Catching Up With Alumni | Rebecca André (BA ALDS/21; CTESL/21)
We caught up with Rebecca André, who graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Honours in Applied Linguistics and Discourse Studies and a minor in Disability Studies in 2021. Rebecca also completed a Certificate in the Teaching of English as a Second Language (CTESL).
Rebecca worked with the Student Experience Office (SEO) during her time as an undergraduate student at Carleton University, and was one of the undergraduate student representatives on the steering committee for Carleton’s Coordinated Accessibility Strategy.
Learn more about what Rebecca has been up to since graduating, and how her time in SLaLS helped shape her journey.
What Rebecca Has Been Up To
Rebecca describes herself as an advocate, trailblazer, and survivor through and through.
“After returning to university as a mature student, I wasn’t just chasing a degree,” Rebecca shares. “I was reclaiming power.”
“Living with multiple chronic illnesses, I’ve had to navigate systems not built for bodies like mine. Instead of folding, I turned those challenges into purpose.”
While earning her degree in Applied Linguistics and Discourse Studies, Rebecca became deeply involved in advocacy work on campus. In addition to working on the development of Carleton University’s Coordinated Accessibility Strategy, Rebecca also worked with Professor Christopher Cox and his team to digitize an Indigenous language dictionary to support cultural and language preservation.
Rebecca won awards for leadership and inclusion along the way, including the prestigious Dr. John Davis Burton Award in 2019.
“One of the most pivotal moments in my advocacy journey came through my work with the Accessibility Institute, where I designed and led a workshop series introducing accessibility and disability in ways that challenged stigma and encouraged open, respectful dialogue,” Rebecca shares.
“It was there, in that powerful intersection of advocacy and language, that I felt the full force of my skills colliding. I truly understood how much dignity and inclusion hinge on the words we choose.”
“This work transcended simply sharing information,” Rebecca notes.” It became a catalyst for transformation.”
What’s Next?
“I use my lived experience to push for equity, whether it’s through policy work, speaking engagements, or mentoring others navigating disability and academia,” Rebecca shares.
“I’ve always believed that even the smallest drop can make ripples. My goal is to keep dropping bold, unapologetic change into still water.”
Rebecca has collaborated with Professor Adrian Chan to develop a new pilot project for first-year Engineering and Design students that revolves around accessibility.
“We’re planting the seed early,” Rebecca says, “showing students that accessible design isn’t a checkbox; it’s a mindset, a responsibility, and a creative opportunity.”
“My work doesn’t stop at the university gates. I’m committed to building a world where access isn’t an afterthought, and where design includes everyone from the beginning.”
Rebecca’s Experience in SLaLS
Rebecca brought what she learned from the CTESL program into her work with the Accessibility Institute.
“Language isn’t just a tool,” Rebecca notes. “It’s the foundation upon which respect is built, and the place where meaningful change begins.”
“I realized it all came down to access for me, both creating it and recognizing barriers to it. It was when I figured out that language has the power to create access that I began to fuse my advocacy journey and my academic journey together.”
Words of Advice for SLaLS Students
“It’s never too late to start, or restart, a journey,” Rebecca notes. “If you find something you can wake up to every day and feel passionate about doing, do it. So few people get to have that privilege.”
“You get out what you put into your time at Carleton. Explore, be curious, and have fun!”
Interested in learning more about our programs?
Visit our Programs and Course Offerings page to learn about the undergraduate and graduate programs that we offer here in the School of Linguistics and Language Studies.
Are you a SLaLS graduate?
We would love to know what you have been up to! Check out our Alumni page to meet our amazing graduates and to learn more about how to stay connected with the SLaLS community.