Where Are They Now?
Featuring Kayreen Elizabeth Wright
Kayreen Elizabeth Wright is a former Vanier College student who started her journey at Vanier in 2000 and graduated in 2002. She was in the Communications, Media & Studio Arts program. Now, she gets to walk the halls of Vanier College as a Sociology professor, a career she began in 2011.
Memory Lane:
Why did you choose to attend Vanier College?
“I chose Vanier mostly out of convenience. I grew up in Ville-Saint-Laurent, so it felt like the most natural option at a time when I wasn’t sure what direction I wanted to take. Many of my close friends from high school (LaurenHill Academy) were also going to Vanier, which made the transition feel comfortable.”
Walk us through your earliest memory (first impression) at Vanier College.
“My first impression was that it felt like an extension of high school. It felt familiar, a little overwhelming initially, but easy enough to settle into.”
What was your favorite class and why?
“I really enjoyed painting with Louise Drouin Robinson. She still teaches at Vanier. Her encouragement and constructive feedback helped me feel confident as a student.”
What is your favorite Vanier memory?
“One of my favourite Vanier memories is something very simple: getting a large oatmeal cookie from the cafeteria with a friend every week before heading to our three-hour class.”
Career:
Was it always your goal to be a college professor?
“I always knew I wanted to be a teacher. I was drawn to teaching from a young age, even though I wasn’t always sure what that path would look like. It wasn’t until I began graduate studies that the idea of teaching at the college level became clear.”
Explain how it feels to be a professor at the same college you once attended as a student? Do you have to pinch yourself from time to time?
“Sometimes it feels like I never left, just that my place in the classroom has changed.”
What is a career highlight you have had since becoming a Sociology professor?
“Watching students develop their understanding and confidence over a semester has always been a highlight of my career.”
Advice:
What is one thing you were not able to do as a student but would recommend current Vanier students to do?
“I didn’t participate in clubs when I was a student, but looking back I think getting involved in one can help students feel more connected to college life.”
What advice would you give to your younger self on her first day as a Vanier college professor?
“I would tell myself it’s okay not to have everything figured out right away. I knew I wanted to teach; I just needed time to grow into the role.”
What is one piece of advice you would give to current and future Vanier students?
“Be realistic about the challenges, but don’t underestimate your capacity to overcome them.”
