In this deep and insightful conversation, Sharon Allan reflects on her decades-long journey in Medicine Hat as a teacher, instructor, and researcher. Sharon and Corey explore how place shapes professional and personal identity, focusing on transitional or "borderland" spaces in life — from students becoming teachers to newcomers adapting to communities. Sharon draws from her research on the construction of professional identity, particularly in new teachers, and expands the metaphor to community life in Medicine Hat.

Together, they reflect on the importance of reflection, connection, and generosity as key elements of identity formation, whether in professional roles or civic life. They also touch on evolving cultural dynamics, the role of values in shaping identity, and the need to create inclusive "tents" big enough to welcome all community members. Sharon leaves listeners with thoughtful perspectives on how rootedness, reciprocity, and ongoing dialogue are essential for thriving both individually and collectively.

Timestamps

00:00:00 — Introduction00:02:00 — Sharon’s background as a long-time Medicine Hat resident, teacher, and PhD researcher into professional identity.

00:03:30 — Sharon discusses moving from K-12 teaching to post-secondary and beginning her research on identity.

00:06:00 — Observing students navigating professionalism and questioning how identity forms in teaching.

00:08:30 — Sharon introduces the metaphor of "borderlands" inspired by geography to describe transitional spaces in teacher identity formation.

00:13:30 — Reflecting on how students navigate these in-between spaces in internships and teacher education.

00:19:00 — Sharon shares the challenges faced by student teachers and the importance of reflection and guidance during transitions.

00:22:00 — Applying the borderlands concept to parenting, retirement, and other personal life transitions.

00:25:20 — The role of involvement and contribution in professional and community settings to solidify identity.

00:27:00 — Mentoring programs and welcoming environments as critical supports for new teachers and residents.

00:29:00 — Exploring how communities, especially newcomers, navigate cultural integration and identity formation.

00:31:00 — Sharon shares thoughts on culture not as a static box but as dynamic and reciprocal.

00:33:00 — Reflecting on the relationship between community values and how identity is formed and expressed.

00:35:00 — Recalling past collaborative initiatives in education and the importance of diverse perspectives in shaping shared values.

00:38:00 — Sharon identifies the ongoing challenge of creating spaces for meaningful, cross-cultural conversations.

00:41:00 — Sharon reflects on research by Coopersmith and Brokenleg, discussing the role of giving and virtue in self-esteem and identity.

00:43:00 — Corey introduces Adler’s philosophy about relationships and virtue as foundational for esteem and community.

00:46:00 — Sharon brings in Vygotsky’s idea of social learning through peers and applies it to community identity.

00:48:00 — Sharon encourages seeing Medicine Hat through an appreciative lens rather than focusing on what’s missing.

00:51:00 — Sharon and Corey reflect on Medicine Hat’s unique size, diversity, and summertime beauty.

00:54:00 — How individuals and communities can work together to plant roots and make new members feel welcome.

00:56:00 — Sharon shares her plans for travel, staying engaged in work, and continuing to contribute.

00:57:00 — Corey credits Sharon’s influence on his own learning journey and podcasting approach, tying back to early teaching experiences.

00:59:00 — Sharon offers a closing reflection on how identity is forged through community, generosity, and shared experience.