Story produced by ASA Peer Advisor, Tiana Bone
Taralynn Morgan is Gitxsan from the Gitanmaax community which is a nation interlaced with the municipality of Hazelton, in northern British Columbia. Taralynn is Lax Sael, which means she is from the frog clan. She studied at the University of Northern British Columbia and transferred to the University of British Columbia, where she is now in her fourth year of a Bachelor of Arts with a major in Psychology and minor in First Nations and Indigenous Studies. Taralynn hopes to return to Gitanmaax once she graduates to work in Mental health.
Did you always know you wanted to study psychology?
No, when I graduated high school I thought that I was going to do an English degree. I failed my first year of post secondary and it took me six years to return to school. I applied to Psychology because mental health has always been a huge part of my life. I am hoping to spread awareness of mental illness.
Since transferring to UBC, what has been your biggest challenge and how did you overcome it?
I transferred to UBC last year, September 2018. It was a large culture shock. I had previously been attending the University of Northern British Columbia which was a lot smaller with only a few buildings. Having huge classes, and so many people everywhere I went was hard to adjust to. I was lonely, and I missed my family and friends in the North. I knew that in order to be successful in university I must build connections.
You are very active with the UBC Longhouse community, what has been your experience? (Favourite memories, events, activities, etc) And how do you hope your role with the Indigenous Collegia will shape the Longhouse community?
The Indigenous Longhouse has been my safe zone this past year. I have many events that I remember that were amazing, like Diva Cups and Donuts, the Smoke Signals movie, Condoms and Cupcakes, and Scholars Night. My favorite was when we made fried bread pizza. There was about 30 people in attendance and everyone had different bread recipes. We had about four different breads going. It was a perfect metaphor for the diversity of the Indigenous people in Canada. In my new role as one of two Senior Indigenous Collegia advisors, I want to create an environment where Indigenous students can feel comfortable enough to be themselves. I hope that this Collegia acts as a resource center for Indigenous students in need.
What inspired you to become involved with Dr. Cheung’s psychology project for the upcoming fall?
I met Dr. Cheung in his Cultural Psychology class. He was a breath of fresh air in a colonial academic field and has great aspirations to create a more welcoming environment for Indigenous students in Psychology. Our research project hopes to better understand the experiences of all Indigenous students in Psychology so that if changes are needed, we can address them. I wanted to be involved because I feel that support for my Indigenous peers is important.
Do you have any advice for new-to-UBC Indigenous students?
Try to be involved in as many events or activities as possible without over-stretching yourself. This will help you create a community that you can go to when you stumble or are in trouble. Know that failing is normal and can be overcome.
ASA Tip: Stop by the Indigenous Students’ Collegium at the First Nations Longhouse! You can also join their Facebook group.
