By Karen Kelly
Sociology undergraduate student Felicity Hauwert is one of just 10 students in Canada to receive the 2021 3M National Student Fellowship Award. The recognition is given to students who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, both in their lives and at their institutions.
The award’s mission is to “build community among visionary student leaders who demonstrate outstanding leadership and innovation through seeing current needs in higher education or society and implementing change.” In addition to a $1,000 prize, the fellowship recipients receive funding to work together on a national project of change.
Felicity Hauwert
“I am really excited and definitely intrigued by the opportunity to work on a project together,” says Hauwert.
“I look forward to meeting the other fellows and finding out what they are interested in.”
Prof. Aaron Doyle nominated Hauwert for having “the most impressive record of leadership and engagement I have ever seen in my 19-year career at Carleton University.”
In addition to excelling academically, Hauwert is co-president of the Sociology and Anthropology Student Association, a lead student ambassador for the Faculty of Arts and Social Science, co-president of Carleton University Students for Scholars at Risk and a key contributor to the Decolonization and Anti-Racism Committee in her department. She is also working to highlight the need for reform in the co-operative education program.
Prof. Aaron Doyle
Doyle says Hauwert epitomizes the kind of student he sees in Sociology and Anthropology:
“They think critically, are very aware of social issues and want to make a difference right now. They don’t see this as a dress rehearsal for later in life.”
That description resonates with Hauwert. When the 3M fellowship application asked where she wants to make a difference, Hauwert focused on the university setting.
“I outlined three basic barriers to post-secondary education for first-generation BIPOC students,” explains Hauwert, who has created workshops to help others navigate university life. “The barriers exist when it comes to seeking mentors, when you are applying for funding, or trying to network. I don’t want to leave this space the same way as when I entered it. I want to make it easier for the students who follow.”
While the study of sociology has answered many of the “why” questions she’s had all her life, Hauwert says her education is far from finished. After graduating next year, she looks forward to pursuing a Master of Arts degree.
“As much as you might think you know, there is always more to learn,” says Hauwert.
“My motto is to always be open to both learning and unlearning.”
Friday, April 23, 2021 in Awards, Sociology and Anthropology
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