History is anything but dusty, dull and dead for arts student Petra Maior, who this summer is bringing the past to life for children visiting the Pitt Meadows Museum.
Studying European and Canadian history, alongside archaeology and anthropology, Maior has been hired for the summer as the museum’s children’s programmer and among other projects, is responsible for the popular Heritage Thursdays for five to 10 year olds. The program blends traditional learning techniques and hands-on activities, which provides children with a dynamic experience, a better understanding of the past and an appreciation for why the past is important.
“We are exploring the unknown mysteries of urban legends, folklores, mythical cities and creatures through games, crafts and lessons,” Maior said of this summer’s theme of Imaginary Places and Mythical Creatures. “These activities allow children to create an outlet for their imagination while having a good time, but still learning a few things along the way.”
Heritage Thursdays started July 7 and runs through Aug. 18, and during that time, children will explore Bigfoot, Atlantis, Oz, the ancient wonders of the world, Greek mythology and First Nations stories.
Her position is being paid for through a federal program to hire university students and she is one of three students at the museum this summer.
How did she hear about this great opportunity?
“I have been looking for a job like this for quite some time now, but nothing had come up, or I found postings that made it a requirement to have prior work experience in this field,” said Maior. “So one day I was looking on the Young Canada Works page and there it was. I decided to just apply and see what would happen. I am so grateful and so lucky to have received this kind of position, especially since I know the impact this will have on my future and the children that attend these programs.
And as it turns out, this experience is also providing insight into the career path she intends to follow after her arts degree.
“With a hope of becoming a teacher, this position allows me to get a glimpse of activity planning that is fun for children, yet educational. This position allows me to continue doing what I love and is guiding me towards my future career.”
Getting career experience while still in school echoes what more and more employers are seeking in university graduates.
In a speech to the Universities Canada Governing Council Chamber in April, Royal Bank of Canada’s president and chief executive officer Dave McKay spoke of the need for relatable work experience before graduation.
“I believe we need to start with an audacious, national goal to ensure 100 percent of Canadian undergrad students are exposed to some form of meaningful experiential learning before graduation,” said McKay.
“Rightly or wrongly, one’s first big job often depends on who you know. Work placements get students in front of employers and acts as a social leveller.”
NOTE: Parts and pieces of this article can be found in the article “Looking Back: Summer at Pitt Meadows“, which was published in the June 29, 2016 edition of the Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows News.
