Brittney Bos, Heritage Planner
My journey shows that hard work, perseverance and a lot of passion will help you achieve your dreams – but so much of it lies in education. I’ve always been so inspired by older women in my life. When I was young, I was a creative and bookish kid – I absolutely loved to read, write stories, draw, and live in a make-believe world. It seems I was good at (almost) everything I tried, so I had a tough time picking my career path, but I chose architecture. However, during my first year in university, I knew I wasn’t in the right place. I switched programs and gradually started collecting degrees and a lot of work experience in fields like heritage, history, writing, and research. 15 years after leaving the architecture program I found my way back to the industry – and now I work as a Heritage Planner for ERA Architects, where I get to do what I love every single day.
When I was lost and unsure during my first few years at university, I was involved with a very strong group of people doing social justice work. Through my education and activism, I became aware of barriers women continued to face and I decided to dedicate my career, whatever direction it might take, to fighting for equity. Although I mainly work as a Heritage Planner these days, I also teach part time at Carleton University in the Gender Studies Department, where I get to meet a variety of folx interested in gender equity, just like me.
In the fall of 2016, I walked across the graduation stage for the final time to accept a Doctorate degree. It will always be my proudest accomplishment. It takes so much time, energy and dedication to get that level of education, but it’s worth it. My journey through education, and now my career, has led to some amazing discoveries about myself, but also about the world. I’m a strong believer that we never stop learning and we often get our best lessons in places we least expect them. I always encourage other people to get out and LEARN – discover new things and foster a child-like wonder every single day. Education is a lifelong journey. I’m so happy that I can keep learning new things but now I’m also in a position to help others on their paths of discovery.
“It takes so much time, energy and dedication to get that level of education, but it’s worth it.”
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