Know Your Profs is an ongoing series of profiles on the instructors at Camosun College. Every issue we ask a different instructor at Camosun the same 10 questions in an attempt to get to know them a little better.
Do you have an instructor that you want to see interviewed in the paper? Maybe you want to know more about one of your teachers, but you’re too busy, or shy, to ask? Email editor@nexusnewspaper.com and we’ll add your instructor to our never-ending list of teachers to talk to.
This issue we talked to Indigenous Studies instructor Hjalmer Wenstob about the importance of creativity, five-hour drives, and the risky business of wearing your heart on your sleeve.
1. What do you teach and how long have you been at Camosun?
I began teaching at Camosun in September 2018. I first started teaching in Arts and Science, for the Indigenous arts course, and in January 2019 began teaching in the Indigenous Studies program [IST].
2. What do you personally get out of teaching?
I love teaching. Education, in its many forms, has always been important to me. I love working with such amazing students from so many diverse and unique backgrounds all coming together to learn and grow.
3. What’s one thing you wish your students knew about you?
Outside of teaching, my biggest passion is art. I actually run an art gallery in Ucluelet with my family, and was one of the [Hnatyshyn Foundation’s] 2018 emerging artists of Canada, alongside Camosun alumnus Audie Maury.
4. What is one thing you wish they didn’t know about you?
I think I wear my heart out on my sleeve—I’d say that there isn’t much that my students don’t know about me.
5. What’s the best thing that’s ever happened to you as a teacher here?
While teaching in the Indigenous Studies program, my students and I spent a semester carving a traditional Nuu-chah-nulth log drum, which we gifted to the college. The following year another one of my classes hosted a beautiful event and feast where we unveiled the drum and honoured a late student from the IST cohort. Both of these were really student-led and an honour to be involved in.
6. What’s the worst thing that’s ever happened to you as a teacher here?
I have been blessed with two amazing years. While at Camosun, I really don’t have any complaints… except for the five-hour drive to get down, since I live close to Tofino.
7. What do you see in the future of post-secondary education?
I see the definitions of formal education transforming. Being able to teach in a balance of hands-on experiential learning and the traditional Western Europe style creates a whole new world of education.
8. What do you do to relax on the weekends?
I spend time making art and hanging out with my two beautiful children.
9. What’s your favourite meal?
I guess roast beef with Yorkshire puddings. This is one of the harder questions [laughs].
10. What iss your biggest pet peeve?
When my kid brother says “kiddo.”