A fourth-year art major is taking opportunities God places on her path to learn more about herself and discern his calling for her life.
When opportunity knocked, Jubilee Connor answered.
She was in her third year at www.亚洲色, pursuing a biology major and art minor. After filling out a poll that had been sent to science students, Jubilee cited her interest in work opportunities outside the classroom. She began the process of acquiring a co-op placement, meeting frequently with Bruce Wilson, director of Redeemer鈥檚 Career Centre, to create an appealing application and navigate logistics.
鈥淚 knew I loved biology. I developed a passion for mycology,鈥 she said of the study of fungi and mushrooms, often used for medicine.
But things change. As time passed, Connor鈥檚 interests shifted. She encountered a scientific illustrator鈥攁 job she did not know existed. This altered her path, making her goal to become one herself while continuing to increase her knowledge in mycology. The result? Switching to an art major and biology minor.
However, instead of undoing the co-op process, Connor decided to go ahead with the unique opportunity. After some time on the job, she knows that she has learned, broadened her horizons and benefited from this positive experience.
Working for the federal government, Connor interned with Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) as a project assistant for its operations office and integration systems management teams. Her responsibilities included: spreadsheeting, organizing, providing feedback on user guides and government documents, performing bug testing on credit and tracking IT systems, and becoming familiar with single window information management IT systems.
鈥淎cquiring this co-op was a very opportunity-driven process. Some miracles were performed while Bruce worked to have Redeemer recognize the program.鈥
Connor admits that she 鈥渇elt some imposter syndrome鈥 when she started at ECCC because she had dropped biology to a minor, but as she has learned and become comfortable, it boosted her confidence.
I am shown time and time again that I am taken care of outside of myself, that my backup plans are useless compared to God鈥檚 plan for me.
Considering herself someone who 鈥渉as had a difficult time separating self-worth from academics,鈥 Connor鈥檚 position has reassured her of her own intelligence. 鈥淚 am extremely grateful for that. I am shown time and time again that I am taken care of outside of myself, that my backup plans are useless compared to God鈥檚 plan for me.鈥
This understanding has allowed Connor to focus on the positive benefits and see her time at ECCC as an opportunity for learning and growth.
鈥淚 don鈥檛 know if I see myself in this sort of position or organization more permanently. There are parts I enjoy, aspects I tolerate and some tasks I find draining鈥攍ike most jobs.鈥 Connor says her role isn鈥檛 as glamorous as field biology or something of that nature, but it is equally as important to environmental stewardship.
鈥淧olicy work, office tasks, they might not be everyone鈥檚 dream jobs, but they can be rewarding.鈥
Connor鈥檚 time at ECCC has also reinforced her passion for people, as she ultimately wants a job where she can foster growth in a team, in a position that isn鈥檛 performed in isolation.
She credits her time at Redeemer with helping her develop her ability to collaborate, something she believes is a crucial quality in the workforce.
鈥淚 attribute a large portion of my growth to Rooted Worship.鈥 Co-chairing the creative and expressive worship team allowed her to hone her leadership skills and learn about herself in a team environment, giving her a jump on being an effective team member.
With time left in her co-op, Connor said she had learned a lot. 鈥淚t has confirmed that I am good at this sort of work.鈥
She is grateful 鈥渇or the future opportunity for stability this provides,鈥 if she chooses to stay in the field.
As someone who began university with the idea to be ambitious and pivot as she learned more about her interests and abilities, Connor鈥檚 co-op is an example of this mindset. By doing so鈥攅ven after her interests had somewhat shifted鈥攕he took a risk, one that has expanded her knowledge and appreciation for collaboration and fostering team growth.
鈥淚t鈥檚 obviously been a journey. One I鈥檓 still taking, giving up my control while trusting in him.鈥