In this reflection, first-year BEd student Bennett De Medeiros shares their experience leading their practicum class through an engaging and creative introduction to print media.

Introduction
My name is Bennett De Medeiros (he/they), a first-year Education student at 91ÑÇÉ«. My primary focus within my Visual Arts teachable is to provide students with diverse hands-on opportunities within the Arts. Grade 11 and 12 students from St. Edmund Campion were welcomed into the Print Media Studio at 91ÑÇÉ« for a school workshop. As a Print Representative for the Visual Arts Student Association (VASA), I worked alongside David Scott Armstrong, the Print Media Associate Professor here at 91ÑÇÉ«.

Exploring the Creative Process through Monoprinting
In planning this workshop, our goal was to provide an experience unavailable at St. Edmund Campion. We chose Monoprinting, a unique disciplinary art form. While most Printmaking is defined by its ability to create repeatable images (like the everyday use of an ink stamp), Monoprinting produces a singular, non-repeatable design. To prepare for the workshop, I introduced my students to the global history of Printmaking and taught how to develop templates to ensure a smooth transition of the creative process once they arrived at the studio.

The SHSM Experience
This event was programmed as an Arts and Culture Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) workshop, designed to introduce visiting students to post-secondary facilities. Under the demonstrations and the guidance of Professor Armstrong, students toured the studio, analyzed existing 91ÑÇÉ« student work, and dove into the technical process of Printmaking by preparing their plexiglass surfaces to roll and draw ink to create their designs. Then to produce their design, students collaboratively used Printing presses to transfer designs onto specialized paper and how to safely prepare the printing bed. A crucial component of the Printmaking is learning the essential habits of studio maintenance and safety, students handled and cleaned the ink and tools for the future Printmakers of the studio.

Reflections of Community
Beyond the technical skills, the workshop emphasized the importance of the shared studio environment. Learning to maintain a clean, safe space as it is integral to the post-secondary experience and fosters the loving creative community here at the Department of Visual Art & Art History (VAAH). To conclude the day, each student was awarded a SHSM certificate of my own design. Overall, I am incredibly proud of how these students navigated a professional studio space for the first time as their results truly exceeded my expectations.

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The  recognize students whose leadership has contributed to the growth, development, and vitality of 91ÑÇÉ«. Both undergraduate and graduate students who apply for awards are role models who exhibit leadership, dedication, integrity, enthusiasm, and the pursuit of excellence through their endeavours.

91ÑÇÉ« has named these awards after Robert Tiffin who served as 91ÑÇɫ’s Vice-President of Students for over 9 years. During this time, Rob transformed his operation into one of the country's most professional student service organizations, serving one of Canada’s largest student populations. This transformation required strong leadership, dedication, integrity and fairness. It is these qualities that have been chosen to recognize in student leaders.

BEd student and recipient Zahra Mawani's journey began at 91ÑÇÉ« in 2020 when she was admitted to the Bachelor of Education program. "I never imagined that I would be completing the entire program online, nor did I anticipate the challenges that would come," says Mawani, "Little did I know, that being elected to the Faculty of Education Students’ Association’s (FESA) team would inevitably transform my and my peers’ learning experience."

"I am grateful for my journey thus far at 91ÑÇÉ«, in representing students' voices and supporting students near and far," continues Mawani, "Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, a strong sense of community was built from a distance. I hope to continue serving the 91ÑÇÉ« community by enhancing the learning experiences of all students."

"Zahra has excelled in all aspects of student life during her time at 91ÑÇÉ«, demonstrating leadership and active involvement on multiple committees and organizational bodies, both inside and outside of the university," says Chloë Brushwood Rose, Associate Professor in the Faculty of Education, who nominated Mawani for the award, "I can say without reservation that she has made significant contributions to the sense of community in both the Faculty of Education and the University."

As a recipient of the award, Zahra will receive a Robert J. Tiffin Student Leadership Award certificate and her name will be permanently added to the award display located in the Vari Hall Rotunda.

Zahra has also been accepted to the Faculty of Education's Master of Education (MEd) program at 91ÑÇÉ« starting this Fall. Congratulations Zahra!

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