Here I am

Here I am

Mary Peters

Work Experience

When I was eighteen, I was enrolled in a fashion design course, I soon recognized that I was lacking talent and commitment. So in my spare time I volunteered in a therapeutic pool, where I assisted people with disability in the water.  That experience shaped my career journey – I knew then that I would be on a quest to help people achieve better health.  I have now been  a Registered Nurse for 28 years! I have worked primarily within the Pediatric area including acute care, management, policy development, research and public health.  I am currently employed at Langara College, as a Nurse Educator in Pediatrics.  I also keep my clinical skills current by picking up shifts at BC Children’s’ Hospital in the Emergency Department.

Career Expectations

I always laugh when I think about this because I keep talking about my 10 year retirement plan.  So why enter a MED program so late in life?  I think that I have several opportunities to make an impact in my career.  These include taking elements of healthy living with respect to my students and the clients they are caring for.  That being said, I see myself staying in Education, but perhaps shifting the classes I teach from general pediatrics to community health, where more opportunities to interface with public health nurses, school teachers and “healthy children” exist.  P.S.  when I retire I plan to become a dog walker in order to get out there rain or shine!

HEAL MED Expectations

I fully expect this program to be exciting!  I am nervous about the technology but I am dwelling in possibility as to what it may offer.  I am definite that the course will advance my knowledge of health and wellness both professionally and personally.  I know that I live in a demographic that values health and wellness, yet I am not necessarily living a balanced life and certainly I am not achieving my optimum health.  I am hoping through this educational journey that I will not only understand my own obstacles, but will be able to critically examine them and take some action to achieve better health. In addition to my own personal journey, I am hoping the course will offer insight and tools to recognize and deconstruct the social determinants of health in order to better understand the obstacles that many face. 

Health interests, concerns and questions

When you read about my sense of active living, you will see that I am all over the map.  So I left this part for last.  I find have many interests, but lack of commitment, time for follow through (there may be some determinants affecting my ability – to be explored!)

I am very interested in the health of our children and their nutritional status.  In saying that I think this is an area that I should focus in for myself.  I would like to learn more about my own nutrition, my needs in order to achieve optimum health for myself.  Another key interest and necessity for me is to focus on some sort of meditation technique to manage the stress of school, work raising a family etc.

I have some logistical concerns about the class and the program which primarily centre on time management/booking holidays etc.  Maybe we could talk about it.)  Lastly I am concerned about the use of technology.  I am a slow learner – albeit acknowledge some benefits.  I am hoping that the bulk of what we do is face to face.  I still believe this is the best method of learning for me.

Sense of active living (pursuits and pastimes)

I really think it is important to pursue active living.  My sense of fitness has changed over the years, with age, interests and some disability. Despite this I believe in constant adaptation and change. I always strive for balance, but rarely achieve it.  I value family, friends, food, and fitness. No matter the activity I am usually with my family or closest friends.  My current routine is swimming 1- 2 times a week – followed by a muffin and coffee with a friend – then off to work.

Tennis one evening a week – followed by a beer (and a late night)

Walking the sea wall 1- 2 times a week with a friend– followed by – you guessed it a muffin and coffee then rushing to work.

Going to the gym weekly and then rushing to work

I also enjoy walking the dogs with my daughter (her job) 2x week. Playing family games of tennis and kayaking.  I love watching my kids sporting activities and supporting their quests. Lastly I belong to a food group, where we meet monthly, share food, food ideas and recipes.   Other pastimes such as reading and playing the guitar are usually reserved for holidays because with raising a family and working, I find that there are not enough hours in my life to always achieve this balance.  I am sometimes stuck in my pursuit of balance.

I am interested in improving my own personal nutrition, as mentioned below, I belong to a food group where we exchange, recipes, ideas and sometimes food.  Most family dinners are planned and healthy and somewhat tasty.  Where I fall apart is the rest of the day.  How can I pack the children healthy lunches yet leave the door with only a cup of coffee in hand?   Certainly I am not alone. 

My other personal interest is to improve my own inner well being, or spiritual self.  I am busy busy! I need to deep breath? Yoga? Thai Chi – something.