Volume XIl,
Number 6
June 14, 1990

CAPILANO COLLEGE'S INTERNAL NEWSLETTER

Celebrating 20 Years 1968 - 1988

Sunshine and Summer Farewells

HL SO

Women's Studies

Valedictorian Exploring Human Potential

When Sharon Gardner was working as a secretary years ago
and knew she had the potential to do more, she didn’t know how
right she was. Capilano College’s 1990 valedictorian is
graduating from the two year academic transfer program with
accolades and awards from every one of her instructors.

Named as an outstanding student by her anthropology and
sociology instructors, nominated for a book award by her
English instructor, and the recipient of women’s studies and
anthropology book awards at graduation, Sharon has only begun
to fulfill her potential. After a summer of upgrading in math and
a course in mythology at UBC, Sharon plans to continue in the
social sciences at SFU with the eventual goal of a certificate in
gerontology.

“T like the honesty and vitality of older people,” says the
animated student. “If they’re not ill, I find them generally
outgoing, and I enjoy their positive outlook.” With a
gerontology certificate, Sharon says she could be running

seniors’ programs on cruise ships or in a government institution.

Sharon’s choice of subjects at college reflects her work
experience. Last summer she was a volunteer for the North Shore
Health department taking seniors shopping and participating in
the hot meal program. She plans to do the same this summer.

And before coming to Cap in 1986, Sharon was a supervisor
for the Community Services Placement program (which places
people charged with misdemeanors in community service work).
Following from this interesting challenge, Sharon signed up at
Cap for the human geography course. “It was a wonderful re-
entry to formal learning,” she commented.

Pointing out that the range of ages and backgrounds in Cap
classes adds a lot to the education, Sharon adds that her women’s
studies classes were especially supportive. “‘The co-operation and
sharing I experienced was wonderful. It was a very warm and
nurturing environment. I gained a lot.”

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