Little did Becky Noelle know when she became a student affiliate that she would soon be a vital Editors Canada volunteer. Becky joined Editors Canada in early 2019, seeking editorial connections and opportunities. In June she travelled from her hometown of Okotoks, Alberta, to the Halifax conference. There she met Robin Larin, student relations co-chair, and before she knew it, she had joined the team.
Since then Becky has assisted with the committee’s successful advocacy for student participation in Editors Canada’s mentorship program and the revival of the student affiliate Facebook group. She regularly contributes posts to help create “a space where student affiliates can connect and feel supported.” Currently she’s helping prepare “a larger scale information-sharing project for the Facebook group” and is excited to see how it turns out.
This past year Becky also completed her Professional Editing Certificate at Mount Royal University in Calgary and launched her own freelance editing business. With a background in elementary school teaching and a degree in science, Becky focuses on educational and academic editing. “I’ve really enjoyed helping students in the pursuit of their degrees,” she says.
Her love of teaching informs her work on the student relations committee, too. “I saw some areas for improvement, like how we organized and shared our files, so I started coaching others in how to access, share and use files in Google Drive.”
“Becky is meticulous, organized and team-focused—the ideal committee member,” says her nominator Robin Larin.
Amid her busy life, Becky puts aside time for travel and hiking. She loves the outdoors and encourages other editors to counter the often stationary and solitary work of editing by joining her in the #StetWalk movement. “You’ll feel connected,” says Becky. “Not just to nature, but to your fellow editors, too.”
The featured volunteer recognizes the contributions of our dedicated people who keep Editors Canada going. Volunteers are the backbone of the association, and we are grateful for the many members and affiliates who answer the call when help is needed.
Want to make a difference in your association? Find out more about volunteering for Editors Canada.
~S. Robin Larin