THE PATH TO TEACHERHOOD
EARLY LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCES
In elementary school I sought opportunities to be a role model and I became a "Recess Buddy" to facilitate friendships and games for the younger students of the school.
I noticed how powerful our role models can be, and one of my community basketball team coaches became a mentor to me. I played for him and then later assisted him with coaching grade 3 and 4 teams.
FAMILY DYNAMICS
During my early days in University, studying Kinesiology, I was astonished at the scientific studies that showed the benefits of physical activity and diet on disease prevention. At the time, my father had been recently diagnosed with prostate cancer and he was positive that his lifestyle played no role in overcoming the disease.
Thus, the tables had turned and I was now, for the first time, educating my most stubborn student in the most emotional of arenas. I met my "student" where they were, and eventually engaged with numerous scientific studies that I was fortunate to have access to through my University research databases. Long story short, my father has adopted a much healthier lifestyle and has completely shifted his mentality. The cancer has remained under control and my father continues to set lofty goals (73 km bike ride for his 73rd birthday) that get him outside and moving.
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EUROPE TRIP
In grade 12 I went on a school trip to Europe for 28 days and this experience changed my worldview completely. After this, I wanted nothing more than to continue travelling in meaningful ways in order to broaden my worldview and become a global citizen.
ISTANBUL
During my 3rd year of University, I took a leap of independence by getting a line of credit and studying abroad in Istanbul, Turkey for 6 months despite my family being opposed to the idea. I became independent for the first time in my life and got my first real taste of living abroad. The process of arriving to a foreign place, knowing nobody, nor the language, and trusting that my authentic self would be enough to lead me through was like a rite of passage for myself. Ultimately, I broke out of my shell and made new "family" members during this unforgettable journey.
COSTA RICA
During my 4th year of University I won a scholarship to study abroad and was selected to take part in an alternative teaching practicum placement in Costa Rica. I enrolled in Spanish language courses and prepared lessons in English and Spanish. I lived with a local homestay that only spoke Spanish, yet despite our language barriers, we created a genuine loving bond after only two months. I learned how to engage with others beyond language. I experienced being an EAL learner, while also teaching EAL students.
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LONDON, ENGLAND
I got my first full time teaching job in London, England. I taught every grade from Kindergarten to Grade 8. Ultimately, this experience challenged me in every way: financially, spiritually, physically, mentally, socially, and emotionally. I learned how to maintain my holistic well being despite having very limited resources to help me. Yoga, community, and the outdoors became my saving grace.
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I worked on myself daily in order to show up for my students.
CHINA
The beginning of my journey with international / independent schools started here. Immediately, I knew it was the type of environment I would thrive in. The energy of a diverse learning community elevated every part of me.
BRITISH COLOMBIA
The very round-about process to move from my birthplace of Winnipeg to BC finally came to fruition. I'm where I've wanted to be for a long time. My journey as an educator has taken me a lot of places and I'm fortunate and grateful for all the opportunities and people who have shaped me along the way. As a result, I'm confident in my identity and my approach as an educator. I'm prepared to lay down roots and begin making my imprint in a school for the rest of my career and to leave a lasting legacy that betters the community.
