Ryerson Alumni - Winter 2013 - (Page 6)

gould Street N e w S A b o u t t o d Ay ’ S r y e r S o N YOUNG MASAI WOMAN FIRST IN HER VILLAGE TO GRADUATE FROM UNIVERSITY left: social work graduate teriano lesancha speaks to her village about her education. below: Professor Jean golden, left, and President sheldon levy, right, with lesancha before a special hometown convocation. eriano Lesancha has come a long way. The first girl in her Masai village to go to university and the first local to study abroad, Lesancha left her small herding village in Kenya after making the unheard-of choice to get an education instead of getting married. She faced many other challenges en route to graduating last spring from the School of Social Work. After moving thousands of miles away to a world she knew nothing about, Lesancha’s sponsorship fell through. At that time, Sociology Professor Jean Golden met her in a Feminism and Society continuing education course at The Chang School and immediately knew she needed help. “There’s something about Teriano’s personality that makes people want to help,” t Golden said. “She’s smart, she’s bright, she has a very infectious laugh and she’s got a good political head on her shoulders.” Golden spearheaded a drive across the university to raise tuition money for every year Lesancha studied. She also introduced Lesancha to President Sheldon Levy. “I remember when I first met Teriano. She was a very frightened young lady who was almost invisible,” Levy said. “Now I see the confidence and courage education has given her. Teriano is magical. She has given every bit back to us and she’s made us a better university.” Her parents took their first flight to come to Toronto for their daughter’s graduation. In gratitude, Lesancha’s father gave Levy a cow, a sign of thanks in their village. Then last summer, Levy travelled to Lesancha’s village for a second special convocation ceremony. The social work graduate has big dreams. Having established a foundation to provide education and health care in her Masai community, she plans to pursue a master’s degree then return to her village and devote her life to community services and politics. She hopes to become the first female Masai member of Kenyan parliament. 6 ryerson university Magazine • WINTER 2013

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Ryerson Alumni - Winter 2013

Ryerson Alumni - Winter 2013
Table of Contents
President's Message
Showcase
Gould Street
Picture Perfect
Photo Essay
Feels Like Home
From the boardroom to the delivery room – midwife Jasmin Tecson follows her passion
Flying with the Snowbirds – Capt. Iain Cummings realizes lifelong dream
Alumni Diary/VP Viewpoint
Class Notes
Remember When?

Ryerson Alumni - Winter 2013