This week we got a chance to talk with Emily Rowell, who is a girl with a great personality, an optimistic attitude to life, as well as outstanding skills and experiences. Living on the same floor with her, it is great to see her smiling faces once in a while due to her busy schedule. Our floor sees Emily as an “elder sister” who loves everyone and takes care of everyone at any time. Not only she has an amazing personality, Emily took two years off after her graduation in 2011 before coming to Queen’s in September 2013, during which period she contributed greatly to the local communities in Kenya as well as in Brazil. So, if you cannot wait to find out more about Emily, keep reading this article and you will know how awesome she is!
Name: Emily Rowell
Year/Program: Con-Ed 17’ (lots of love!)
Mission Statement of Life: To make everyone who lives around me know that they are 100% loved.
Tell us about your experiences before you come to Queen’s, what did you do during the two years?
In 2011, I decided to go to the Bible College in England. During my stay there, I went on Mission trips to Kenya with my team. We basically worked in schools and helped local churches to really make a difference when we are able to do so. Then after it, I stayed in Brazil for another year. I also worked in school with the kids, I was also running the youth group of a local church. Then I came to Queen’s in 2013!
What was your favourite part?
It was definitely having the ability to change people’s sense of self-worth. It was a great feeling for me to able to talk to the kids, and try to change how they perceive themselves. One of the girls I worked with changed from a suicidal girl to a completely new person. It was really nice to see the changes in her. I guess my favourite part was definitely the support systems we built in the local communities. We were acting as a bridge between schools and churches, kids from different schools would get to know new friends from other schools in the events we help to organize in the churches. It was also great to see young teenagers who are slowly developing their leadership skills, and also those who are becoming leaders as well. My favourite part was for sure how our churches embraced the community in a positive and effective way.
How many languages do you speak due to your international experiences?
I speak English, French, Portuguese, and I am still learning Spanish.
What inspired you to do the things you have done?
Well, I went to the Bible College because one of my cousins, who is 8 years older than me, went there. I have always seen her as my role model, which was why I decided to go to England at the first place. I decided to go to Brazil because of my roommate at Bible College as well as my mom. I was often told how God loves us so much, how we can always depend on him no matter what. I always wanted to do something to pass on the love. You know, he loved so much, I want to love back.
How are you involved in the Queen’s Community?
I am the FYEA, which is the First Year Event Advisor for McNeill house this year. I am also the co-chair for Capture the Faculty in ASUS. I dance with QDC, which is Queen’s Dance Club. I also volunteer with Kaleidoscope, which I go in once a week to help two grade 2 boys wit h their maths and readings. I was also selected as the floor rep, as you know. But I had to resign due to my position as the FYEA. I also volunteer at a local youth group, we basically organize events on Friday nights for the students, and we are available for calling during the week if any of them need someone to talk to.
Favourite part of Queen’s?
It’s definitely the community. I feel so blessed since everything worked out so perfectly. I have amazing people on my floor, amazing in my program and in our school, and there are so many things to get involved with. Also, I love the old stone buildings so much, I can’t deny it.
What do you want to do in the future?
I really want to teach in less fortunate countries. I want to be a youth and children’s pastor. I would say I want to be a teacher of life, rather than a teacher in school. Of course, I would really love to become a mom. (Isn’t she so sweet!?)
Okay, time for some fun stuff. Name a few of your favourite things!
-
Disney
-
Skittles
-
Mini-eggs
-
Family
-
Horses
-
Once-Upon a Time (the TV show)
- GLEE!