Meleena Lamothe

I have always had a passion for helping others and I loved being creative by making up stories about the world around me. After I began my studies at Carleton, my love for literature was re-ignited by my peers and professors in the English Department. It is that same love and passion I saw from professors that inspired me to want to make other people feel that way about the wonders of literature. Since then, I was on a definite path to pursue a career in teaching. Presently, I am enrolled in the B.Ed. program at the University of Ottawa.

My English degree has been an important asset and serves as a strong foundation for both my teacher-education program and my future professional career. My degree has helped me develop my communication skills, allowing me to present ideas and content clearly while keeping students effectively engaged. Through analyzing texts and constructing arguments, I’ve honed my critical-thinking and research abilities, skills that are essential for guiding students in literacy and inquiry-based learning. My expertise in essay writing and literary analysis enables me to scaffold writing instructions, making academic tasks more accessible for students.

The Department of English opened doors for me to read and learn from a plethora of diverse voices. Studying these diverse texts has also strengthened my ability to create an inclusive classroom environment, being able to select materials that reflect students’ identities and experiences in a meaningful way. Additionally, my understanding of storytelling and rhetoric allows me to design engaging, creative, and dynamic lessons for my students. Beyond academics, my experience as an undergraduate student in Carleton’s English Department has inspired me to make meaningful connections with students. The skills I have learned have helped me be a more reflective and responsive educator, one that is well-prepared to support all learners. While I do find myself lesson planning more than anything else these days, I still dedicate time to writing, even if it’s just for myself.

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

My Carleton English degree has played a key role in shaping my professional and creative path by providing a strong support system and valuable learning experiences. The connections I built with professors and peers helped me develop leadership, collaboration, and communication skills. These are all essential qualities for a teacher. Access to resources like the Paul Menton Centre reinforces my commitment to inclusion and accessibility in education. These experiences have influenced my teaching philosophy to create supportive, engaging, and inclusive learning environments where all students can thrive.

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

I chose to attend Carleton because of its strong support system and inclusive environment. The professors are not only knowledgeable but also approachable, providing guidance and encouragement throughout my education. I was able to form meaningful connections with both my professors and peers, creating a supportive community that enhanced my learning experience. Additionally, the Paul Menton Center played a crucial role in ensuring I had the resources and accommodations needed to not only get by, but to flourish. Their commitment to accessibility and student success made Carleton the perfect place for me to grow academically and personally while knowing I had an amazing support system every step of the way.