Why did you choose Langara to study?
After finishing my studies at Concordia University in Montreal, I wanted to relocate to Vancouver. I never really liked cold weather and so I planned a trip to Vancouver in May 1993. Once I arrived, I knew Vancouver was the place for me and so I visited Langara to see if there were any spots available in the library technician program, as I wanted to further my education. I had already worked in libraries for seven years but I thought this program would help me decide whether I wanted to pursue a career in libraries. I met with Ann Calla (department chair at the time) and she interviewed me for a spot in the program starting in September 1993. I received a letter of acceptance shortly thereafter.
How did your time at the College contribute to your career?
The Library Technician program allowed me to begin networking with librarians and library staff in the Lower Mainland. Since I was not from here, it helped me understand how libraries were set up here in British Columbia and the types of opportunities that were available. There was also a job board, which posted various employment opportunities regularly. When I saw the part-time circulation assistance position at Langara Library, I put my application in as soon as possible, interviewed, and got the job. This was the beginning of my career in libraries and Langara Library was my first stop. After completing the library technician program, I applied to UBC to complete a Masters in Library & Information Science. The foundations that I had learned from the Langara program, helped accelerate my career and I was able to gain employment very soon after graduating from UBC as a librarian with the Centre for Health Services & Policy Research at UBC. In 2012, I returned to Langara College to be an instructor in the program that I had completed 19 years earlier.
What’s your favourite memory of Langara?
My favourite memory from when I was a student was getting samosas from the LSU coffee shop. Samosas were new to me, coming from Montreal where the usual fair is poutine! I made many friends in the program, some of whom I am still in contact with and many of whom I continue to work with at Langara College.
What is a fun fact that you would like to share with us?
I continue to have a love of samosas and anything curry!
Thanks for sitting down with us, Diane!