Future PHEc's return from ACHES

Group picture at the ACHES mixer.

During the first week back of the winter term, three Brescia students went to attend the Association of Canadian Human Ecology Students (ACHES) Conference held in Edmonton at the University of Alberta. Rachelle Provost (2nd year Nutrition & Dietetics student), Ranuri Kandumulla (4th year Nutrition & Dietetics student) and Nicole Runstedler (4th year BSc Human Ecology student) were in attendance to represent Brescia University College.

It was here that they met other Human Ecology students from across the county. They networked with professors and professionals in their respective fields, attended lectures, and went on some exciting tours including: the Strathcona Farmers’ Market, ATCO Blue Flame Kitchen, West Edmonton Mall, iHuman, Salgado Fenwick, and the community’s Ice Castle. They also had the opportunity to go behind the scenes and explore the Clothing and Textiles Department, which is among the last of its kind in all of Canada.

Runstedler was the representative who spoke on behalf of Brescia at the ACHES’ Annual General Meeting. She discussed the updates of Human Ecology in Ontario, explained the Student Human Ecology Association (SHEA) club for all Human Ecology students at Brescia and talked about the club’s information, ideas, and fundraising practices. She also announced that the ACHES Conference would be held at Brescia University College in London, Ontario in January of 2017.

The emphasis of the conference this year was “New Horizons” which focused on life after graduation. Many times students feel unsure about what to do after school or how to take full advantage of their PHEc designation. The alumni and professionals that spoke gave encouragement and kept students optimistic by stressing how Human Ecologists are a necessity; the multidisciplinary approach and diverse skill set that each human ecologist possess makes them extremely desirable employees in many professions.

The take home message of the conference was that the world needs more specialized generalists: people who excel at numerous things and are able to adapt to a variety of situations. Therefore, Human Ecologists are a perfect example of what it means to be a specialized generalist as they are great assets in this evolving and advancing world.

Provost, Kandumulla, and Runstedler feel empowered to make a difference in the world as future Home Economists and would like to thank OHEA for their generous contribution to help fund their opportunity to attend this influential conference. Brescia looks forward to hosting ACHES next year and hopes to secure the necessary funding in order to continue the enriching experience the conference provides to all aspiring Professional Home Economists.

From left to right: Nicole Runstedler, Rachelle Provost, Ranuri Kandumulla