Taylor Burke

My name is Taylor Burke and I am currently in my fifth and final year here at Brandon University. I am studying Gender and Women’s Studies (GWS), with a minor in Sociology. Although I did not begin my university career in GWS (I was previously in Pre Nursing), I could not be happier that I took an elective, by chance, that changed my whole career path. Coming from a small town in Saskatchewan, I was not aware of the possibilities that could stem from feminism and Gender studies. Because of my passion towards GWS and learning, I applied to graduate schools to focus on the intersection between disability theory and transnational feminism and how these theories help deconstruct notions of citizenship and belonging for people with disabilities. Along with my excitement for learning, I have also enjoyed my time as a volunteer with the University’s Student Leader Program and as a Writing Skills Peer Tutor with Student Services. Therefore, I would like to extend my appreciation to the various staff and faculty members at BU who have been great mentors for me in my university journey and to those who nominated me to be honored on International Women’s Day.

Nominator’s Comments

I would like to nominate Taylor Burke for recognition at the International Women’s Day student achievement celebration. Taylor is an accomplished Bachelor of Arts 4 Year Honours student who is majoring in Gender and Women’s Studies and minoring in Sociology. As a student leader, Taylor has distinguished herself by being keen and reliable, diligently seeking out opportunities to be of service to the current and future students. The folks who arrange for student leaders to work their shifts have been very impressed with her dedication. Her work as a writing skills peer tutor is essential to the smooth delivery of student academic support.

Though Taylor would admit that she struggled somewhat with writing when she began university studies, she didn’t let those struggles define her academic career. Instead, she worked on taking feedback and building a solid set of writing skills for herself. Now, she shares her knowledge of these skills with others, as she patiently and faithfully works three times a week in the library as the writing peer tutor. It has been a pleasure working with Taylor, and I know she has a very bright future ahead of her as she graduates from Brandon University.