Celebrating Craft, Connection, and Collective Wisdom

I’m thrilled to share that our collaborative project was successfully presented at ConnectED — and it looked fantastic!

Watch the video here: UFV Pearls of Wisdom

At the heart of this project are the powerful “Pearls of Wisdom” you all contributed. Each one reflects the care, creativity, and lived experience that make our community so special. Here’s a recap of the wisdom we showcased.

Pearls of Wisdom:

It’s okay to ask for help. – Kendra Long, UFV Library

Change your perspective. – Amanda Roberts, PLAR

Be true to yourself and don’t give up your dreams. – Michelle Morier, Agriculture

Lifelong learning and growth. – Tanya Vanspreuth, Business

Listen before you speak. – Bryan Candy, Alumni Engagement

Kindness is pedagogy. – Claire Hay, TLC

We’re all in the same nest. – Sandra Smith, ASC

Keep an open mind. – Rebecca Wassef, CAS

Stay connected to the land. – Roseanne Timbrell & Sandrine Trichard, CYC

Be open to uncomfortability. – Ana Adamik, Research and Graduate Studies

Learning can be messy. – Tara Corman, ASC

Be authentic. – Victoria Surtees, TLC

Forgive yourself for today’s mistakes and do better tomorrow. – Sumitra Robertson

Enjoy the journey. – Phil Retief, Student, ASC

The first step is the hardest. – Luis Pabon de Los Reyes, Student, ASC

Universities are no place for neutrality — it only helps the oppressor. Love is love. – Jennifer Martel, Sustainability

Silence can leave space for reflection and knowledge creation. – Colleen Bell, UFV Library

Nurture your connection with family and friends. – Karima Cherifi, Sustainability

Wisdom is found in unexpected places. – Charline Johnsen, SCMS

Stir imaginations. – Anna Griffith, SOCA

Care deeply, hold lightly. – Marina Tourlakis, Biology

You might be wondering: What’s next for our project?

There’s been talk of turning it into a travelling installation — a mobile piece of shared wisdom and inspiration. If you’re interested in hosting this artwork in your department, please reach out to Victoria.Surtees@ufv.ca.

Thank you all for your time, energy, and insights. Together, you’ve created something truly beautiful — a piece of collective art that speaks volumes.