Interview with Victoria Kan, Chair of Administration

1. Tell us about yourself

I was born and raised in Vancouver, and although I have travelled around the globe, includingliving for a year in Australia, Vancouver will always be my favourite city. My passion is in thehealth sciences, and I am particularly interested in health education and promotion. I receivedmy Bachelor of Science in cellular biology and genetics, as well as my Masters of HealthAdministration, from the University of British Columbia. I am currently close to completing mynursing degree at UBC as well.

2. How did you become involved with the Reading Bear Society?

I became involved with the Reading Bear Society two years ago when I was working full-time,and looking for a meaningful way to become involved in my community.

3. What is your current role with the RBS?

As Chair of Administration for the Reading Bear Society I help manage the registration processfor new volunteers, maintain and organize internal documents, and provide support tovolunteers, FLEX students, and other members of the RBS student body.

4. What is your best memory?

Due to my schedule and role as an administrator, I do not frequently attend school visits. This iswhy one of my best memories was a rare Valentine’s Day visit I was able to participate in atSeymour Elementary School. I was impressed to see our modules and activity outlines come tolife, captivating and engaging a classroom full of kindergarteners. It was a great opportunity towitness the impact the RBS has on children in our community, and reinforced the positiveinfluence of intergenerational mentorship.

5. Why do you support the Reading Bear Society?

When I was seeking to find a meaningful volunteer opportunity in my community, I wanted tofind something that aligned with my passion for health education and promotion, and alsoallowed me to apply my administrative background. I felt that my values and passions trulyaligned with the RBS mission statement to “foster a more conscientious and loving society byproviding intergenerational mentorship and reading resources that encourage early literacy,social wellbeing, and emotional health across generations and communities”. The RBS not onlyrecognizes the importance of early education in promoting the health of our children, but italso acknowledges how the positive ripple effects of this education can lead to healthiercommunities. In addition to educating children, the RBS also provides opportunities for UBCmedical students to complete their FLEX projects with the program. This engagement with thehealth disciplines is invaluable as it provides students with an education and prevention view ofhealthcare, a view that I feel is often underrepresented in the school curriculum. During mytime with the RBS, I have had the privilege of learning a great deal about the administrativework that goes into running a non-profit society and a group of student volunteers, all whilecontributing to a great cause! I am looking forward to another year with the RBS.