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Co-operative Education

Breeanna Myden (physical and health education)

A student stands in front of Juno Beach in Normandy, France

When Breeanna Myden (she/her) was planning her co-op work term, she knew she wanted an experience that would support one of her two academic passions: physical health education, and history. When she learned about the opportunity to travel to Normandy, France to work as a student guide at the Juno Beach Centre, she didn’t hesitate.

Breeanna is spending two co-op terms giving guided tours of two German bunkers that were part of the Atlantic Wall on Juno Beach during World War Two. The Centre focuses on the history of the 14,000 Canadian soldiers who landed on Juno Beach on D-Day. Breeanna tells their stories in English and French to visitors from around the world.

Bringing history to life

“It is so rewarding to be able to spread the importance of understanding Canadian contributions in the Second World War,” says Breeanna.

“The Canadian soldiers who landed on D-Day all volunteered to come to Europe, as there was no conscription that forced them to fight in Europe. They gave up their lives for the liberation of France, and it is crucial to understand that their sacrifices gave us the liberty we currently have today.”

Combining history and physical education

Originally from Pitt Meadows, BC, Breeanna grew up playing competitive sports and is passionate about physical health education, but she’s also a keen history buff. She chose UVic because it allowed her to study these two very different subjects, with the goal to become a physical education and history teacher.

“My job at the Juno Beach Centre is helping so much with this goal,” says Breeanna. “I get to work with school groups and learn so much about World War Two history, so these skills will directly translate into a teaching role. My supervisor was also a teacher, so it has been very helpful to talk with her and hear about her past experiences.”

She’s excited to carry her passion for history forward into her future.

“I would love to continue to spread awareness to important parts of history such as World War Two. By being able to understand what happened and how many lives were affected, it will hopefully help ensure that history doesn’t repeat itself.”

Embracing different cultures

Given her plans to become a French Immersion teacher, Breeanna has taken advantage of the opportunity to immerse herself in French culture. “I am so grateful to immerse myself in the language, as that has been very useful in improving my fluidity.”

The value of co-op

Breeanna encourages other co-op students to embrace the opportunity to travel and experience new places.

“Even though it was scary, I do not regret stepping outside of my comfort zone and moving away for a co-op,” she says.

“It has been the best experience, and I have learned so many valuable lessons. This is my second co-op abroad and I feel it is such an amazing way to travel and be a part of a different culture. Both of my co-ops have been an eye-opening experience, where I have learned so many valuable lessons that I will take with me for the rest of my life.”

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