Experience the Living Library 2015!
The LIVING Library is all about getting answers to your questions. How?
Not by doing internet research, or reading university catalogues, or by osmosis…but by interacting face-to-face with a former Rockway Student who has already experienced what you soon will.
What is a Living Library?
A Living Library is an event that creates an opportunity for individuals to “borrow” a human “book” to hear their story and to engage in a short conversation or discussion.
The structured yet informal “reader-book” interaction is a comfortable way to explore post-secondary education, career possibilities, and more through open dialogue.
When is the Living Library Event?
Our Living LIbrary will be on Wednesday, April 1st from 2 – 4 pm (period 5 and beyond) in the library. Students are encouraged to sign out a living “book” for a 15 minute timeslot. Signup sheets are available in the library.
What could we ask about?
A living library is an “open book” experience. The list of questions one could ask is endless. You could ask about…
- a particular university, or about a particular program
- life in residence
- co op programs, OSAP
- travel, GAP year ideas
- <insert your own question here!>
Who will these living “books” be?
The guest “books” are recent graduates of Rockway who represent many different educational and career choices, unique journeys, viewpoints and personal interests. You will have the opportunity to “sign out” our guests for a 15 minute block of time.
Read below for a short bio of each guest:
Ben Wong, 2013
My name is Ben. I was born and raised in Hong Kong. I came to Rockway as an international student in grade 10 and graduated in 2013. I’m in my second year of studying film at Ryerson, and spend a lot of time doing videography and photography. I’ve travelled to Florida numerous times and took a road trip from Waterloo to California and back with my family last year. Currently, I reside in Toronto. Editor: See some of Ben’s work on his YouTube channel.
Kate Mercer, 2003
I am a PhD student at the University of Waterloo’s School of Pharmacy studying Knowledge Translation and mHealth. My focus is on how to help Oncology patients with medication adherence. I received my Bachelor of Arts in History and Canadian Studies from Mount Allison University, then I graduated with a Master of Information degree from the University of Toronto. Before coming to the University of Waterloo, I worked with community-based and corporate organizations on projects focused on information and high level strategy. I made the transition to work in health because I saw a need for better understanding on how health care workers and patients access and understand health information. I now work with University of Waterloo’s School of Pharmacy as part of the OPEN project’s Knowledge Translation and Exchange team. I occasionally teach research and information-based classes as well as direct my personal research projects.
Zainab Ramahi, 2010
I am in my final term of a joint honours Knowledge Integration and Political Science program, and also completing a minor in History. I am interested in building inclusive communities, in issues of social, political, and environmental justice and human rights, and change through education. I have served on the board of the YWCA-KW and am currently on the board of Muslim Social Services KW. I also recently wrapped up a position as project architect on the Studio Impact program, which provided the space and tools for youth who often feel disengaged in our communities to develop their passions and begin to realize how they can make a positive impact in the systems they are a part of.
I love tacos, sushi, travelling, and FC Barcelona, and I look forward to talking with you!
Nathan Kruger, 2004
I am a Doctor of Law (J.D.) My undergrad is in Political Science, History and French at U of W, with a Masters in International Affairs from Carleton University. I am interested in mediation in areas of violent conflict.
Law Student Intern – Crimes Against Humanity and War Crimes Section – Department of Justice, Canada – Ottawa
Kaylen Pfisterer, 2005
Kaylen graduated from Rockway in 2005, and has enjoyed travel (Rockway’s China exchange, France, Germany, Switzerland, and Australia). Unsure of what she wanted to do, she took a working year off to fund her university education. Kaylen enrolled in Biomedical Science at the University of Waterloo a year later, earning a Bachelor of Science (minors Psychology and Biology) in 2011. During her undergrad, she was diagnosed with vitamin B12 deficiency, which impacted her marks, energy levels, and quality of life. This spurred an interest in nutrition, which led to her ongoing Master’s work on Nutrition and Physiology in the Department of Kinesiology at the University of Waterloo.
Outside of school, Kaylen has had several years of experience as the Assistant Research Coordinator at the Schlegel-UW Research Institute for Aging. Curious by nature, Kaylen is a life-long learner, looking to everyday events as inspiration for what she does. Among those who inspire her most are her mom, dad, sister Lizzie, and fiancé Robert. Kaylen loves singing, cooking and baking in her spare time, especially cupcakes, to feed her artistic and creative side.
