Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kate Dunn. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Kate, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
I have always been a believer and strong proponent of lifelong learning, so it came as no surprise to many of my family members and friends that I ended up in the career I currently have, which is a full-time professor. From a young age, I knew my purpose was to educate, inspire, connect with, and empower others.
My purpose was ultimately discovered through exploration, curiosity, reflection, connection with others, self-discovery, and pure whim. It was an evolution of sorts…and continues to evolve!
I took a lot of time in my teens and early twenties to reflect on my interests and developed hobbies that were centered around engagement, activism, writing, connecting with others, and public speaking. The subjects that always excited me also aligned with my core values and centered around equity, human behaviour, and social justice, as they brought me a sense of fulfillment. I also tie my sense of purpose to a deep responsibility each of us has in leaving every place we enter and every person we encounter better than when we first met them, fostering positivity, growth, and connection. I had one University professor that was an endless source of inspiration. Each week, she brought in real-world examples and stories that illuminated the importance of sociology and the subjectivity of human experience. Her passion for the material was contagious; you could sense her excitement as she challenged us to think critically and engage deeply with the weekly readings we were assigned. She had clearly found her “calling”. She created a space for us to explore our values and question our beliefs, which solidified my purpose and desire to teach even more! I wanted (and continue to want) to have that same impact on my students so that they feel encouraged to explore what brings them that same sense of fulfillment I felt as an 18 year old undergraduate sitting in those introductory sociology classes.
It was also during this time that I thought a lot about the topics I loved to learn about and wanted to teach, and I surrounded myself with mentors and people that inspired me. I also took time to reflect on my core values as an educator, asking critical questions such as: “What kind of impact do I want to have on my students, my colleagues, the College I teach at, and in my field?” “How can I contribute to others’ and my own growth and learning?” I also reflected on how my work aligns with my personal life and well-being. I’ve discovered that finding harmony between my professional responsibilities and personal fulfillment is crucial for sustaining my sense of purpose.
I define purpose as that feeling of “this is exactly what I should be doing” and an alignment between what you do, why you do it, and the impact you want to have on the world. I believe teaching is a profession fueled by purpose. I also believe everyone has a purpose, but the question, “What is my purpose?” can be a daunting one.
The idea of having a purpose is a deeply personal one. While some might believe that purpose is a guiding force that gives life meaning and direction, ultimately manifesting in a career aspiration, personal relationships, contributions to ones community, or self-improvement goals, I believe that purpose is something we all create through experiences, choices, and personal values. In this way, purpose is more about each person’s journey in finding what is meaningful to them, rather than an end goal; it’s a journey, not a destination. I also believe purpose is not solely defined by one thing. In my case, my career as a professor is not my sole purpose. I also find purpose in spending time connecting with my husband, our dog, Harry, our family and friends, watercolour painting, spending time in nature, writing, planning wellness events with like-minded colleagues and friends, participating in community initiatives, volunteering with animal rescue organizations, and immersing myself in a good book.
Purpose is not static. Finding, refining and redefining your purpose can be an ongoing journey filled with discovery and growth. Periodically take time to reassess your goals, values, and the visions you have for your life. Be open to opportunities and experiences that may shift your sense of purpose over time.
In the movie, “Dead Poets Society” Robin Williams shares the poem Oh Me, Oh Life written by Walt Whitman which says, “The question, O me! so sad, recurring—What good amid these, O me, O life? Answer. That you are here—that life exists and identity, That the powerful play goes on, and you may contribute a verse.” I would encourage you to pause right now and ask yourself: “What will my verse be?”
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I earned my M.A. in Sociology from Western University and an Hons. B.A. in Sociology and Women’s Studies from McMaster University. I am currently a full-time Professor of Interdisciplinary Studies where I teach a wide range of courses focused on social inequality, EDI principles, positive psychology, and gender. I’m trained in Unified Mindfulness (UM), positive space, rainbow diversity, and mental health first aid, and have just completed my Empowered Educator microcredential through eCampusOntario.
One of my recent accomplishments this year was co-developing a minor in disability studies, the only college in Ontario to offer the additional study area for degrees. The minor aims to empower students to better understand and advocate for individuals with disabilities, and foster a more inclusive, compassionate and equitable society through allyship. While a more recent addition, we have already heard from students that they are seeing themselves reflected in the curriculum for the first time and, for others, they have communicated that it is an opportunity to confront their own biases and assumptions about disability for the first time.
I’m also a very proud board member of the Eva Rothwell Center which is focused on empowering community members to maximize their potential, cultivate essential life skills, and create a safe, inclusive space.
I’ve also had the pleasure of being invited to speak as both a guest speaker and keynote speaker on topics such as joy, resilience, wellness, and handling rejection for a number of workshops, conferences, lunch and learns, and podcasts this year. I am forever grateful to the connections I’ve made over the years and for the immense joy and sense of purpose my family, friends, colleagues, and students bring to my life.
Lastly, I brought a lifelong dream to fruition this year….having a children’s book published! The journey getting there was nothing short of rewarding and the thrill of seeing my words come to life through illustrations was truly awe-inspiring. It’s not just a book; it’s a piece of my heart, crafted to inspire young minds and spark their imagination. I hope that it brings joy and wonder to children everywhere, igniting their love for reading and storytelling, just as I experienced as a child. This accomplishment fuels my passion to write even more.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
First and foremost, the ability to communicate well is a foundational skill that enhances all aspects of life. Effective communication promotes understanding, collaboration, and conflict resolution. In both my personal and professional relationships, I’ve noticed that strong communicators are also strong connectors – they are often more successful at building rapport, influencing and inspiring others, and creating positive change. If this is an area you want to develop or even hone, I would suggest seeking out opportunities where you are able to practice public speaking. Participate in workshops, join groups like Toastmasters, stay curious, and engage in discussions with others regularly.
The second quality that has been impactful in my journey is adaptability coupled with lifelong learning. Academia is constantly evolving. Being adaptable and cultivating a lifelong passion for knowledge has allowed me to embrace new teaching methods in order to foster personal growth and development, enhance student engagement, and foster a more inclusive learning environment that support diverse learning preferences. For those wanting to cultivate a habit of lifelong learning I would encourage you to enroll in professional development courses, stay updated in your fields of interest, embrace change, and view challenges as opportunities for growth.
Last, but not least, building a strong network can open doors to collaboration, opportunities, and mentorship. Seek out mentors continuously and be proactive about building your relationships. Attend networking events, join professional organizations, and engage in interdisciplinary collaborations. Don’t hesitate to reach out to others for advice or insights; building a supportive community can significantly enrich your journey through life!
Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?
My parents prioritized authenticity and nurtured me in such a way that allowed for my own unique individuality to play out. I was encouraged to dance to the beat of my own drum. Even as a child, my parents valued my voice and gave me the space to explore my passions, make my own choices, and ultimately forge my own identity, individuality, and self-expression.
By encouraging me to be my unique self, a powerful message of acceptance and love was sent. This also cultivated a deep sense of self-love and self-confidence, as I felt free to express my thoughts, emotions, and interests without fear of judgement or restraint. Freedom, creativity, authenticity, and innovation was nurtured. I learned to think independently and trust my instincts.
This approach also played a role in strengthening my resilience. I learned that it’s okay to fail and that these failures are often stepping stones to greater self-understanding and achievement.
The freedom to be myself has also extended beyond my own sense of individuality. It has shaped how I interact with others, fostering empathy and respect for diversity in expression and thought.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rooted_in_wellness_co/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kate-dunn-flynn-29094a50
Image Credits
Photos: Hannah Kiviranta
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