ALUMNI

Name: Sarah Belanger Graduation Year: April 2008 Resource and Region Specializations: Culture and Agriculture/Plants and Peoples (formally sustainable agriculture); Pacific Northwest Coast of North America (here!) Favourite Courses: All of my directed studies/field credits, including: Linnaea Farm Ecological Gardening Programme (8 months, 6 credits), Establishment of UBC Farm Heritage Orchard (2 years, 6 credits), Apprenticeship with Dan Jason and Salt Spring Seeds/Seed Sanctuary of Canada (5 months, 6 credits) IHHS 301: First Nations Traditional Use of Plants CNPS 362: Counselling Psychology Basic Interview Skills ENG 222: Canadian Literature After graduating from UBC I enrolled in Certificate programs in Conflict Resolution (Mediation and Negotiation) at the Justice Institute of BC – highly recommended! Current Job Title: I am currently transitioning out from 4 years as core staff at the UBC Farm.  I am starting graduate school at UBC in Counselling Psychology September 2010. Job Description: My UBC Farm job has been wonderful, engaging and multifaceted.  My core project was the establishment and coordination of our “Sowing Seeds for the Future” Practicum in sustainable agriculture.  I was also involved in field production, flower sales, the establishment of our heritage apple orchard and a flurry of other tasks.  In addition, I also work as a Homecare Attendant, and will return to teaching yoga one of these fine days.  Grad school is my next big project – diving more deeply into the world of human process, wellness and faciliation.  I intend to blend my love of working with people with my love of plants forever :). Previous Job Title: UBC Farm Sowing Seeds Apprenticeship Coordinator; UBC Farm Field Crew; Yoga Teacher; Homecare Attendant Location: UBC Farm, Semperviva, Private Home Job Description: My UBC Farm job is engaging and multifaceted (like most farm staff I wear many hats). Approximately 2 days per week I take care of the background coordination of our new apprenticeship in organic agriculture “Sowing Seeds for the Future.” 3 days per week I am involved in field production, from seeding to harvest and sales. I also pick up various other tasks along the way! Currently I am also a substitute yoga teacher at Semperviva Yoga Studios, and I work one day per week as a Homecare Attendant. Recommended Organizations: Linnaea Farm Ecological Garden Programme http://www.linnaeafarm.org/farm/show2s/, Salt Spring Seeds http://www.saltspringseeds.com Photo: Sarah Belanger working with Salt Spring Seeds