Reflections on Human Rights Coursework: How has my coursework impacted my understanding of Human Rights?
Picture Taken at Kamloops Lake in British Columbia on July 3, 2025
Throughout my Master of Arts in Human Rights and Social Justice program at Thompson Rivers University, my understanding of human rights has evolved from a general moral and legal awareness into a deeply critical, interdisciplinary, and action-oriented perspective. The coursework not only expanded my theoretical understanding of rights and justice but also challenged me to reconsider how human rights are lived, contested, and protected in diverse social, cultural, and political contexts.
Courses such as “Foundations of Human Rights and Social Justice” introduced me to the philosophical and historical roots of human rights, from Enlightenment liberalism to postcolonial critiques. This provided a solid foundation to understand how universal rights discourses emerged, as well as their limitations in addressing systemic inequalities. I learnt that Human Rights are founded on fundamental principles such as decency, fairness, respect and equality. They safeguard your daily life regardless of who you are, where you live, or how you choose to live.
In “Indigenous Ways of Knowing” coursework, I encountered an alternative epistemological framework that profoundly reshaped my thinking about human dignity, relationality, and justice. Engaging with Indigenous perspectives helped me see that human rights cannot be separated from collective rights, land, and cultural survival. This course deepened my appreciation for decolonial approaches and the need to indigenize human rights practices in Canada and beyond.
Similarly, in the fall of 2025, one of the courses that I took is titled, “Risk, Place, and Social Justice in a Turbulent World,” in my final paper, I researched on “Housing Insecurity in Canada: Are International Students Convenient Scapegoats?” This research enabled me to apply human rights principles to real-world issues. This practical engagement bridged theory and lived experience, strengthening my capacity for critical analysis, advocacy, and Human rights research.
Moreover, exposure to testimonies of Holocaust survivors and discussions around the slogan “Never Again” in one my courses titled, “Genocide in the 20th Century”, made me reflect on the fragility of memory and the dangers of selective empathy. It taught me that remembering past atrocities must serve as a universal moral commitment to prevent oppression in all its forms, rather than being weaponized for political justification.
Overall, my coursework transformed my understanding of human rights from abstract ideals into living principles that demand constant reflection, dialogue, and accountability. I have come to see human rights not merely as a legal framework, but as a dynamic and evolving practice rooted in solidarity, intersectionality, and the pursuit of justice for all.
Reflections on Social Justice Coursework: How has my coursework impacted my understanding of Social Justice?
Picture Taken at Edith Lake in Kamloops, British Columbia, on October 8, 2025.
My understanding of social justice has deepened profoundly throughout my coursework in the Master of Arts in Human Rights and Social Justice program at Thompson Rivers University. Before entering the program, I viewed social justice largely as the pursuit of equality and fairness within society. However, through the diverse range of courses and critical readings, I have come to appreciate social justice as a complex, dynamic, and relational process, one that requires dismantling structural inequalities, amplifying marginalized voices, and reimagining systems of care and governance.
In courses such as “Settler Colonialism: Decolonization and Responsibility”, that I took in Winter of 2025, I learnt that the concept of Social Justice means everyone’s human rights are respected, protected, and promoted. In other words, everyone should have access to equal opportunities and the resources necessary to thrive. This doesn’t guarantee a perfect society where everyone is always happy; however, everyone will have a fighting chance at the life they want. Engaging with these courses challenged me to think critically about the balance between fairness and freedom, and how power operates within social institutions. I learnt that achieving justice goes beyond equal access to resources; it also involves ensuring representation, respect, and meaningful participation for historically excluded communities.
The “Indigenous Ways of Knowing” course was particularly transformative. It exposed me to epistemologies grounded in relationality, reciprocity, and collective responsibility. This learning shifted my perspective from seeing justice merely as a matter of law or policy to understanding it as a practice of restoring balance between people, the land, and all living beings. Through this lens, I came to see decolonization as inseparable from social justice work in Canada.
Likewise, discussions on intersectionality, anti-racism, and gender justice across several courses that I took during this master’s program encouraged me to examine how overlapping systems of oppression, such as colonialism, patriarchy, and capitalism shape peoples lived realities. These insights have influenced how I approach my work as a caregiver and community advocate, where I now consciously strive to practice empathy, inclusion, and empowerment in everyday interactions.
Overall, my coursework has reshaped my understanding of social justice as both an ethical commitment and a collective responsibility. I have learnt that meaningful social change requires not only policy reform but also critical self-reflection, relationship-building, and solidarity with those at the margins. This holistic understanding continues to guide my academic research, professional practice, and vision for contributing to a more equitable society.
My Practicum Experience
Picture taken at KAAS Park Kamloops in British Columbia, on the 5th of May 2025
My practicum experience as a Wellness Support Worker at the Canadian Mental Health Association’s Genesis Place in Kamloops was both transformative and deeply educational. Throughout my placement, I had the opportunity to engage directly with individuals living in supportive housing, many of whom are navigating complex intersections of mental health challenges, housing insecurity, and food instability. This hands-on experience enabled me to move beyond classroom theory and immerse myself in the lived reality of some of the most vulnerable members of our community.
My role involved offering both practical and emotional support to residents. On any given day, this could include assisting someone in preparing a nutritious meal, helping with personal organization, or simply being present to listen with empathy and without judgment. What struck me most about this work was the dignity and resilience of the individuals I supported. Each person brought a unique story shaped by systemic barriers, trauma, and survival, and each deserved compassion and care grounded in a rights-based approach.
Program Learning Outcome (PLO) Development
The goals I set at the outset of my practicum were centred around three core program learning outcomes: gaining a critical awareness of the debates shaping human rights and social justice, experiencing firsthand the key issues at stake locally and nationally, and articulating my insights clearly through group work and reflection. I chose these objectives because of my longstanding interest in exploring the interplay between housing and food insecurity, particularly within the context of British Columbia. I can confidently say that my learning objectives were fully realized, especially in the final phase of my placement.
Genesis Place addresses the deep-rooted connections between shelter, nutrition, and mental wellness through a model of supportive housing that reflects a human-rights-based approach. This includes a particular focus on serving Indigenous clients and those recovering from mental illness, who traditional housing models often underserve. I witnessed how access to stable housing, culturally appropriate care, and consistent food support can dramatically improve a person’s outlook, safety, and capacity to thrive.
This practicum also enhanced my critical thinking, communication, and team collaboration skills. I participated in care planning meetings, engaged in reflective conversations with staff, and contributed to discussions about service improvements. I was encouraged to think deeply and speak clearly, both in formal settings and informal interactions, which strengthened my confidence and ability to offer original perspectives.
My practicum at CMHA Kamloops’ Genesis Place not only fulfilled my academic learning outcomes but also confirmed my commitment to advocacy and community-based care. I have gained practical insights into how rights-based, inclusive housing models can address systemic injustice and promote wellness. More importantly, I leave this experience with a renewed sense of purpose and readiness to continue contributing meaningfully to social justice work in any setting I find myself in going forward.
Orientation
At the beginning of my practicum, I received a formal orientation from the Case Manager, Audrey Asamoah, and a front-line staff member, Clinton Egwakhide, on the 5th, 6th, and 7th of May 2025. Their guidance provided me with a strong foundation for understanding the policies, values, and day-to-day operations of Genesis Place.
In addition to the in-person orientation, I was scheduled for a series of mandatory online training sessions, including Naloxone administration, Psychological First Aid, Understanding and Managing Aggressive Behaviour, and Effective Workplace Boundaries. These training courses are the same as those offered to newly hired CMHA staff and significantly equipped me to function confidently and competently in my support role.
Reflections on my Practicum Experience on Human Rights and Social Justice, and Future Plans
One of the most eye-opening moments during my practicum came on May 7, 2025, when I accompanied Clinton Egwakhide on my first wellness check with residents. As someone deeply concerned about housing insecurity, I was flabbergasted by what I encountered. The rooms at Genesis Place were not only spacious and well-maintained, but they were also designed with a sense of dignity in mind. Each resident had access to privacy, comfort, and safety, elements often missing in low-income or emergency housing environments. Even more impressive was the fact that residents received three nutritious meals daily without having to worry about where their next meal would come from.
That day, I experienced a significant shift in my understanding of the practical application of human rights. I had studied the rights to housing and food in theory, but seeing them in action, in a facility that embeds these rights into everyday care, helped me fully grasp what it means to treat housing as a fundamental human right rather than a privilege. Genesis Place does not merely house people; it affirms their right to live in conditions that promote mental wellness, dignity, and hope. This moment was a turning point for me. It showed me that real social justice is not always loud or dramatic. Sometimes, it’s in the quiet stability offered to people who have gone too long without it.
Professional Networking
Throughout my placement, I also found a deep sense of connection with the management and staff at Genesis Place. From our conversations to team collaborations, I felt not only supported but genuinely welcomed into the organization’s culture of care and accountability. The highlight of this connection was being scheduled for a job interview on the very last day of my practicum, June 18, 2025. This invitation felt like a full-circle moment: I started my practicum as a student eager to learn, and I ended it as a candidate hoping to become part of the team. My relationship with the staff at CMHA Kamloops affirmed that social justice work is best done in the community, with people who share a vision of care and equity.
This practicum has had a significant impact on my future. Initially, I saw this experience as a temporary step in my academic journey, a required placement to complete a program. However, I now see it as a launching pad. I want to continue working in this sector, and more specifically, I aim to be part of organizations that prioritize mental health, housing, and Indigenous reconciliation. My time at Genesis Place has affirmed my desire to be an advocate and a frontline worker, someone who doesn’t just talk about change but participates in building it, one relationship at a time.
Overall, this practicum was more than just a learning opportunity. It was a personal and professional awakening. It solidified my belief that everyone deserves safe shelter, food security, and emotional support, and it demonstrated to me that these ideals are achievable when we commit to justice-oriented care. I carry this experience forward with both gratitude and renewed determination to be part of the change I want to see in the world.
Reflection on Experiential Learning
Picture taken at Overlander Park, Kamloops, British Columbia, on the 7th of July 2025
Experiential learning has been one of the most transformative aspects of my Master of Arts in Human Rights and Social Justice program at Thompson Rivers University. Whether through interactive classroom experiences, community engagement, or my practicum placement, I have come to understand that learning about human rights and social justice is most impactful when it moves beyond theoretical analysis into lived experience and embodied practice.
One of the most memorable experiential learning moments occurred during the Indigenous Ways of Knowing course facilitated by Jenna Woodrow. Engaging in activities such as storytelling circles, collective reflection, and hands-on cultural exercises like land-based learning offered me a deeper appreciation of knowledge systems grounded in relationship and reciprocity. These experiences allowed me to move from abstract understanding to embodied awareness, recognizing that knowledge is not only intellectual but also emotional, spiritual, and communal. This shift taught me that justice must be rooted in respect for diverse ways of knowing and being.
Beyond coursework, my practicum experience was equally formative in shaping my learning pathway. Working directly with vulnerable people in a shelter home exposed me to the daily realities of inequality, trauma, and resilience. I learnt that human rights work often unfold in subtle, everyday acts of care, listening to people’s stories, advocating for their needs, or ensuring their dignity is respected in institutional settings. These lived experiences helped bridge the gap between academic theory and social practice, reinforcing the idea that human rights and social justice are not just studied but lived.
Through both experiential coursework and the practicum, I developed a deeper understanding of reflexivity, the continuous process of examining my own assumptions, positionality, and privileges in relation to the communities I serve. I began to see myself not as an observer of injustice but as a participant in systems of change. This realization continues to guide my professional and academic growth, reminding me that effective human rights and social justice work requires humility, empathy, and ongoing learning.
In conclusion, experiential learning has been central to my journey through this program. It has allowed me to internalize theoretical concepts, cultivate cultural awareness, and strengthen my commitment to ethical and community-based approaches to justice. These experiences have not only shaped my scholarly identity but also deepened my sense of responsibility to apply what I have learnt in meaningful, transformative ways within my community and professional practice.