1. Can you tell me a little bit about yourself – where you grew up, how you ended up at Brock, thoughts on your program, what you’d like to ultimately pursue moving forward.I grew up in Burlington, Ontario with the dream of being a teacher or a lawyer. While my senior year of high school I involved myself in many extracurricular activities that gave me valuable experiences that led me into the Concurrent Education (Junior/Intermediate) program at Brock University. I remember the day I got my acceptance letter on May 1st, my birthday. I accepted almost immediately! I had only toured Brock, no other schools, and when I was on campus I knew it was where I was meant to be!
Upon my graduation in May, I knew I wanted to take a break from teaching as the 5 year program exhausted me. It was not the program itself, it was my years working for many departments on campus including the Department of Residence and the Student Union (BUSU). During the summers between the academic year, I always traveled often with the Solidarity Experiences Abroad (SEA) program through the the Faith and Life Center on campus. I led two trips to Peru and Ecuador on a volunteer trip providing rural communities with classroom resources and English Language classes. After walking across the stage shaking nearly everyone's hand and hugging the Dean of Education, I backpacked Europe then returned to BUSU to work as the OMBUD's Coordinator. Months into being back on campus, the opportunity to teach in Northern Ontario arose and I accepted that immediately.
2.
How did your education propel you to the field you are in now?
My education at Brock University gave me a variety of educational experiences both in and out of the classroom. I am grateful for the teaching staff, Professors and the Academic Advisors in the Concurrent Education office; without them I am not sure my path through University would have been as smooth.
3. What took you North, what will you be doing there and where will you be?
A phone call from my best friend whom I met at the SMART Start program during our very own orientation. She met in the Fishbowl, we were making our first year schedules together before we even knew one anothers name. We graduated together in May 2014 and we made the move to Aroland, Ontario in August and when a position at her school became available she phoned me knowing I would be an asset to the teaching staff. Without second thoughts and only a slight hesitation, I put my teaching portfolio and resume together for the Principal. It feels like a dream now, but I was flown from Toronto Pearson Airport to Thunder Bay Airport for an interview and before my flight home I was hired. For the past four months I have been working as the Grade 7/8 teacher and will continue to be for the remainder of the school year. I plan to return for 1-2 more years and even more if my experience continues to go so well!
4. What would you say to people who think that the Faculty of Education only produces Teachers?
I would inform them that going through the Faculty of Education graduate as global citizens and life long learners! If you soak up the experiences that the FOE and Brock University provides to you, then you will have a resume that easily competes with all others when walking into an interview!
5. How has your education prepared you for the present and the future?
My education from the FOE has inspired me to be the best ambassador for Brock that I can be as a teacher and as a person. I know that being a teacher takes dedication, planning and creativity all of which I took from studying at Brock. I am able to speak highly of my education and experiential learning opportunities during interviews and with my co-workers up here in Northern Ontario. For the future, I know that blogging and reflecting allows for consolidation of learning as a teacher.
6. Please feel free to include any pertinent information you’d like.
My education at Brock University gave me a variety of educational experiences both in and out of the classroom. I am grateful for the teaching staff, Professors and the Academic Advisors in the Concurrent Education office; without them I am not sure my path through University would have been as smooth.
3. What took you North, what will you be doing there and where will you be?
A phone call from my best friend whom I met at the SMART Start program during our very own orientation. She met in the Fishbowl, we were making our first year schedules together before we even knew one anothers name. We graduated together in May 2014 and we made the move to Aroland, Ontario in August and when a position at her school became available she phoned me knowing I would be an asset to the teaching staff. Without second thoughts and only a slight hesitation, I put my teaching portfolio and resume together for the Principal. It feels like a dream now, but I was flown from Toronto Pearson Airport to Thunder Bay Airport for an interview and before my flight home I was hired. For the past four months I have been working as the Grade 7/8 teacher and will continue to be for the remainder of the school year. I plan to return for 1-2 more years and even more if my experience continues to go so well!
4. What would you say to people who think that the Faculty of Education only produces Teachers?
I would inform them that going through the Faculty of Education graduate as global citizens and life long learners! If you soak up the experiences that the FOE and Brock University provides to you, then you will have a resume that easily competes with all others when walking into an interview!
5. How has your education prepared you for the present and the future?
My education from the FOE has inspired me to be the best ambassador for Brock that I can be as a teacher and as a person. I know that being a teacher takes dedication, planning and creativity all of which I took from studying at Brock. I am able to speak highly of my education and experiential learning opportunities during interviews and with my co-workers up here in Northern Ontario. For the future, I know that blogging and reflecting allows for consolidation of learning as a teacher.
6. Please feel free to include any pertinent information you’d like.
The
experiences I am exposed to up here are different than any others! I am
able to spend time with my students and fellow staff members in ways I
could never if I were teaching in Southern Ontario. Once a month, the
Native Language teacher and other staff members plan a Culture Day.
Fortunately, the first day I arrived at Johnny Therriault School in
Aroland was a craft day making birch bark baskets. Since then, we have
made dream catchers and ice fished. All during the school day! I have
attached some photos for you to see!
Teaching on a
First Nations reserve is very majestic. The students know more about
nature, hunting and the Earth than I do. Often, I will pull a chair to
the front of the room and I will ask questions about moose, wolves,
fish, weather, and their culture. They often laugh at my ignorance
however they thrive in the moments that they can teach me. They have the
utmost respect for their elders always giving a helping hand without
being asked and are eager to learn about the world. We have even skyped a
current Brock University student named Jessica Lewis who is a famous
Paralympion who was happy to share her story with us over Skype. As a
teacher, I am fortunate to have access to many classroom resources and
even a SMART Board. It is truly a blessing to be working in the position
that I currently am. Life is full of opportunities, you just have to
keep your head up and your heart open.
