Anna Maria Hawkins
What education have you taken?
I will be graduating with a 4-year B.A. (Honours) in Psychology in May. I also hold a B.B.A. from the University of Winnipeg.
What accomplishments are you proud of?
I received the Chancellor’s Gold Medal for the Highest Standing in Business and Economics and the Buhler Business and Administration Major Scholarship at the University of Winnipeg. My current research on massed versus spaced learning in horses has been featured in the January issue of Research Connection here at BU: https://www.brandonu.ca/research-connection/rc-article/massed-versus-spaced-learning-in-horses/
Tell us about yourself:
My professional background has been in project management and logistics. I worked in market research for a number of years and then joined the Canadian Armed Forces as a Logistics Officer in 2009. When I left the military in 2018 I decided to pursue studies in Psychology, which has always been an interest of mine. My intent is to continue my studies in this field although I am not sure at this point whether I will go into clinical work or research.
In my personal life, I enjoy riding and working with horses. I have been fortunate to have had the opportunity to start riding about ten years ago and I have not looked back since. I now ride every chance I get. Perhaps in the future I will have the opportunity to marry both my passions and pursue a career in equine assisted therapy.
How did you become interested in your field of study?
Psychology has always been an interest of mine, particularly the areas of positive psychology and personality research. Having the opportunity to now study it formally has been very rewarding.
What is your philosophy in life?
Have passion for what you do. Spend your time in ways you find fulfilling. Cherish and nurture the relationships that are important to you.
Where do you see yourself in the future?
I plan to take a year off to work and then pursue graduate studies in Psychology.
Nominator’s Comments:
In short, Anna Hawkins is the essence of everything we hope for in a student. She is a complex thinker and a motivated and fully engaged learner. Combined with these strengths, she also understands the importance of connecting with and learning from her faculty members. She always pushes her own (and others’) understanding of course content to see the broader theoretical and practical implications.
In addition to her studies, Anna has accepted several recommendations to involve herself in other activities on and off campus. For example, she is an involved student member on the planning committee for the Mental Health on the Prairies Conference. She is a research assistant off campus, and she has recently become a volunteer with Samaritan House Foodbank. In all activities, Anna is fully involved. In short, she is very impressive in her connection with all that she does. I highly recommend her for this recognition.