Jaimee Kettles

After I completed my English degree at Carleton, I began pursuing my Bachelor of Education at the University of Ottawa, specializing in teaching English and History. As a future secondary-school teacher, I aim to foster critical thinking, curiosity, and empathy in my students—all values that were central to my experience in Carleton’s English program. My undergraduate courses encouraged me to view literature as both an academic discipline and a powerful tool for connection and change, something I strive to incorporate into every lesson I teach.

How has your Carleton English degree informed your professional and/or creative path? Why Carleton? 

I chose Carleton for its beautiful campus and variety of course offerings. While pursuing my BA, I was able to take classes that appealed to a variety of my interests including children’s literature, ghost stories, young-adult fiction, and diaspora writing. These all deepened my curiosity and equipped me with tools that I now bring into the classroom.

What specific experiences or opportunities did you benefit from while studying English at Carleton?

One of the most memorable parts of my time at Carleton was participating in a course held in the Book Arts Lab. Getting hands-on experience with the printing press and creating linocuts allowed me to explore the intersection of literary and historical learning in a tangible, meaningful way. That blend of theory and practice continues to inform my teaching philosophy today.