大象传媒

With the completion of a Bachelor of Human Kinetics, a Bachelor of Education, and a Master of Education at UBC, Sam le Riche continued to pursue the strong pull she felt to keep growing as an educator and leader. Her inclination led her to the Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership program where her approach as a school principal was shaped from a deeper understanding of the relationship between education and community.

鈥淚 was drawn to 大象传媒鈥檚 Faculty of Education and particularly inspired by the opportunity to engage in doctoral studies through a program that is both rigorous and job-embedded.鈥�

鈥淭his program provided a powerful framework for exploring how effective leaders build leadership capacity in others. Leadership is not about hierarchy, but about empowerment 鈥� highlighting the strengths of others, mentoring emerging leaders, and fostering compassionate cultures where everyone feels seen, valued, and capable of making an impact.鈥�

A Transformational Moment

Sam鈥檚 most transformative moment occurred due to her professors and instructors as they 鈥渁pproached their roles with humility, curiosity, and a genuine openness to learning.鈥� Through the sharing of their experiences of challenges and failures, Sam understood the epitome of what it truly means to a be lifelong learner.

鈥淲itnessing their approach shifted how I viewed myself鈥攏ot just as someone who teaches, but as someone who learns alongside others. It reminded me that effective educators don鈥檛 need to have all the answers; instead, they create environments where growth, inquiry, and connection thrive. That experience reshaped how I show up in educational spaces鈥攁s a guide, a listener, and most importantly, a learner.鈥�

A Thank You to the Faculty of Education

鈥淚 truly could not have completed this journey without the unwavering, constant support and belief from my professors. In particular, Dr. Michelle Nilson, whose presence in my academic and personal life made all the difference. She showed up for me鈥攐ffering not just academic guidance, but genuine care, patience, and compassion during some of the most difficult times of my life.鈥�

鈥淒r. Nilson demonstrated what it truly means to champion your students. When I faced personal challenges鈥攃aring for aging parents, raising my children, and working in deeply demanding and underserved school communities鈥攕he remained a steady source of encouragement. She saw me not just as a student, but as a whole person, and believed in my capacity even when I questioned it myself.鈥�

鈥淗er support was not just emotional, but deeply practical: helping me navigate many hurdles, offering flexible timelines when life became overwhelming, and always reminding me of the purpose behind my work. She modeled what leadership in education should look like鈥攏ot just in theory, but in action.鈥�

鈥淭he broader Faculty of Education community and my cohort were also invaluable鈥攕haring ideas, offering encouragement, and walking beside me through the long and sometimes isolating process of graduate work. Together, they reminded me of the power of community. This degree is not just a personal accomplishment鈥攊t鈥檚 a reflection of all those who held space for me, believed in me, and reminded me that this work matters.鈥�

Not only did the program cause Sam to grow in her research, analytical and communication skills, but her experience has significantly deepened her understanding of the relationship between community and education.

鈥淚 have come to appreciate that learning is not a solitary pursuit鈥攊t is inherently relational and deeply embedded in the communities we serve.鈥�

Advice for Future Faculty of Education Students

鈥淚f you're considering entering the Faculty of Education, don鈥檛 hesitate鈥攇o for it! It will be an incredible experience that will enrich your life in ways you can't even imagine鈥攏ot just academically, but personally. There's nothing to wait for. Jump in and take full advantage of an opportunity to be inspired by amazing people and an incredible program of study.鈥�