Interview with Alissa Zhang

Tell us about yourself

I was born in China and raised in Toronto. I recently graduated from McMaster University from the Bachelor of Health Sciences program with a Child Health Specialization. I am currently going into my second year at the Vancouver Fraser Medical Program with an interest in pediatrics. In my spare time, I love playing rugby, going on runs, hiking new trails and playing spikeball with friends!

How did you become involved in the Reading Bear Society?

I worked closely with several upper year students who were involved with the Reading Bear Society and heard about the wonderful initiatives that RBS organizes every year to support early childhood literacy. I have always been passionate about early childhood education and fostering community, so after hearing about all the programming that RBS organizes, I knew I wanted to be involved in any capacity I could. I am so grateful to be able to contribute meaningfully to children and their families, especially during the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic.

What is your current role with the RBS?

I am currently one of the Co-Chairs of the RBS Vancouver Chapter, alongside Grace Kim. Together, we help to oversee daily operations of the chapter and recruit and train RBS volunteers for various roles within the team. Grace and I communicate regularly with the RBS Vancouver team, district school boards, and other RBS Chapters to organize Dr. Bear programming for children. We help to lead of team of dedicated volunteers that contribute to the various initiatives and programming that the RBS Vancouver Chapter organizes, from leading Dr. Bear visits to creating educational resources for children and families. Grace and I have also started a suggested reading list called “Grace and Alissa’s Reading Corner”, where we showcase fun and exciting books and stories each month!

What is your best memory of RBS?

My favourite memory of RBS so far was my first Dr. Bear visit. Despite the virtual nature of the visit, we all dressed up as bears with our bear hats and beat suits, which definitely brought a smile to my face even before we began the visit. Going into my very first virtual Dr. Bear visit, I was very nervous about whether or not the class would be engaged through this virtual format. I was so happy to see that the students were listening attentively and eager to participate in all of the activities that we had planned for them. The students enjoyed the fun videos and small skits that we had prepared, and many laughs were shared by the students! At the end, when we sang the final song together, some of the students even shared that they were sad that our visit has come to an end. This visit really showed me the power that having fun and creating a safer space to learn and share can have a child’s learning, even through a virtual format.

Why do you support the RBS?

I support the RBS because I believe that it is important to support all children in their growth and development starting from an early age, especially when it comes to early childhood literacy and health literacy. I believe in the RBS philosophy of fostering a stronger sense of community and improving lifelong learning and health outcomes across British Columbia.