Growing her confidence and skills as a future educator

Victoria Dudley is proud of the confidence she gained while working in real classrooms throughout her degree. 

“A highlight of my VIU experience is my practicum experiences, especially designing and leading lessons,” says the Bachelor of Education alum. “Students recognize when you're passionate and it makes them excited to learn.”

Originally from Quebec, Victoria chose VIU because of its sense of community and family connections on Vancouver Island.

“It felt like the right mix of community and opportunity,” she says. “Smaller classes meant actually getting to know people, and having family on the Island was a huge bonus.”

Over the course of her degree, she built strong relationships with classmates, instructors and staff.

“I felt incredibly lucky to have that close-knit group of instructors, staff and peers,” she says. “Our cohort is incredibly close, and those moments made learning feel genuinely fun.”

Victoria, who wants to become an elementary school teacher, completed placements in primary and intermediate classrooms. She also worked part-time and spent two years as a community and program leader in VIU Housing.

“I’m most proud of how much I've balanced and how hard I've worked over the last four years,” she says.

Her work in residence life included supporting students and creating community in the Indigenous living-learning community on campus.

“I had the privilege of being a community leader at the ILLC building where I worked closely with Indigenous Elders to help foster a safe living environment,” she says. “I learned so much, and will always be grateful for the opportunity.”

Victoria’s advice for current or future Education students is to get involved and not isolate yourself. 

“The program can be intense, and having people to lean on makes a huge difference,” she says. “Also, be open to feedback. It’s not always comfortable, but it’s how you grow.”

Her career goals include stepping into her own classroom and continuing to develop herself as an educator. 

“I’d love to pursue a master’s degree and eventually work in policy and curriculum development,” she adds.

For now, Victoria is grateful for the experiences and people she’s encountered at VIU. 

“They’ve shaped not just the kind of teacher I want to be, but also the person I’m still becoming. It hasn’t always been easy, but it’s absolutely been worth it.”

Learn more about VIU’s Education programs