Avital Kline is a Beedie Luminaries SPARK student studying Midwifery at UBC. They are passionate about providing inclusive maternity care for queer and trans families, motivated by their own experience with midwifery during pregnancy. As a single parent and artist, they balance their academic journey with family life, finding support in their community and classmates.
What is your field of study and what attracted you towards this profession?
I am studying Midwifery at UBC. I had midwifery care during my own pregnancy and really appreciated the support and it was a part of why I’ve chosen to pursue this career. It is a huge privilege to be involved in the care of new families during such a big and amazing life transition. Being able to provide medical care, hold space for families, and support informed choices is such an important role. As a queer person, I also recognize that there is a lack of safe maternity care for queer and trans families, and I am passionate about being able to provide that care in the future.
Raising children while attending a university or college is a unique challenge and it can be extremely difficult to manage and prioritize your time. What are some things you like to do to maintain good mental health and wellbeing?
I have this analogy that I keep in mind; I am juggling many balls – but some are made of glass and some are not, they’ll bounce, not break. Sometimes balls will drop, and that is okay, it is not the end of the world. But it is important to just keep the glass balls up in the air, and for me, those glass balls are my kids, and so long as I ensure that my kids are doing well, everything else will be okay. I often lean on my community supports, such as family and friends, and I really value my midwifery class cohort, who are all very amazing and supportive of each other. I am also an artist and weaver, and I turn to art-making to ground and relax me.
What piece of advice would you give to other parents out there who are considering going back to school?
Going back to school as a single parent appears insurmountable at times, but it is so worth it. Time will go by whether you go back to school or not, and so I decided to spend the time pursuing a career that will be fulfilling and meaningful. For me, going back to school also means that I working towards the goal of creating a better life for myself and my kids, and this perspective makes the challenge worth it.
Tell us what being part of the Beedie Luminaries Community has meant to you and your family?
Finding out that I was awarded the scholarship was amazing and being included in the Beedie community has been such a gift. One thing I really appreciated was the recognition of my hard work because often, as a solo parent, a lot of the work you do seems invisible. I have been so moved by how personal everything has been and how much the Beedie community believed in me and hoped for my success. Being a part of the SPARK community and meeting parents in the same situation has been encouraging and moving.
What is your and your child(ren)’s favourite thing to do together?
I have a quote on my wall that says, “The cure for everything is salt water; sweat, tears, or the sea” and my favourite thing to do with my kids is to go to the beach. I am so grateful that we live in Vancouver and can go to the ocean whenever we want.
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