From left, instructor Una Weich, Samantha McKinley, Cassidy Swanson, Bree Purcell, Jenna Poissant, Emma Mourton, Kaylee Steidel, Olivia McMorran and Rebecca Marshall pose for a photo while displaying their project "Happenings in the Hat."--HANDOUT PHOTO
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On Friday afternoon some of Medicine Hat College’s “goodest” students will be crossing the stage during the third annual MHC Service Dog in Training convocation celebration.
The convocation is part of the Service Dog and Canine Studies Management course and celebrates the dog’s growth from puppy to service dog.
The college partners with Canadian service dog organizations such as Dogs with Wings, Summit Service Dogs and Lions Foundation Dog Guides to provide dogs in training for students to raise and train on campus.
The public is invited to the convocation which begins at 2:15 p.m. in the Eresman Theatre.
Nursing students set up one-stop shop
A group of second-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing students have been given the spotlight after designing a website and poster, which serves as a one-stop hub for clubs, leagues, events and community activities across Medicine Hat.
“Happenings in the Hat” is a student project designed to help residents get involved within their community, which can have direct effects on an individual’s overall health and well-being.
The website also arranges activities from free to higher-cost options for greater inclusion.
“Many residents want to get involved and try new things, but often struggle to find accessible information,” said student Rebecca Marshall. “Our goal was to make it easier for them to connect with opportunities that suit their interests and budgets while promoting inclusion and social connections.”
The project was part of the students’ Health Promotion Practicum, and was designed to highlight the impacts of nursing in everyday life.
“Nursing isn’t only about clinical care,” said health instructor Una Weich. “It’s about creating supportive environments, developing personal skills and modelling the healthy behaviour we want to encourage in others.”
MHC says throughout the project, students gained valuable skills in communication, empathy and advocacy.
“Their work will continue to have a meaningful impact on social connection and mental wellness in the Medicine Hat community,” adds Weich.
“I learned how important it is to step outside your comfort zone to engage with others and build meaningful connections,” said Marshall. “This project helped me strengthen my communication skills and interact with empathy, especially when working with vulnerable populations.”
Marshall says it’s important to give back to the community as you grow both personally and professionally.
“And (the community) bring you closer to your classmates, practicum team and the community.”
Grinch headlines annual movie day
MHC alumni are invited to the second annual Alumni Movie Day next weekend at Galaxy Cinemas with a festive screening of The Grinch.
College alumni and their families will receive a voucher for free admission to the movie and a free regular-sized popcorn at the door.
The concession stand will also be open for additional purchases and the first 30 families to arrive will receive a free mini Grinch tree.
The movie begins at 10 a.m. on Nov. 29.
