CMEG300: Introduction to Community Engagement

My name is Ginny Pearson and I am in fourth year studying Communications with the Social Entrepreneurship option. I stumbled upon an introduction to sustainability course in first year (UU101), which is where I heard about the option for Social Entrepreneurship. Ever since that course, I have fallen in love with all of the opportunities and experience these courses give students.

One course within this option is CMEG: Introduction to Community Engagement. Though it is not directly a Social Entrepreneurship course, it is required if completing the option. This course focuses on the exploration and history of downtown Kitchener. Students who have taken this course have had the incredible opportunity of exploring these streets with professors and instructors; who are knowledgeable and passionate about the various topics.

One place in particular that we have gone to is the Kitchener Market. This market was a prime example of the kind of community Kitchener possesses. When walking in, I never anticipated it to be as crowded as it was. Though it was extremely busy, I did not find myself overwhelmed at all; whereas in Toronto (where I am from), I would have been very stressed. Everyone who was walking around the market was respectful and friendly.

When walking up to a station with homemade chocolate, the lady selling them was excited and eager to share all of the information about these products. It was amazing to see a community supporting each other, as well as taking the time to engage with each other. A lot of times it is easy to go through your day, rushing from place to place. I have never seen a community that is so supportive and connected to one another.

#ExperientialLearning #CommunicationsStudies #SocialEntrepreneurship #downtownkitchener #SE400 #FarmersMarket #TheWorkingCentre