Beedie Luminaries Spotlight: Brooke Ashdown

Brooke Ashdown from Cohort 2020 of the Beedie Luminaries Scholarship program is studying Psychology at Vancouver Island University. Read more about Brooke below.

What is your field of study and why does it interest you? 

My field of study is Psychology. It interests me because I want my future career to make a difference in people’s lives and I feel like therapy is essential to life and especially to mental health. I also love learning about human behavior and why we do the things we do.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given? 

Your attitude around the things that happen to you can change how they make you feel. It’s sort of common sense, but I think people (myself) often forget that a bad thing can be good if you make it so. You failed a test? Now you know what to work on for the next, or now you know that your study technique could be improved. There is good to be found in most bad things.

What would you name the autobiography of your life?

I’m not sure how interesting my autobiography would be, but I’d probably name it something like “Half reality and half dreams that I think actually happened”.

Do you have a motto or personal mantra?

If I had to pick just one it would be to not care what other people think or to be yourself. It’s cliché, but it’s never lost its importance.

What was the last experience that made you a better person?

Moving away from home made me realize what’s important, and I think it made me appreciate the people around me more.

What is something you learned in the last week?

Well, as it is the second week of school, I finally learned where the cafeteria is! I also learned how to be more independent of others. Moving away from family was hard and it will be a long process, but learning to do the small things just for myself is so important.

What’s the coolest (or most important) trend you see today?

I don’t follow trends much, but I think that masks are an important one that everyone should keep up with in these times!

Who inspires you and why?

My mom inspires me more than anyone else in the world. She raised me as a single Mom and struggled, but she still gave me everything I could have hoped for. My momprovided me with experiences and opportunities that I never would have had without her. She is incredibly kind and strong and everything I hope to become. She makes me laugh more than anyone and she is the greatest role model anyone could have.

What would people be surprised to find out about you?

I actually kind of like doing the dishes. It’s therapeutic in a way, as long as no one tells me to do them first of course.

What is your favourite thing about being a part of Beedie Luminaries?

Beedie Luminaries provides a community that I can always go to with any questions I have. The people in my cohort have been so kind and welcoming. The Luminaries give me community, trust, and friendship which is above all else in my opinion.