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Meet Our Students: Celebrating Success Stories – Courteney Morris

As we launch our new series, "Meet Our Students: Celebrating Success Stories," we are thrilled to introduce Courteney Morris, a remarkable 4th year Honours Specialization Sociology student with a Major in Indigenous Studies at Western University.

Morris's journey is as inspiring as it is unique. As a Métis mother of three, she is returning to academia after a fulfilling 15-year career in the hospitality industry. Her passion for social justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion has guided her back to school, where she has chosen to study social sciences to make a meaningful impact in various social spheres, including work, home, healthcare, and community.

Her focus on Indigenous Studies has allowed her to delve deeply into the Indigenous experience across Canada and beyond. Morris appreciates how the department fosters a circular type of learning, where students learn from their professors and contribute their own insights based on personal experiences. She praises the inclusive and flexible approach of Dr. Bedard, who integrates Indigenous teachings and promotes a hands-on, self-led learning environment. This teaching style, Morris notes, contrasts sharply with traditional methods where knowledge flows one way from the professor to students.

Morris’s experience has been enriched by the supportive environment in the Social Science department. She recalls a time during her third year when surgery kept her from attending classes for a few weeks. The academic counselling team was incredibly understanding, and her professors even welcomed her mother to attend classes with her until she recovered. This level of care extended beyond her recovery; Morris has experienced genuine support and inclusiveness in her classes, including professors bringing food to accommodate her dietary needs post-surgery.

The Indigenous Studies program has also broadened Morris's academic perspective. She reflects on how learning about the Mohawk language and culture offered her a profound new understanding of Canada and deepened her gratitude for her family's languages. The program’s integration with other social sciences, such as archaeology, sociology, and anthropology, allows students like Morris to engage with a diverse range of subjects and methodologies.

Morris’s advice to new students is both practical and heartfelt. She emphasizes the importance of embracing mistakes as a crucial part of learning and growth. Consistent class attendance, she notes, will naturally lead to better grades and a deeper understanding of the material. Additionally, she highly recommends utilizing the Writing Center to enhance writing skills and bolster academic success.

Morris's story is a testament to the transformative power of education and the supportive, inclusive community at Western University. We are proud to celebrate her achievements and look forward to sharing more stories of our incredible students in the "Meet Our Stars" series.

Stay tuned for more inspiring stories and join us in celebrating the amazing students who make our university community so special!