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Britta Stakelbeck

Britta Stakelbeck, a second year Arts student, wanted to be an elementary school teacher.  However, she wasn't sure if it was the right career path for her.  Without hesitation, she turned to Co-op for an answer.

To her joy, she was placed at the New Westminster Chamber of Commerce in the summer of 2004.  As a Visitor Information Counsellor in the Visitor Information Centre, Britta was responsible for greeting and helping visitors.  She was also responsible for keeping a record of all the visitors who entered the Centre and contacting other communities for information.

"Throughout my Co-op work term, I came to realize that I had many strengths and weaknesses that I was not previously aware of.  I learned that I have the ability to adapt to multiple situations that occurred throughout the day and was able to apply the knowledge that I had to that situation.  I also learned that if I needed help, all I had to do was ask.  Even though it may have been difficult to ask for assistance, it was better to double-check what I was doing rather than do it incorrectly.  I also realized that everyone has a different way of doing things and that I needed to adapt if I wanted to be successful at my job."

"More importantly, the Co-op term has really made me focus on my goal of being a teacher.  Before my work term, I was not 100% sure if teaching was the direction I wanted to go but the Co-op experience has cemented my desire to become a teacher.  My daily interaction with people and the large amount of responsibility made me realize that it is a career path I want."

Britta advises every student to participate in Co-op.  "Co-op is a fantastic opportunity to get out in the real world to gain valuable experience with the support of a great Co-op team.  It is an excellent chance to challenge yourself and gives you the opportunity to explore different career paths or to gain valuable experience in the career you have decided on.  Co-op also gives you the opportunity to learn about yourself and what you are capable of accomplishing.  It challenges you to do better and participate in activities you would otherwise not be able to.  It may seem like a lot of work to secure a placement; however, in the end the experience and skills learned outweigh the effort."