the Borough of Lennoxville attending Alexander Galt High School and Champlain College. Emily’s interest in museum studies and art history led her to Mount Allison University in New Brunswick, and then to Algonquin College in Ottawa. While at Mount Allison she improved her French language skills while participating in the Explore immersion program in Chicoutimi and Rivière-de-Loup. Explore is a 5-week language bursary program available to students. This year, Emily has taken a one-year replacement position as archivist at the Eastern Townships Resource Center (ETRC).
Emily’s interests revolve around Heritage + History + Museums. When we talked recently, she mentioned she’s not sure what she’ll do next, however she has various options and exciting decisions ahead. Emily offered to share her thoughts on the process of transitioning from school to whatever comes next in her journey of lifelong learning.
Q - How do you see your learning path unfold over the next few years?
A – It’s very hard to say at this point and although I have several ideas I’m not 100% sure of any of them. As a result of my lack of direction, I think it may be a good time to travel. One of the main things that I am considering is going on a working holiday for a year. It is something I have considered for a long time and I think it would be a good learning experience on many levels. I hope it will help clarify what I might do next. I can see myself moving back to Ottawa for a couple of years, or eventually returning to school to pursue a Masters in Art History. However this is my first year out of school and as much as I enjoy school I am not ready to return unless I feel strongly that is what I want next. School is a wonderful way to learn and broaden opportunities but unfortunately it can be very expensive. At this point, I would like to pursue learning opportunities that enable me to both learn and pay back some of my student loans.
Q – You mention a working holiday. What does that mean and how do you prepare?
A – A working holiday refers to travelling to a new country and working while experiencing a new culture. This enables you to travel to nearby destinations on weekends or holidays and experience the culture more personally. I imagine that my chances of finding a job are much higher in a country where I can speak the language but I’m not sure if I would like to continue improving my French in France or maybe go to the UK. In terms of work, there are quite a few things to think about and there are programs that help you navigate the possibilities. I would be ecstatic if I could find something in my field, but I want to be open to different types of work. To prepare I am looking into different programs, as well as looking at different countries, and attempting to narrow down the possibilities. I’ve discovered that looking at people’s blogs is a great source for travel information and to learn about personal experiences.
Q – Young adults your age (24 years) who are fresh out of school appear to have many options. The saying goes “The world is your oyster”. Does it feel like this to you?
A – I do feel this way and I also feel now is the time to take advantage of these opportunities. The options seem almost limitless when it comes to working or interning while travelling internationally. The main limit is finances. I think that if you really want to experience something that may help shape you and what you want to do, then you should never let money stop you. This is why, if I do a working holiday, I really want to make sure I do my research and find an option that is right for me.
Q – What does ’lifelong learning’ mean to you?
A – Lifelong learning can mean a multitude of things. I tend to immediately think of school because even if I do not return for a Masters, I often think that once I am a little more settled I would like to take university courses from time to time. There are so many subjects that interest me that I didn’t get a chance to take yet. Aside from academic studies, there are recreational activities that are a key part of lifelong learning like cooking, yoga, and dance. It’s also about pursuing new opportunities and trying new things. I believe that a lot of learning occurs when you are outside your comfort zone but it can be hard to appreciate those times and get the most out of them.
Q – The Eastern Townships Resource Centre offers opportunities to learn about regional history and genealogy. How may a person benefit from this free learning service?
A – The ETRC is a resource centre to learn about the Eastern Townships. In my role as archivist I am in charge of the historical records in our collection. These records are archives from organizations and people who have donated them, and they make great historical primary resources for researchers. Although these types of documents may be of more use to people interested in local history or writing a thesis, there are quite a few requests from people researching their family history. In the Old Library at Bishop’s University there are numerous indexes of birth, marriage and death dates that can help people piece together their ancestors’ past. We also have the United Church and Presbyterian Church records so it is possible to get a physical copy of the records. I believe genealogical research is an interesting aspect of lifelong learning but it is often only pursued once people reach retirement. I think more young people should consider it. The more I learn about it the more intriguing it becomes and it is not difficult or costly to take the first step.
People underestimate the importance of their own archives. The ETRC Archives Department is interested in historical records from people or organizations as long as they come from the Eastern Townships. We then organize and process the records and make them available for consultation by the public. You never know what might become helpful to a researcher and it is important to preserve the region and its population’s past as well. If people are interested in doing research at the ETRC, it is best to email or call first. On our website there are links to resources to help you get started on your research, photographs, and an option to search our archives.
- – -
Thank you Emily, for sharing your thoughts about lifelong learning. Emily has provided me with many useful links for planning a working holiday – to be shared in our next post!
