Meet your colleagues and learn a little more about the people who help make Selkirk College such a great place to work. Discover snippets of their stories, get some great tips and enjoy a dose of connection. 

AJ Wearmouth, Instructor, Electrical

AJ Wearmouth connected with Maggie Matear, president, to talk about life at Selkirk College and beyond.

How did you make your way to Selkirk College?

While I was a student at SAIT, I started doing some peer tutoring and found that I really enjoyed teaching. My instructors saw that too, and they encouraged me to think about it as a career. I figured after I worked in the field a bit, I'd get into teaching at some point. But when my partner and I moved here 10 years ago, I saw a posting at Selkirk College and thought, "Well, I've always thought I'd end up in the college system at some point, so I'll throw my hat in the ring." I applied for the job and got it, and moving into the instructor position has actually turned out to be my dream job.

Describe one of your favourite Selkirk College moments.

One of the most memorable experiences I've had is when Ann-Marie Smith held a series of workshops called the Seven Sacred Teachings at the Silver King Campus. It was such a different way to engage with other instructors and students and to connect with them while learning from Indigenous teachings that are so meaningful. I appreciated the creative parts of the workshop, too—we learned how to sew and bead traditional moccasins, and I wear mine all the time!

What's the best advice you ever received?

For life? That’s a tough pick, but I guess I’d say, “Tell yourself I love you in the mirror.” It might sound silly, but it completely changed how I felt about myself.

For work? “Don’t talk to the whiteboard; talk to your class.” (Thanks, Bill!)

What is something you enjoy doing outside of work?

I like fishing when I get the chance, and I volunteer a lot. I'm on the board at South Columbia Search and Rescue, and I'm a regional representative for BC Centre for Women in Trades. A few years ago, Lu Ann Dietrich and I started a group at Silver King Campus to support and mentor young apprentices in the trades. It's where people can come and share their experiences, questions and concerns in an informal talking circle. It gives students a safe space to talk about how to handle challenges at school or work, as well as offering other local supports and resources.

Please share a non-work-related recommendation! Let us know one of your favourite shows, albums, books, etc.

I'm really enjoying a marketing podcast right now. It's called Under the Influence with Terry O'Reilly. He's a good storyteller with a quirky sense of humour, and the podcast digs into the stories behind different advertising campaigns that we've all seen or heard. It's great to listen to on the commute to work.