Sarah Vander Meer\u2019s (MEd \u201924) graduate student journey has been anything but linear \u2014 and she wouldn\u2019t change it for the world.<\/p>\n
On Thursday, June 13, Vander Meer crossed Brock\u2019s Convocation stage to receive her Master of Education (MEd), embarking on her career as nurse educator for Hamilton Health Sciences.<\/p>\n
While studying at Brock, Vander Meer worked full time on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic as a registered nurse, underwent fertility treatment and gave birth to two children.<\/p>\n
Her son was only three weeks old when she delivered her final presentation this past fall.<\/p>\n
\u201cBrock\u2019s student-centred approach has made all the difference in my academic journey, and now my career,\u201d Vander Meer said.<\/p>\n
She was supported by the Metis Nation of Ontario to complete her Master of Education and credits the flexibility of part-time study and online learning at Brock as key to her success.<\/p>\n
\u201cI started going through fertility treatments in my second semester, which caused me to go on stress leave from work. My instructors were so supportive and accommodating,\u201d Vander Meer said. \u201cI am forever grateful to Brock for their flexibility and different program pathway options.\u201d<\/p>\n
Earning her master\u2019s degree in education has allowed Vander Meer to transition from being a nurse to becoming a nurse educator working in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at McMaster Children\u2019s Hospital.<\/p>\n
In her new role, Vander Meer is responsible for conducting nurse orientation programming and onboarding as well as introducing new technologies and bedside treatment methodologies in the ICU.<\/p>\n
\u201cPursuing my MEd has inspired me to revamp curriculum for nurse education and shape the learning process for them as they begin their careers,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
Through the course of her graduate studies, Vander Meer was motivated to explore different methods of teaching that were more participatory, driven to experiment with new approaches to make the learning process more engaging for nurses.<\/p>\n
\u201cI want to find out how we can communicate concepts and tactical information in an innovative way, so nurses can feel like they are an active part of the educational exchange,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
While Vander Meer enjoys teaching those who are already nurses, in the future, she is interested in fostering an environment of learning and positivity at the university level.<\/p>\n
\u201cI want to share my knowledge and experience with the next generation, so when they come into the workforce, not only do they come with a solid academic background, but also a realistic outlook \u2014\u00a0and positive outlook \u2014\u00a0on what they might see working in the medical field,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
To any person considering graduate studies, but unsure if they can make the time and financial commitment, Vander Meer said the first step is believing you can do it.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn this economy, I had to work full time while I pursed my degree part time. It was a ton of work, but with support like I received at Brock, I am now working in a field I am passionate about and doing work that I love,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
Associate Professor and Program Director, Master of Education and Undergraduate Educational Studies Michael Savage said the flexible and tailored approach of the MEd program was launched for working professionals like Vander Meer.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is now possible for people to complete their MEd degree at Brock entirely synchronously online, entirely in person or a mixture of both while engaging in full-time or part-time studies. It is hoped that this will lead to even more success stories like Sarah’s,\u201d Savage said.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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