My Introduction!

Figure 1. Me, as photographed by my mom. [Photograph]. Sikkes, A. 2026. Personal collection.

Hi all! My name is Avery, and my pronouns are she/her. Three years ago, I moved from my hometown of Fernie, BC, to Victoria for school. I am currently working, living, learning and playing on the traditional lands of the Lekwungen and SENĆOŦEN speaking peoples, including the Songhees, Esquimalt and WSANEC Nations. 

I am heading into my fourth year of school at UVic, pursuing a BSc in Psychology with a minor in Education. After that, I am hoping to achieve a Master of Public Health. Right now, I’m volunteering as a research assistant with the BRAIN Lab at UVic, and have a summer student position at the Victoria Brain Injury Society as the Community Outreach Coordinator. I have a strong passion for disability advocacy, community health, and mental health, and hope to keep exploring this through my future education and career.

Figure 2. Working at VBIS. [Photograph]. Sikkes, A. 2026. Personal collection.

Outside of school and work, I love reading (my favourite book is called I’ll Give You the Sun), running, being around my family and friends, and creating artwork. I even sell some of my artwork at the Fernie Arts Co-op with my mom and grandma! I also love the ocean, and it was one of the reasons I chose to pursue education in Victoria. Lastly, I love my cat, Harley Davidson.

Figure 3. My cat, Harley Davidson. [Photograph]. Sikkes, A. 2026. Personal collection.

I also love learning, connecting with others, and sharing ideas, and I think blogs are a great place to do that. If you are reading this, I am excited to learn alongside you!