News Archives: Hands-on Learning Advocate Grabs Bronze Medal
Monday, August 16th, 2021
Angela Cooper, 2021 Governor General’s Collegiate Bronze Academic Medal recipient with Dr. Glenn Feltham, Acting GPRC President and CEO.
Angela Cooper came to GPRC to turn her passion into a lifelong career.
“I’ve always loved children,” said Cooper. “My four-year old nephew is on the spectrum, and I’ve seen first-hand how incredible therapy and developmental services in our community have made a huge difference in his life. It is inspiring to me, and I want to give back to our community and make a difference in the lives of children in need.”
Following her passion paid off. Now a proud holder of a diploma in Early Learning and Child Care (ELCC), Cooper was awarded the 2021 Governor General’s Collegiate Bronze Academic Medal - one of the most prestigious honours granted to select Canadian post-secondary students.
The medal is awarded annually to the student who has achieved the highest overall grade point average upon graduation from a full-time diploma-level program. The award includes a cast-bronze medal and a certificate signed by the Governor General.
“I'm so honoured to achieve this award,” said Cooper. “When I got the call, I was in shock. Last year was difficult with everything being virtual and it just really warms my heart to see the efforts I put in pay off.”
Cooper currently works as a level two educator at the Sexsmith Child Development Centre. It’s a place she knows well after completing her second-semester practicum there earlier this year.
“I was lucky enough to already have a job at the development centre and to be able to dive further into my role there during my practicum,” she said. “Practicums are so helpful because they allow you to dip your toes in and feel much more prepared before officially starting your career.”
The ability to enhance knowledge and awareness through hands-on learning is vital for all age groups in Cooper’s experience.
“During our practicums and in class, we were taught how children learn better through hands-on learning or using methods like learn through play,” explained Cooper. “We all loved our practicum experiences and learned the most being able to work one-on-one with the children.”
While Cooper sees limitless opportunities in her future, she says she would like to stay in the early learning and child care field, and eventually head back to school to become a speech pathologist.
“It was so cool that one of our instructors, Terrah Lindsay is actually a registered speech pathologist,” stated Cooper. “It was great getting to ask her questions and she gave me some information on possible future programming which was so awesome and helpful.”
Thanks to the connections she made at GPRC, Angela is one step closer to her dream career.
To learn more about the ELCC program, visit GPRC.me/HumanServices.
Questions? Fill out the GPRC.me/AskGPRC form and be contacted by one of our friendly student services staff.
