Whose House? Amanda’s House.

Busy bee: U of W student Amanda Jonker is a woman of action

Kaitlyn Emslie Farrell

University of Winnipeg student Amanda Jonker likes to keep a full plate.

The 22 year-old is working toward obtaining both a film and an education degree. Jonker is also a volunteer Girl Guides leader, while somehow also managing to hold down three jobs, ranging from theatre, bulk foods and school division work.

Her passion truly lies in teaching kindergarten or “being famous, but being famous for nothing, so I wouldn’t have to do anything.

“I like kids, I like education and I like creating people who are going to be better, inspirational and creative,” Jonker says.

When she’s not shaping young minds, Jonker loves taking photos and making films.

“I guess it’s always something that’s inspired me,” Jonker says. “It’s always been inspiring to see that people like what I do and that it can make a difference in somebody else’s life. It’s something that can be really beautiful but for me comes really natural.”

Jonker loves all of her aforementioned endeavors because she feels they play off each other. She brings her teaching skills to her art projects and Girl Guides, and her creativity from the arts into the classroom and to Girl Guides.

Jonker says she’s going to continue working toward graduation, being an awesome teacher and maybe obtaining some stronger ukulele skills, but right now when asked about her future, she just says, “dinner.”

1. Pandas and panda paraphernalia

“Everybody knows I like them, so I get a lot of panda stuff.”

2. Polaroid camera

“I get overly excited about it and jump around like an idiot when I wait for the pictures to develop.

3. Peg board

“It’s like having a mini craft store in my home.”

4. Vase

“Because I like trees and I like knitting.”

5. Backyard

“It has a fire pit that I use, I put my inflatable pool back there, build quinzhees and drink coffee. I do everything back there.”

6. Pictures

“I obviously like pictures, so I like to have them out in my space.”

7. Ukulele

“It’s hopeful.”

Published in Volume 68, Number 21 of The Uniter (February 19, 2014)

Related Reads