Alexia J. Walters

2021 International Women's Day Nominee - Alexia J. Walters

Give a brief bio about yourself/ your background/ your history.

I am a lifelong learner and a trained educator from Kingston, Jamaica. I was a trained youth leader in my community and the passion ignited for me to educate persons who could not access education and those who learn differently. So, I pursued and achieved a B. Ed. (Hons.). I taught for a couple of years before working with Jamaica’s Ministry of Education, Youth & Information as a Mathematics Coach.

I moved to Canada to pursue a M.Ed. Educational Administration at Brandon University. Since being at Brandon University, I have worked with SAS as an Academic Attendant, Brandon University Students’ Union as International Students Director and Graduate Students Director as well as being a Research Assistant for various research projects. Finally, I currently volunteer with the Canadian Federation of Students-MB as a Racialized Commissioner.

My parents always stressed the importance of education and community involvement. So, I aim to get the highest level of education possible and guiding other students in achieving higher education. Moreover, I enjoy giving my time, knowledge, and skills to community organizations so I can make a positive difference to people who need it.

What education have you taken?

In 2010, I graduated with a Diploma in General Academic Studies. In 2012, I was awarded an Associate Degree in General Studies and an Advanced Proficiency Diploma (Accounting, Business, Communication Studies, Economics, and Management of Business). Furthermore, I graduated with a B. Ed. (Hons.) in Primary Education with a specialization in Mathematics. I am currently pursuing a M.Ed. in Educational Administration.

What accomplishments are you proud of?

I am most proud of my ability to successfully balance volunteering, working, attending school, and connecting with my family. An accomplishment I am proud of is being an active mentor to youths and adults with various organizations in both Jamaica and Canada from 2008 to present. In addition, I am proud to work with Brandon University SAS department to assist students in their aim to achieve higher education. Finally, I was awarded the Y.L. Jack Lam Graduate Scholarship in Education in 2020.

How did you become interested in your field of study?

My interest in the education field is a result of many factors coming together. First, during my community services as a teenager, I would always be placed in charge of the youths and teens and was complimented for how I was able to relate to them. Also, my teachers at high school would ask me to tutor other students in the class. When I was a school leader at my high school, teachers would give me their lesson plans to teach if they could not make it the next day for me to teach the students. My parents and I were told of how well and natural I was in teaching and so I decided to get it formalized by getting my B. Ed. After a few years of teaching and working with the administration, I realized I wanted to be an administrator myself to bring effective and efficient change to the education system. Moreover, I have a passion to assist other administrators and teachers on how to employ best practices in classrooms.

What is your philosophy in life?

I am guided by various philosophies:

  • Nothing in life just happens.
  • “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13
  • Some people come into your life for a reason, others for a season, and few for a lifetime.
  • “Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.” -Malcolm X

Where do you see yourself in the future?

In the future I see myself as a professor, educating future teachers on best practices to use in their classrooms to accommodate all students. Working with educators on how to use universal design for learning to assist, improve and optimize teaching and learning for all persons in the education system.

What do you #ChooseToChallenge?

I #ChooseToChallenge discrimination and marginalization.

Nominator’s Comments:

Alexia moved to Brandon, MB from Jamaica in 2019 to pursue her Masters of Education at Brandon University. She is currently a full-time international graduate student in the program. Alexia is a highly dedicated student as is evidenced by her strong work ethic and above average academic standing.

Despite being a full-time student, Alexia is able to balance academic obligations with work and extensive community service, on and off campus. Alexia has worked as an Academic Attendant, tutor, and invigilator in the Student Accessibility Service (SAS) office at Brandon University since 2019. Alexia is a strong advocate for accessible education and the students she works with. Outside of this work, Alexia held a causal retail position of campus and has most recently taken on a research position in the field of inclusive education.

In addition, Alexia is currently the Graduate Studies Director on the Brandon University Student Union (BUSU), and sits on the University’s Curriculum and Planning Committee, Senate, the Graduate Studies Committee and the Graduate Student Advisory Council. Last year, Alexia sat on the Academic Dishonesty Committee. Alexia is also directly involved in committee work that supports international students. Currently, she is the Racialized Commissioner for Canadian Federation of Students (CFS) Manitoba. Outside of committee work, Alexia is involved in campus volunteer work, including food drives organized by BUSU. Alexia’s contributions extend beyond campus as she volunteered at the Jamaican pavilion in 2019. Although Alexia has been here for just over a year, it is as though she has been part of our community for much longer. As is evidenced by her impressive record, Alexia has made significant contributions to Brandon University, the international student community, and Brandon, MB. We are lucky to have her!