“In the end, it is important to remember that we cannot become what we need to be, by remaining what we are.” Max DePree, Leadership is an Art
I’m Brook, a faculty member at Vancouver Island University specializing in Work Integrated Learning (Co-op/Internship) a form of Experiential Learning.
I’ve been blessed with the opportunity to earn two undergraduate degrees (Manitoba, Saskatchewan) along with a graduate degree (BC), and I’ve held over 20 different jobs (food service, customer service, warehouse labourer, camp program director, life guard, recreation leader, gas station attendant, transmission re-builder, and others). And if you were to ask me “Brook, what you want to “Be” when you grow up” my answer, “I still don’t know?” But, that said, I am grateful for the opportunity to learn about and pursue opportunities that have enriched my life and prepared me to serve learners. These experiences have absolutely convinced of my key strengths, skills, values, attitudes, interests, and education and I’m certain there are lots of workplaces where I can apply these to contribute to learning and organizational success. Although I absolutely love working at VIU!
Despite all my divergent work experiences, almost 25 years of my professional life has been dedicated to coaching individuals to assess and apply their skills, attitudes, values, interests, knowledge, VIU Graduate Attributes and education into a workplace. I am committed to learner success and am passionate to help learners in their own “Becoming.”
Currently I have the honour and joy of teaching various work integrated learning courses (TOUR 110, TOUR 210, RMGT 110, RMGT 210, TOUR 109, TOUR 209, RMGT 109, RMGT 209, TRMT 309A – B, CREW 475, and PHIL 399) as well as individually coaching students towards their co-op/internship experiences and beyond.
Two philosophical statements under-gird my role as a faculty member within the Centre for Experiential Learning at VIU;
- I desire to inspire learners in their “Becoming.”
- I serve as a GPS but it’s the learner who drives their “bus.”
Bear Buns Cumberland Enduro, 2016
Outside of my work at VIU, I am a husband to Joan my best friend, and a father of two amazing young adults who are currently engaged in post-secondary studies (they are smart like Joan). I am an avid mountain biker, and you can often find me on the single-tracks around Cumberland or at the odd Enduro events on the island. I have enjoyed participating in just about every sport; downhill skiing, ice hockey, ball hockey, golf, softball, fly fishing, hiking but really spend most of my time on bikes these days (and if I had more time and budget I’d build and ride a road bike too).
Skiing Mt Washington with Braela and Merin, an activity we enjoy together…if I can keep up
I’ve had the joy of partnering in the development of a few community non-profits and have served as a board chair and board member within my home community the Comox Valley. I’m actively engaged in my church family and value the lifelong friendships and deep relationships this fellowship has nurtured in me and my family.
“In the end, it is important to remember that we cannot become what we need to be, by remaining what we are.” Max DePree, Leadership is an Art
No return, Wildplay 2018