Alyia Buhr

What education have you taken?

Upon graduation from high school I headed out east and completed two years of course work at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia. With an interest in pursuing law, I headed home to Manitoba to the University of Manitoba where I completed a Bachelor of Arts degree with major in criminology and minor in geography. I am currently in my final year of my Bachelor of Education at Brandon University in early years stream.

What accomplishments are you proud of?

I am proud of being placed on the Dean’s list at both Dalhousie and the University of Manitoba, and being named as a member of the President’s Honour Society at BU. I am grateful and proud for the scholarships I’ve been awarded: the BUAA and Mrs. Kay Gardner Undergraduate Scholarship for an outstanding student in their final year, the Brandon University Faculty Association Scholarship to a student of academic distinction, and the Dr. Wilfred W. McCutcheon Scholarship for outstanding academic achievement, excellence in leadership ability and promise in classroom teaching.

I have enjoyed volunteer opportunities in a variety of settings – coaching gymnastics, teaching Sunday School, helping at Vacation Bible School, volunteering in a classroom for a year, co-coaching a middle years cheer leading team, to name some.

Tell me about yourself.

I was born in Winnipeg. I am currently in my final year of Education at BU. I have studied at three universities, in three different cities, which has given me a unique and diverse educational experience. I have travelled to many places in the world, including India and England, where I have family. I have now found myself finishing my education journey in Brandon. I recently moved to Brandon, in August 2015, after getting married. I am happiest when I am reading, cooking and baking, crafting, singing, cheering for the Toronto Blue Jays, and participating in drama!

How did you become interested in your field of study?

Ever since I was a child I always wanted to be a teacher; however, once I started university I felt my heart being pulled towards law. I felt that I could be a strong advocate in the system and ultimately wanted to help people. I had intended to apply for the Faculty of Law after taking a strong interest in Criminology and taking the LSAT. The next step I took was shadowing a Crown Prosecutor. This experience opened by eyes to how many children are involved in the legal system. I was devastated after sitting in on bail hearings at the youth centre in Winnipeg. This experience made me realize that I needed to make a difference. I decided that I wanted to get involved and try to prevent children from ending up in the system by being a positive role model for children in my classroom and community.

I believe that teaching is one of the best jobs in the world! I love having the opportunity to be a positive influence, and role model in my students’ lives. I believe that my enthusiasm, and outgoing personality will make me an exceptional teacher. I truly have a sense of fulfillment and enjoyment when I am teaching and motivating children. I am excited about the opportunity to make learning fun and help my students make connections with the knowledge they gain in the classroom to the world. I believe that everyone has a right to education.

I believe that schools aim to effectively socialize children, facilitate learning, provide knowledge of basic life skills, and build community. I aim to shape life-long learners and critical thinkers who continuously question the world around them; I want to encourage my students to know and believe that they can make a difference in the world. As a future educator, I believe that I share the responsibility, with both parents and society, for guiding children through academics, the “hidden curriculum”, where students learn the norms, values, and expectation that the greater society will have for them one day. And ultimately helping them interpret the world around them.

What is your philosophy in life?

My philosophy in life is to be positive, and follow Christ, I believe that it is so important to enjoy every moment and find the good in every situation. One quotation that I have embraced is to “go the extra mile because it is never crowded”!

Where do you see yourself in the future?

An ideal future for me includes having a family, teaching, and travelling. I love to travel, especially to warm destinations, so I hope to be able to do that every year! I aspire to be a mom who motivates and teaches my children every day! I also hope to continue to be an active member in my community.

Nominator’s Comments

Alyia Buhr is a very conscientious student. She is hard working and dedicated to the profession of teaching. She consistently makes tremendous effort in the completion of her course assignments and brings valuable insight in class discussions, both in small groups and full class conversations. She is an excellent presenter who is able to engage her audience in her chosen topic while modeling teaching techniques that foster reflection and critical thinking. She has excellent reports from the field during her student teaching placements, always presenting herself professionally. Alyia is always enthusiastic in her approaches with students. Alyia shows tremendous potential to become an excellent teacher. She is ready and capable to assume responsibility for her own classroom. She is learner focused, understands the importance of inclusion for all learners, and it is my great privilege to have had her in my classes. I highly recommend her for this award.