ACHES 2017 - Brescia University College

Four Ryerson delegates had the pleasure of attending the 2017 ACHES conference at Brescia University College. Along with almost fifty other students, we were able to learn about becoming agents of change, which was the theme of this conference. We were able to hear from many inspiring speakers on their journey towards becoming a change maker.

​Delegates were given the opportunity to connect with these professionals in a personal way during the Ontario Home Economics Association (OHEA) and London Home Economics Association (LHEA) Networking Dinner and Mixer on Friday evening. Here are a few words that our Ryerson Delegates had to say about the conference:

Christine (RHEA, THEA Liaison) 
As a fourth year student with an interest in program planning I was especially interested to hear about the Harvest Bucks program. This amazing initiative aims to increase food security for people living in London Ontario, and this is a program I would not have learnt about if I did not attend the ACHES conference. The Ryerson delegates are very fortunate to have been able to learn both from and with other students in our community and from across Canada. 
 
Christina (RHEA, President) 
I am amazed at how well the ACHES Conference 2017 committee planned our weekend at Brescia. They were able to bring in speakers teaching on a variety of relevant topics, plan exciting outings, and serve delicious food for all of us human ecology foodies in attendance. The talk that particularly intrigued me was “Healthy at Every Size” by Christy Charles, RD, and Laura Bootsma, MSW. I loved to hear about their practice approach as health workers to ditch the diet mentality and instead understand our innate hunger cues and body’s natural rhythm.

Christy made a statement that I found very simple yet profound when applied. She said that when we eat, we should always leave feeling better than we felt before we ate. I though that this was a great way to think about food and our eating habits. I also found the ACHES conference a wonderful opportunity to connect with my own executive members. It equipped us with knowledge and motivation for the next term, so that we may keep building and improving our efforts in the Ryerson Home Economics’ Association.
 
Alexandra (RHEA, VP Fundraising) 
This January was the first time I had the opportunity to attend an ACHES conference and I was absolutely blown away. The Brescia University College ACHES 2017 committee did an outstanding job putting together three days of excitement and learning for students from across Canada. Delegates were able to participate in a range of interesting activities from touring one of the largest Labatt breweries in Canada to visiting London, Ontario’s Youth Opportunities Unlimited (YOU), a community based initiative that provides a range of services to help London’s youth reach their full potential.

​Students also had the pleasure of hearing from and networking with a diverse selection of inspiring Professional Home Economists and other speakers. Leaving the conference, I was reminded of the true value of the Home Economics profession and the diversified range of skills and knowledge it has to offer to others. 
 
The conference facilitated a fantastic environment of learning, skill building, and making connections. Of course, each of us also had lots of fun during our three days at Brescia. We are very grateful for OHEA in helping us attend the ACHES 2017 conference. As it is our first time in attendance, we now have this invaluable experience to take back to Ryerson this term. We are four motivated and inspired students after this conference, thank you Brescia!