Kyra Hetherington (she/they) completed her degree in English (honours) with a certificate in American Sign Language (ASL). They grew up in Alberta. Before coming to UVic, they received a diploma in radio, television and digital communication from the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology. During her degree, she worked with the Sidney Museum and Archives and Humanities Computing and Media Centre.
What moment or memory stands out most from your time at UVic?
I always looked forward to Crafternoons with Dr. Mary Elizabeth Leighton. Art is critical to mental well-being.
Where did you spend most of your time studying, hanging out or unwinding on campus?
I loved the McPherson Library, especially the front lounge. I liked people watching on rainy mornings. The lower level near Special Collections & University Archives was also perfect because of the natural light.
Which course or instructor had a positive impact on your academic or personal growth?
Humanities has incredible teachers, so it would be impossible to list them all. Mary Elizabeth Leighton’s capstone course, ENSH 482: Community-Engaged Learning and Public Humanities: Crafting Literacies, was a highlight of my degree. I’m also grateful to ASL instructors Nigel Howard and Tim Lane. Jacob Maddison’s class, MDIA 350: Cultures of the Book, helped revive my creativity and passion for books.
What activity or experience outside the classroom meant the most to you?
I worked on a community garden project with Dr. Stephen Ross to revitalize the area behind McPherson Library. I hope the work continues and increases awareness and availability for accessible, sustainable food sources on campus and experiential learning opportunities.
What are your plans for after graduation and is it the path you envisioned for yourself growing up?
I was hired at the Sidney Museum and Archives! In the future, I may pursue my master’s degree in library and information studies. Right now, I’m happy to have more space and time for creativity and reading. The biggest thing I envisioned for myself growing up was to move to Vancouver Island. Now that I’m here, I’m excited to see what opportunities come next!
What’s one lesson or mindset from your time at UVic that you’ll carry with you into the next chapter of your life?
There’s a word for the profound awareness that every person lives with their own inner worlds—sonder. There’s no better word to encapsulate what I learned at UVic. There will always be more to learn, and humans are inherently curious and eager to be part of a community.
What would you tell someone who is considering choosing UVic for their degree?
People at this school genuinely care about you and your success. Don’t be afraid to talk to your professors! Take classes that you’re interested in, even if it doesn’t fulfill a degree requirement. The results will probably surprise you.
