Danisa Jara is one of the newest members of MacEwan University’s Alumni Advisory Council.
After graduating from MacEwan’s Correctional Services program in 2005, she has gone on to tackle challenging and meaningful roles in corrections, including her current position as an officer at the Edmonton Institution for Women.
Jara is currently building on the educational foundation she received at MacEwan by pursuing studies in criminal justice through Athabasca University. We caught up with her to talk about her achievements, her challenges and why she got involved with the Alumni Advisory Council.
What would you say has been your biggest achievement so far?
Graduating from the Correctional Services program at MacEwan was a major achievement. Since then, finding ways to stay in my challenging career and raising my son to be the fine young man he is today are, by far, my life’s greatest achievements.
I live my life with purpose. As a young mother, I knew that having my son was my purpose. Raising him to be a man who would one day be a blessing to his family was a direction that gave me much hope and inspiration. I knew that I needed an education so I could adequately provide for him and give him the absolute best life I could. All of these achievements intertwine and each was the foundation for the next.
Is there something that you took away from your MacEwan experience that is helping you with your current studies?
During my time at MacEwan, particularly in English 111, I was introduced to rhetoric and the APA writing style, which taught me fundamentals of professional writing and properly crediting authors. These skills have transferred to other university courses and within my career as well.
Research and interviewing professionals in the community were other experiences at MacEwan that taught me life and professional lessons. Going into the inner city and interviewing professionals working with young prostitutes, for example, was an experience that opened my eyes to the work ahead.
What is your most vivid MacEwan memory?
When I felt I could no longer continue in my studies. I was a mother of a then toddler and I worked midnight shifts at a group home to make ends meet. By the second term of my second year of school, I was burned out. I remember feeling exhausted and decided I could no longer continue in my studies. I approached a dear friend of mine and tearfully let her know I was going to have to drop out of school. Thankfully my friend refused to accept that and instead took me to the program chair to explain my situation. The chair, Michelle Andrews, was incredibly supportive and helped me find a way to free up two days a week by rearranging my courseload. I was able to work day and evening shifts instead of midnight shifts and complete my second field placement at a later time.
What was it about your experience at MacEwan that inspired you to join the Alumni Advisory Council?
I am forever appreciative of my MacEwan University experience and how it opened the door to my career, which fulfils me in infinite ways. People I met and continue to meet through MacEwan are some of the most interesting and friendly people I know. I thoroughly enjoy my time with everyone I meet through the MacEwan community!
What do you hope to accomplish as a member of the Alumni Advisory Council?
As a member of the AAC, I hope to take on every challenge and opportunity that is presented to me. I hope to connect and re-connect with the MacEwan community, and I look forward to the enriching experience. Most of all, I hope to reach the young population of future alumni who do not yet know their full potential – it is amazing what can be accomplished through mentorship and advocacy.
MacEwan is a supportive community that opens doors to further education and rewarding careers. I hope to make a difference in the lives of young people who have hopes and dreams for their future. I want to let them know anything is possible when you set your mind and work towards achieving your goals!