Elizabeth Mandziuk

What education have you taken?

I graduated from Neepawa and Area Collegiate Institute in 2009. I have a 3 year Bachelor of Arts Degree, with a history major and a math minor. I am in my first year of my Bachelor of Education – After Degree.

What accomplishments you proud of?

I have won several scholarships from the university and my high school that I am very proud of. I am also a member of the Manitoba 4-H Ambassadors program, and have sat on the National 4-H Council. I volunteer every year at the Neepawa Community Christmas Dinner. I enjoy volunteering at the Little Valley Jamboree, as well as volunteering through UCT. I am also a member of the honours society at the University.

Tell me about yourself/ your background/ your history.

I have been very active in 4-H all my life, as I was a member for 10 years, have been an Ambassador for 3 years and was a leader for the first time this year. I really enjoy travelling and my last major trip was a 4-H exchange to Japan for 2 weeks in 2010. I was very active in Ukrainian Dancing for 12 years, with a club from Sandy Lake. I really enjoy working with kids and will be working for the Manitoba Youth Job Centre Program for my third year this summer. I enjoy reading and writing and making jewelry.

How did you become interested in your field of study?

I have always been interested in history, so that made sense for my first degree. I was really inspired to go into education by some of my high school teachers, seeing their joy and their dedication made me want be become a teacher. I have also been teaching from a young age helping my fellow classmates, and in high school I got to help with the elementary school in town through the cross-grade tutoring program.  I have always enjoyed learning so I hope that I can pass that love of learning along to others by becoming a teacher.

What is your philosophy in life?

My philosophy in life is to find what makes you happy, and then find a way to do that for the rest of your life. Without happiness life is boring and well it’s really just no fun. So I want to be happy and help others be happy with their lives.

Where do you see yourself in the future?

I want to take sign language classes after I get my Education Degree, and I want to find a permanent teaching job. If I could teach at the school for the deaf that would be awesome, but even if I am not, I hope that I could use my sign language skills to help others. Basically, I want to be teaching, so that I can help young people discover their potential.

Nominator’s Comments

One of Elizabeth’s most exceptional qualities is that she brings 100% of herself to whatever she’s doing.  This is her third year as a student assistant in the library.  Since she began she has learned steadily, with enthusiasm, and has passed on her knowledge and experience to students in the library, as well as her fellow student assistants. Elizabeth works hard and does very well in her courses but still is involved in 4-H leadership and participates annually in the breast cancer Run for the Cure.  Elizabeth shares her knowledge and helps and encourages others to learn.  I’m sure she will be a terrific asset to the teaching profession.