̽��ϵ��

"On that day, I received an email informing me that I had been hired as a work study student at UVic Libraries in the position of communications and design assistant. I was ecstatic—this role offered an exciting opportunity to combine my interests in writing and design while spending time in one of my favourite buildings on campus. At the time, however, I could not have imagined just how much I would learn about the library, professional work, and myself."

—Daniela Garrido Fajardo

Over the past year and a half, I have taken on a wide range of projects, from writing articles for UVic, UVic Libraries, and , to designing posters and brochures for library events and orientations. I also examined user engagement, accessibility, and social media analytics, created a for the Mearns – McPherson Library as an instructional video assistant, and acted as a social media ambassador for the Libraries’ Instagram page. Through every role and task, I learned fascinating things about the Libraries and gained firsthand insight into how individuals across departments work together to form an intricate, interconnected system defined by collaboration, innovation, and learning.

Working at the Libraries also taught me valuable lessons beyond technical skills. During the launch of Kula: Library Futures Academy, I witnessed how uncertainty can be transformed into opportunity and how thoughtful, humanitarian ideas can emerge through collaboration. Along the way, I was introduced to subjects I had never previously explored, including historical computing science, Trans+ art history, open data and science, digital technologies, Indigenous teachings, UX, and book arts.

While creating visual deliverables for university events, I rediscovered a passion for graphic design that ultimately led me to Florence, Italy, where I completed an intensive summer course at the European Institute of Design. These experiences inspired me to apply for and receive the Peter and Ana Lowens Fellowship, which will allow me to begin developing and facilitating art therapy book arts workshops at the Farallon Book Arts Lab this coming spring.

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to my supervisors, Lisa Abram and Courtney Lundrigan, for their excellent guidance and mentorship over the past year and a half. I am also deeply thankful to the many library staff members who enthusiastically supported me and joined in on interviews, meetings, and countless email exchanges. Finally, I would like to thank the entire library community for fostering such a nurturing and welcoming environment, one in which I feel incredibly fortunate to have spent this formative period of my academic and professional life.