Today is the Day 2 of our Conference on the Learning of the DTES.

We were just as busy as Day 1, if not, more. I have enjoyed helping out the staff and meeting our guests and presenters continuously throughout the day. I have also attended a session on LinkVan App; an application bridging the DTES community with accessible and convenient services in just a click. I fairly enjoyed listening to what the team had to offer. Many of our attendees were curious on how to make the app work with the people living in the DTES. I could see a lot of us were brainstorming on ideas to make the app better and more effectively developed for its users. Of course, there are challenges that may hinder in the process. For instance, a simple question would be where and how would people in the DTES access phones? We suggested of collecting donated phones from service providers and distributed to members living in the DTES…? They were just brainstorming ideas. We still have yet implemented them.

For the remaining of the day, I have met a lot of wonderful guests and presenters. I spoke with the local vendors from the Binner Project. I saw them as mentors because they helped me understand the amazing (and confusing!) world of recycling. I have met with startup companies for connecting and providing support in employment for the people living in the DTES. I have also met with local business owners and designers who are selling beautifully created crafts, like clay pots and handmade jewelries. It was an amazing experience speaking with these local vendors.

I  have also met many student volunteers from different faculties who took their time to help out with the conference. So far, a lot of volunteers who I have met are from second to fourth year at UBC. They are studying different programs, such as English, psychology, economics, pharmacy, and other academic areas. It was enjoyable speaking with them and guiding them to help out with various sessions. I actually felt like a mentor to them because some student volunteers whom I met also wanted to be in the Education program at UBC! I was sharing a bit of my knowledge with them, which felt great! 🙂

Our conference ended with a wonderful dinner at the Ironworks Studio. The food provided was fantastic! Speaking of food, the lunch provided on Day 1 and Day 2 conference were the healthiest lunch that I have ever had! At the end of the day, we revealed our button blanket on stage. Everyone was cheering and it was an emotional experience sewing and interweaving the blanket together! The day ended off great with celebration of dances and singing. 😀

I sure hope that we do host an academic conference again someday in the near future! It was truly a rewarding experience for all of us!