David’s Story

Métis student reconnects with Aboriginal roots at UBC

David’s Story
CategoryStudent
Name David Carlton
FromPenticton, Canada
ProgramEnglish, Faculty of Creative and Critical Studies
ActivitiesMétis Youth of British Columbia, Peer Support Network

 

UBC Aboriginal Programs & Services is fortunate to have English tutor David Carlton in their Peer Support Network. The Métis student was not only one of the best Aboriginal tutors available, he was also one of the top English students on UBC’s Okanagan campus.

For the past two years, David has been an English tutor for Aboriginal Access Studies (AAS) students in both Writing 009 class and English 114 — University Writing from an Aboriginal perspective. The fourth-year English literature major just graduated to become the first individual on the Aboriginal side of his family to obtain a university degree.

“He’s awesome. David gives extremely good advice and truly enjoys what he does,” said AAS student Tyler Legare about his English tutor. “There’s so much passion behind what he teaches you. For example, I had one really difficult essay to write. I ended up with an A-minus. A grade I would not have got without his help.”

Legare’s comments come as no surprise to UBC Aboriginal Programs & Services staff, who field a lot of positive feedback about their English tutor. “David was able to relate both culturally and academically to the Writing 009 class of Aboriginal Access Studies students. He was able to combine his mentorship and tutor skills when relating to students both in and out of the classroom,” said Writing 009 instructor Jeannine Kuemmerle.

As a highlight of his undergraduate experience, David was shortlisted by UBC as a potential candidate for the Rhodes Scholarship to Oxford University. “As far as I am aware, I was the first student from UBC Okanagan campus to ever get shortlisted, and I was absolutely ecstatic. As a medievalist and Anglo-Saxon scholar, I understood the historical importance of Oxford, and was eager to get my application under way.”

Although David did not receive one of the scholarships, he is grateful for being recognized. “Very few people are able to experience the Rhodes process, and if you are invited to do so, you don’t want to miss the opportunity. It truly is something that only happens once in a lifetime.”

David is also community minded and involved with the local Métis community. “I learned about my Métis heritage during my first few years of high school but didn’t really reconnect with my Aboriginal roots until after my first year in university,” he recalls.

After participating in a Métis Nation of British Columbia youth event, David embraced his culture and subsequently became a youth representative for Métis Youth of British Columbia. He then oversaw the Michif-language preservation project where he was able to put his linguistic training to use.

David’s graduate studies are in the area of Anglo-Saxon language literature and his long term goal is to pursue a doctorate in Anglo-Saxon law. “I’m super excited to think about what the future holds. I can’t wait to get there.”

Latest Stories

Previous
Sophie H. on the Okanagan campus

Exploring cultural theory and social change

UBC Okanagan Arts student Sophie on the power of a Cultural Studies degree
student

Exploring cultural theory and social change

“It is one thing to identify what is wrong with this world, but it’s another to see how people are managing to live and finding joy within it. Because this is where the changes are happening.” - Sophie H., Cultural Studies

Choosing research in Nursing at UBC Okanagan

How Nursing student Dresya is tackling late detection of breast cancer to improve patient outcomes.
student

Choosing research in Nursing at UBC Okanagan

"The program pushes me to redefine what it means to be a 'nurse' daily. There has not been a day where I have not learned something new. Whether it is delving into the pathophysiology of a disease or acquiring a new clinical skill, the learning never stops. In my experience, the program at UBC Okanagan also understands the profound importance of people in nursing. It pushed me to look beyond mastering the scientific basis of nursing, and incorporate the patient's lived experiences into the care I provide." - Dresya D., BSN

Helping Indigenous communities through Nursing

How Ashley made the career change from marketing to nursing, with the aim of making a positive difference within the Indigenous community.
student

Helping Indigenous communities through Nursing

"Once I complete my schooling, my aim is to work closely within the Indigenous population. My passion lies in patient-centered care and ensuring cultural safety, and I'm eager to make a meaningful impact in these areas." - Ashley H., Bachelor of Science in Nursing

An artist's journey to building community

How UBC Okanagan Fine Arts student Ziv fosters community among UBC's international students as an International Peer
student

An artist's journey to building community

"As an International Peer, I aim to introduce the supportive and inclusive environment UBC has for new students to thrive in. I hope to foster a sense of community and belonging among the international student population, because building connections and relationships is crucial to a positive university experience." - Ziv W., Bachelor of Fine Arts

Having a blast getting to know UBC Vancouver

Bachelor of Science student Kayree on taking part in Jump Start Vancouver, Imagine Day and Collegia
student

Having a blast getting to know UBC Vancouver

"Jump Start helped me transition into university life by introducing me to people that took the same classes as me. The orientation leaders for Jump Start also did an amazing job touring us around UBC despite it being so big. I got used to the map of campus within a week." - Kayree R., Bachelor of Science

Getting ready for university

How Academic Essentials prepared Rajalakshmi for life at UBC Vancouver
student

Getting ready for university

"[Academic Essentials] was a great way to get a taste of university life and explore different aspects of academic work. I was able to see how the same content taught to me can be approached and understood in different ways. The feedback and support from the peers and mentors in the program helped me feel more confident in what I knew, while allowing me to learn and grow." - Rajalakshmi N., Bachelor of Applied Science

Finding confidence as a first-year student

How UBC Okanagan’s Orientations helped Soumil feel comfortable and confident before classes started
student

Finding confidence as a first-year student

“Jump Start was incredibly helpful in helping me to make friends before school began. Through the program, I was able to meet a lot of new people who were also incoming first-year students. We participated in a variety of activities and events together, which helped us to bond and get to know each other better. By the time classes started, I already had a solid group of friends who I could turn to for support and advice.” - Soumil C., BSc in Computer Science

Making lifelong friends at Jump Start Okanagan

How UBC Okanagan’s Orientations helped Marvin prepare for the transition to university
student

Making lifelong friends at Jump Start Okanagan

“I loved my experience being in Jump Start. Being surrounded with possible classmates and creating inseparable bonds and long-lasting fun memories was my largest take-away. Being a part of Jump Start allowed me to adjust and figure out the campus very quickly. I would highly recommend joining Jump Start for all incoming students.” - Marvin L., Bachelor of Management
next