Student Experience

From UFV to the United Nations: Tavia and Ava’s Journey to the 2026 UN Peace Summit

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From UFV to the United Nations: Tavia and Ava’s Journey to the 2026 UN Peace Summit

This year, two UFV College of Arts students, Tavia Jasper and Ava Wagner, stepped onto the international stage at the 2026 UN Peace Summit in Bangkok — representing not only UFV, but also the power of student leadership, resilience, and purpose-driven education.

For both students, attending the summit was a remarkable milestone. For Ava, it was an opportunity to deepen her experience as a Global Development Studies major. For Tavia, a Peace and Conflict Studies major, the experience represented something even deeper: the culmination of years spent transforming personal adversity, intellectual curiosity, and a passion for justice into meaningful global engagement.

We sat down with Tavia to chat about her experience at the UN Peace Summit.

“Change does not begin with policy alone. It begins with trust. Relationships come before tasks. Institutions that lack relational integrity eventually collapse, just as ecosystems without feedback mechanisms destabilize. Trust is the precondition for any meaningful change. Living systems; ecosystems, organisms, networks, that have been refining principles of trust for billions of years. Boundaries, feedback loops, reciprocity, willingness, these are not abstract moral ideals. They are biological survival strategies.”, reflects Tavia.

From homeschooling and early lessons in empathy to navigating multiple majors, personal hardship, and eventually finding her place within UFV’s interdisciplinary Peace and Conflict Studies program, Tavia’s path reflects determination shaped by complexity. That journey led her — alongside Ava — to one of the world’s most important youth peacebuilding forums.

“It was surreal. Walking into the United Nations Conference Centre, everyone in their formal attire, sitting among delegates from across the globe, I felt both humbled and energized. You are so different from everyone, yet you all share somewhat of a common thread when it comes to peacebuilding and, if you don’t share this thread, it honestly makes for even better dialog. I was grateful everyone was really open to discussion.”

At the summit, Tavia and Ava engaged with global leaders, survivors of atrocity, peacebuilders, and fellow delegates from around the world. What they encountered was not abstract diplomacy, but the urgent human reality behind conflict and reconciliation.

“Peace was not theoretical, it was urgent and deeply human”, says Tavia.

Together, Tavia and Ava’s participation highlighted how UFV students are increasingly contributing to global conversations around peace, governance, and sustainability. Their presence demonstrated the university’s growing role in preparing students not just for careers, but for civic and international leadership.

As Tavia described “Representing UFV in that space reminded me that education is not just preparation for employment. It’s preparation for participation. […] This experience didn’t change my direction — it sharpened it.”

Now, both students hold appointments as a Humanitarian Affairs Peace Ambassador for a one-year term — a recognition of both their potential and commitment to systemic change.

“Being a Peace Ambassador means ensuring that peace is not performative. It means asking difficult questions about power redistribution, representation, and sustainability.”

As Tavia’s reflections make clear, peacebuilding must move beyond symbolic gestures and into institutional courage, structural accountability, and sustained action. “Peace is prevention. Prevention requires courage.” – Tavia.

Their photos captured moments from this extraordinary experience, but the shared story of these two students is one of ambition, representation, and transformation. Together, they exemplify what happens when students bring classroom learning into global arenas — carrying local values into international dialogue.

Their story especially underscores the value of UFV’s educational framework: teaching students how to think critically, engage ethically, and lead courageously in a rapidly changing world.

“This preparation gave me confidence. Not because I had all the answers, but because I had the tools to ask better questions.”, says Tavia.

As Tavia and Ava return from Bangkok, their journey stands as a success story not only for themselves, but for the broader UFV community — proof that global impact can begin with local education, resilience, and the willingness to step beyond comfort.

The road from UFV to the United Nations begins with one step, one question, and one commitment to building a better world.

UFV’s partnership with Chilliwack Cultural Centre fuels arts education

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The School of Creative Arts at UFV has created a remarkable theatre experience that bridges classroom learning with real-world performance through a meaningful partnership with the Chilliwack Cultural Centre. This collaboration offers students the unique opportunity to work in both a close-knit theatre environment and the larger, professional-scale stage of a renowned arts venue—a blend that amplifies their skills, confidence, and creative expression.

UFV’s Black Box Theatre on the Abbotsford campus is an intimate space, seating around 40 to 50 people, where students can experiment and connect closely with audiences. Shelley Liebembuk, Director of the School of Creative Arts and Associate Professor, calls it “a perfect lab for experimentation, where students are encouraged to interact with their audience and explore their craft.” This year, after the opening week of performances in this intimate setting, the students tour both their fall and winter productions to the 160-seat Rotary Hall at the Chilliwack Cultural Centre (CCC). This experience allows students to tackle new challenges, from managing sound and lighting for a bigger space to actors projecting their performances for a broader audience.

“I’m really looking forward to going to the Chilliwack Cultural Centre! I’m also really excited because its going to be in front of a big audience. Its going to be a super cool and fun experience!”, says Marie Brideau, production class student working as the Stage Manager for The Paper Bag Princess.

The success of this partnership is due in large part to the vision of Chilliwack Cultural Centre’s Executive Director, Jean-Louis Bleau. Liebembuk notes that Bleau has been “an amazing collaborator, welcoming our students with open arms and investing in their growth as future artists.”

The School of Creative Arts continues to enrich its programs, expanding student access to diverse training environments, mentorship, and pathways for careers both on and off the stage. “The students are working with professional technology, so when they graduate, they’re ready for anything,” adds Giuseppe Condello, Production Manager of the Theatre Program. Condello explains that UFV’s equipment aligns closely with that at CCC’s Rotary Hall, so students are well-prepared to adapt to the new venue.

One exciting result of this partnership is the TakeOver festival, where UFV arts practicum students curate a one-day festival at Rotary Hall. This unique opportunity came from Bleau’s own idea of empowering students to take ownership of the space. “It’s a rare experience for students to plan and execute a full festival,” Liebembuk shares. “It gives them real-world experience in arts management and production.”

Through this partnership, the Chilliwack Cultural Centre and UFV are creating a powerful learning pathway that bridges education and the arts industry. Thanks to Bleau’s support and UFV’s School of Creative Arts’ innovative approach, students gain hands-on experience, mentorship, and community connection that prepare them to make their mark on the arts.

Seeing with eyes, heart, and mind: Hannah Reimer’s journey with Truth and Reconciliation

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Seeing with eyes, heart, and mind: Hannah Reimer’s journey with Truth and Reconciliation

Hannah Reimer’s journey into the Power and Place program began with curiosity. As a first-year student at UFV, she decided to learn the Halq’eméylem language, native to her area. This interest blossomed into a deep appreciation for the language and sparked her desire to learn more about Indigenous culture and reconciliation. Encouraged by her friend Meghan, Hannah enrolled in the Power and Place program, a decision for which she’s incredibly grateful. Now minoring in Indigenous Studies, Hannah has found a profound connection to reconciliation and the power of place and story.

One moment that stood out for Hannah was an activity where students had to choose from a list of prompts, complete the action, and share a related story.

“I like to think of myself as a poetic person, and there was a day when we got to pick from a list of prompts, complete the action, and share a story that came to mind. I picked, “walk where you will become dust” and was able to, for the first time, think about what that meant and share it with others. It was a beautiful moment for me, a quiet person, to feel validated in taking the time to share out my story and have others listen. I did not feel rushed, I felt at peace, which I have never felt before in a classroom. I realized that day the beauty of learning differently.”

Completing the course has empowered Hannah to contribute to genuine reconciliation between Indigenous and settler communities. Through listening to elders, attending ceremonies, and participating in field trips, she gained knowledge and understanding that only experience can provide.

“Throughout those experiences, something just clicked, and now I view reconciliation between Indigenous and settler communities in a way I never would’ve been able to before. It’s not something I can explain or pass on myself, but I now know the tools to get there. If someone were to ask me how, I would say you can never have enough experience, and try to truly submerse yourself when gathering knowledge. I feel empowered to contribute to reconciliation because I’ve allowed myself to become empowered through Power and Place. It’s not a matter of taking an Indigenous studies course, writing a paper, and doing that ten more times. It’s a matter of getting your mind and body involved.”

Hannah’s advice to other students considering the Power and Place program is to be prepared to open up in unconventional ways.

“Be prepared to open up in ways you are not used to doing in a classroom setting. The beauty of the Power and Place program is we learn collectively and individually, all primarily from the heart instead of the mind. It’s a wonderful chance to explore deep into who you are, how you define meaning, and where your values are born. Through this course you will learn how to wake up parts of yourself you didn’t know were asleep.”

Making connections and finding new career paths

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Anu Sharma is a curious mind who loves learning new hobbies and discovering new shows.

“As a kid, I would always stumble into anything and everything. I haven’t grown out of that phase yet. We are here to wander through other people’s stories, searching for our own.”

Anu’s path to a Media Arts degree at the University of the Fraser Valley (UFV) was influenced by the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The blend of research opportunities and hands-on learning appealed to Anu, who saw this program as a way to further develop their career.

“I had just finished my trades certificate in 3D drafting when COVID hit. I found myself researching the program and saw how many fields interested me. The Media Arts program has several concentrations, and the Applied Interactive core requirements had promising electives and classes to choose from,” Anu explains.

Recently, Anu completed a successful practicum with the Chilliwack Cultural Centre, an experience that proved both challenging and rewarding.

From left to right: Theresia Pio (Festival Production Manager), Beatrice Frenette (Festival Artistic Director), and Anu Sharma (Festival Marketing Manager).

“I am very fortunate to have had the opportunity to use my current skillset in a project designed for students showcasing their art. There was familiarity and hope in creating something that I would want to participate in,” Anu says. Working as part of a great team emphasized the importance of constant communication. “Planning between students was easy, but we relied a lot on different individuals and groups to make this festival work. As someone who wants to be part of successful projects, even when trying something entirely new, sticking to basics will help in the long run.”

The project presented significant challenges, especially in terms of vision and patience. Adaptability became a crucial constant, with the team weighing the pros and cons of each new campaign. Thanks to the efforts of the students, sponsors, and staff at the Chilliwack Cultural Centre, they produced a great experience for everyone involved.

“We had to craft a festival without knowing who or what was being featured. The core idea was to include all the diverse art that students have to offer. We cast a wide net out to our community and had to work fast to tie in loose ends,” Anu recalls.

Looking ahead, Anu is eager to be part of an engaging team in the arts division.

“Thankfully, I’ve gained experience in both marketing coordination and visual communication to seek out other fun opportunities. In the future, I plan on advancing my education and perhaps pursuing a master’s in my desired field. I know whichever way I turn to, I will be able to give it my all.”

Anu’s advice to future students is to embrace the connections they make while learning.

“You have the benefit of knowing your peers and instructors while you learn. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. I learned the hard way that fear can get in the way of a lot of personal growth, someone once told me to turn that fear into excitement. Your projects are a statement of how much you’ve grown. If you plan on getting into Media Arts, be open to new learning experiences and tons of new people! It is very motivating being immersed in an environment that wants you to be creative and functional career-wise.”

Béatrice Frenette: From Stage Dreams to Teaching Aspirations

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Béatrice Frenette, who graduates this summer from the University of the Fraser Valley (UFV), has already achieved significant milestones. She is the first in her immediate family to attend and complete a university degree, earning a Bachelor of Arts with a major in Communications and a minor in Theatre, along with two certificates.

“I would describe myself as dedicated and organized to learning and growing my craft,” Béatrice says, reflecting on her journey.

Béatrice’s love for theatre has been a constant throughout her life. Pairing her passion for theatre with a degree in Communications, Béatrice found a perfect balance that allowed her to explore various career paths.

“I have always had a love for theatre growing up and I knew that it was something that I wanted to pursue, whether it be on or off stage and behind the scenes. (…) A Communications [degree] opens the door to a lot of different job opportunities such as marketing, managing, research, and office job opportunities. The theatrical aspect of my degree allows me to be more open and creative with my future, which is something that I appreciate.

Her recent practicum with the Chilliwack Cultural Centre and the School of Creative Arts has been a game-changer experience.

“This practicum working with the Chilliwack Cultural Centre and the School of Creative Arts has been such a challenging and rewarding journey.”

Starting in January 2024, she and her classmates spent several months organizing the TakeOver Festival, with Béatrice taking on the role of Artistic Director. Her responsibilities included coordinating communication, scheduling meetings, soliciting donations, and shaping the festival’s vision. The theme they chose was the promotion of diverse art and harmony, and Béatrice meticulously selected student plays, short films, and art pieces to feature at the event.

As with most things in life, this practicum experience also presented its challenges.

“The biggest challenge I faced along the way was the separation between work and personal time. I felt like this practicum devoured a lot of my mind for the past several months and it definitely affected my mental capacity,” Béatrice admits. She learned the importance of trusting her team, which included Anu Sharma, the Marketing Manager and Planner, and Theresia Tio, the Production Manager. “Without my trust and faith in my team to help me get things done, the festival wouldn’t have been possible! I’ve learned that you can’t always do everything.”

Through this experience, Béatrice also gained insights into the complexities of marketing.

“Making sure everything was advertised at an appropriate time proved to be difficult due to our time constraints and communication with various department heads and individuals. In the end, everything ran smoothly!”

Looking ahead, Béatrice has her sights set on a career in education. She remains passionate about theatre and envisions a future where she can work backstage or as a theatre teacher, leading others and sharing her passion.

“Moving forward I hope to apply to the teaching program at UFV and/or UBCO. I would love to pursue getting an education degree so that I may one day work with kids and teach.”

Béatrice’s advice to future students is to embrace every opportunity.

“My biggest advice would be to always say yes to any possible opportunity that is given to you. You never know where the opportunity might lead you. Especially when it comes to working in the theatre industry, it can be very competitive and sparse. So, if there is an opportunity that comes your way, it’s a great chance for you to build your resume, make connections, gain experience, and find out what your career goals are.”

Exploring Future Careers in the Entertainment Industry

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At 23, Theresia has already accomplished more than many do in a lifetime. Moving from Indonesia to Canada in May 2021, she started her journey at the University of the Fraser Valley (UFV), where she is currently pursuing a double minor in Creative Writing and Media and Communications.

Theresia’s passion for storytelling began early, leading her to graduate from Vancouver Film School (VFS) with a diploma in Writing for Television, Film, and Games. Her drive to continue honing her craft brought her to UFV to continue writing her career path.

“I wanted to continue my writing journey, and one of the universities that offers a writing program is the University of the Fraser Valley,” Theresia explained.

Recently, Theresia faced one of her biggest challenges yet: managing a successful festival. The event was the result of two and a half months of intense work and planning, peaking in May with a level of stress she hadn’t anticipated. Despite the pressure, she found joy in the process.

“I am so delighted that the festival was a success. It had been two and a half months of pressure to get everything right,” she said.

From left to right: Jean-Louis Bleau (Executive Director of the Chilliwack Cultural Centre), Anu Sharma (TakeOver Festival Marketing Manager), Theresia Tio (TakeOver Festival Production Manager), and Beatrice Frenette (TakeOver Festival Artistic Director).

Managing the festival was a few budget constraints and a limited team was a challenge, she admits.

“With no budget, there are certain limits that none of the art festivals in UFV, like Interpret Festival, experienced.”

She had to be resourceful, finding donations for essentials like water and snacks for the participants and even securing free uniforms through a connection at a shirt design factory. Her attention to detail proved both a strength and a challenge, as she learned to adapt to different working styles within her team.

Theresia’s hard work paid off, and she discovered new avenues for her future career. Initially focused solely on writing for the film industry, she now sees the potential in working for art festivals, music festivals, and even production companies.

“If I am going to work in the entertainment industry, I need to be a writer. Through this journey, I realized that I may enter the industry through festivals; film festivals, art festivals, or even working in a production company.”

Looking ahead, Theresia hopes to work for a company that organizes various festivals or a production house managing television series. While she remains committed to her dream of becoming a scriptwriter, she is excited about the broader opportunities now within her reach.

For future students considering a similar practicum, Theresia has valuable advice:

“Do it wholeheartedly. It will be hard work, but everything will pay off nicely when you can watch the guests having fun, laughing, and enjoying the show, as well as the participants who will share their passion with happiness.”

Cultivating Creativity and Shaping Chilliwack’s Arts Scene: Jean-Louis Bleau and the Chilliwack Cultural Centre

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Jean-Louis Bleau is a versatile professional whose career has woven through various roles in the arts sector. Currently serving as the Executive Director of the Chilliwack Cultural Centre, his journey encompasses experiences as an arts administrator, music artistic director, professional conductor, and university educator. Beyond his professional achievements, Jean-Louis finds inspiration in sailing, running, and other water-related sports, activities that ground him and fuel his creativity.

“My motivation to pursue a career in the creative arts sector is rooted in my experiences and professional journey.  As an arts administrator and artistic director, I have seen firsthand the profound impact that the arts can have on individuals and communities. The ability to spark creativity, facilitate collaboration, and drive cultural development has been incredibly fulfilling.”

At the Chilliwack Cultural Centre, Jean-Louis oversees a diverse range of programs aimed at enriching the cultural fabric of the community. His dedication stems from a desire to create meaningful experiences, support emerging talents, and contribute to a vibrant cultural landscape.

“Working here has allowed me to curate diverse and engaging programs, which has only deepened my commitment to this field,” he adds.

One of the highlights of Jean-Louis’s tenure has been his involvement with practicum students from the University of the Fraser Valley (UFV).

“Supervising practicum students in a student-led festival has been a deeply rewarding experience. These exceptional students were proactive and required only minimal guidance.”

The TakeOver Festival was a student-led festival that has proven instrumental in engaging the community through unique performances, enhancing cultural offerings, and strengthening ties with local residents. Through hands-on involvement, students gained practical experience in organizing and executing major events, refining their skills in project management, teamwork, and creative problem-solving.

“This experience not only provides them with a platform to showcase their talents but also builds confidence in their abilities, essential for their professional development,” he emphasizes.

Reflecting on the impact on the organization and the community, Jean-Louis highlights the benefits of integrating student perspectives and innovations into their programming.

“For our organization, it brings fresh ideas and enriches our events. For the community, it fosters an inclusive environment where emerging talents are celebrated, and diverse voices are heard. Witnessing the diversity of plays and films, feeling the energy in the lobby, and marvelling at the talents of the performers was a fantastic and inspiring experience,” Jean-Louis concludes.

Bridging Psychology & Criminal Justice: Logan York’s Practicum with Correctional Service of Canada

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Logan York is a recent BA graduate in Psychology with a minor in Criminal Justice. Originally from Red Deer, Alberta, Logan found his way to British Columbia, where he has lived most of his life and began shaping his career aspirations.

Logan’s fascination with psychology grew from a lifelong curiosity about human behaviour, particularly in understanding criminal behaviour.

“I’ve always had a fascination for psychology. More than that, I’ve always been interested in why people behave or act in certain ways. (…) I have always wanted to know why criminals commit serious crimes. Crimes that ordinary people would find unfathomable. These curiosities are the foundation of why I chose a BA in Psychology and a minor in Criminal Justice.”

Envisioning a career working with individuals who end up in the judicial system, Logan’s academic journey took an exciting turn when he secured a practicum placement with the Correctional Service of Canada. During his semester-long placement, Logan had the opportunity to visit various correctional facilities throughout the Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley, spanning from minimum to maximum security. Immersed in diverse environments, he gained a deeper understanding of each facility’s dynamics and worked closely with a wide range of working professionals. Stepping into the high-security environment of a prison was an impactful moment for him as it offered firsthand insight into the complexities of the correctional system.

Nonetheless, the journey presented its own set of obstacles. Logan found himself navigating the delicate balance of establishing boundaries within the confines of the prison walls. “Ensuring that I set appropriate boundaries between myself, and the inmates was a significant challenge,” he admits. Yet, through perseverance and determination, he learned the importance of maintaining both spatial and personal boundaries, a valuable lesson that shaped his experience.

Reflecting on his practicum experience within the correctional system, Logan remains inspired by the multitude of career opportunities it offers. “My practicum opened my eyes to the plethora of positions within Correctional Service Canada that I did not know existed,” he shares. As he thinks about his next steps, Logan’s career path remains open-ended, with a keen interest in working with offenders either within the Correctional Service of Canada or in the broader community.

For future students embarking on a similar journey, Logan offers some wise advice:

“If you have interests, explore them. You do not need to wait until you have chosen a career before exploring these interests. I would also recommend completing a practicum during your undergraduate degree as this was a defining moment for me during my time at UFV.”