Jocelyn Grubb

Applying Academia to Real Life

Jocelyn Grubb enjoyed her time as an undergrad at Bishop’s University studying Sociology and Liberal Arts, so when it came time to start her Master’s degree she wanted to continue her education right here. “What I like most about our school is that it provides a tailored experience”, she says, “The flexibility gives me the chance to pursue my research interests with opportunities that might not be available elsewhere.”

A travel enthusiast, the 2nd year Master’s student compares her approach to learning to her love of travel. “Education, like travelling, is opening yourself to new things, and I would say it is one of the many reasons why I love school,” she says, “Learning should be about discovering.” It was this love of learning that fueled her passion of educational research.

The 24-year-old School of Education student’s B.E.S.T. Project will allow her to continue her research with Literacy in Action, a local non-profit organization that addresses low literacy means, catered specifically to the region’s English-speaking community. She will be a key figure in the organization’s research projects and will play an important role in program evaluations. “I will work closely with the director, assessing projects and ensuring that the results of my research meet their mandate,” she explains.

Jocelyn will also have the opportunity to learn about the inner workings of a community organization. “Not only will I be applying and practicing my research skills, I will also discover how to run a non-profit and understand how the community sector works,” she says. “After my studies I hope to work in a local organization related to the field of education and language policies, so my project will let me gain a better understanding of how it all works.” She says she will have the chance to inform her own research for her thesis and gain practical experience in the field during her time at Literacy in Action.

When asked why students should apply for opportunities like the B.E.S.T. Project Fund, she says that experiential learning is an important part of the university experience. “It is crucial for those who study to go beyond the classroom”, she confides, “We need to see what we learn outside the confines of a textbook.” Her advice to others would be to go for it. “What are we learning theory for if we can’t apply it?, she asks.