EducationGrowing up in Orleans, a conservative suburb of Ottawa, I did as most children and attended Catholic school from kindergarten to grade 12, beginning French immersion in grade 7. Throughout Highschool, I was lucky enough to be able to explore many different subjects the school had to offer, and fell in love with mathematics and the sciences. I think a lot of my love for these subjects came from having wonderful teachers who were equally as passionate for the subjects as for their students' success.
From St.Matthew's, I moved on to begin my honors bachelor's degree in biology at the University of Ottawa. There, I was able to increase my knowledge in biology and many other subjects as well. My electives not only focused on science-based subjects, like mathematics, but also expanded into the realms of philosophy, genders studies, and religion courses. My undergraduate degree allowed me, for the first time, to experience an array of people, cultures, opinions, and knowledge coming together to provide me with a platform for learning and sharing with others. My time as an undergrad was what I needed to confirm my decision to enter into teaching. Those four years helped me understand that there is more to learning and science education than just repeating facts about mitosis and photosynthesis pathways; rather, I learned that education was a continuous process of rethinking about what you thought you already knew, asking questions, learning from others and working together to get one step closer to understanding more. I graduated in Spring, 2015 Cum Laude honors (0.1 GPA points away from Magna Cum Laude - my aunt said it was to keep me humble). Four months later, I found myself back in the halls of uOttawa in the Bachelor of Education program. It is here where my passion for teaching exploded. As a member of the Urban Cohort in the Intermediate / Senior Division with teachable in Math and Science (Biology), I was able to meet so many new people and have a variety of experiences that helped shape my teaching philosophy . It was here that I learned not only what it takes to be a good teacher, but also the resilience and dedication it takes to be a life long learner. WorkI began working at the young age of 15 as a sales associate for the local toy store, Mrs. Tiggy Winkles. I was able to work at Tiggy's for 3 years, ending as I entered university life. I learned so much as a teenager growing up having to balance school, work and a social life, as I'm sure many teens can relate to. Once I was settled into university, I began my first COOP work term as a research assistant in an evolutionary ecology lab. Here, I was able to get some real in-lab and field work experiences by helping four master's, PhD or post-Doc students complete their projects. Although some tasks, such counting blueberries all day, weren't the most exciting, I also had wonderful opportunities to travel to different parks and field sites. It felt like sometimes I was being paid to go camping! Furthermore, the analytical, research and group skills I gained were invaluable. During my second COOP work term, I spent four months as a compliance officer for the Drug Establishment Licencing Unit of Health Canada. My role here was mostly to review establishments' applications to see if they were eligible for a drug establishment licence (that is, to produce, package, import or distribute drugs, cells, tissues and organs, medical devices and natural health products). This position gave me the opportunity to understand the complexities of working for a major institution (such as the government) and how diversity and openness can become a team's most important qualities. During much of my time in this program, you could have found me back in retail, attempting to balance my school, work and social life just as a did when I was 15. I spent the summers working at Justice, a children's clothing store, and Sugar Mountain, a candy store where I learned about all the wonderful, and horrible forms that sugar can be purchased in. Since becoming more established in my role as an educator, I have began working as a tutor with Prep Academy tutors, and will also be completing a research project with uOttawa focusing on the impact of Tribes Training (TT) for teachers partaking in the Teacher Induction Program (TIP) at the Western Quebec School Board (WQSB). |
VolunteeringAs with most people who grew up in Ontario, my volunteering journey began due to the "40 hour volunteering" requirement for all high school students prior to graduation put into place by the provincial Government. I began by running the canteen at high school basketball games, going door-to-door to raise money for the Heart and Stroke Foundation, and peeling apples for hours at a local church. By the time my 40 hours were complete, I must say I was proud yet relieved. Unfortunately, and honestly, it was hard for me to see the value as a grade 9 or 10 volunteer.
It wasn't until later, when I began teaching dance to grade 7 and 8 students as volunteer work, that I was able to realize the impact my work could have - not just on the community, but also on myself. It was much easier to look at volunteering as rewarding and fun once I found something I was passionate about, such as teaching and interacting with students. Since my time as a dance instructor, I have volunteered for HOPE volleyball, World Vision, and the JDRF Walk to Cure Diabetes (this held a particular place in my heart as my mother is a type 1 diabetic). I have also spent many hours volunteering in the classrooms and school communities across Ottawa. I worked as a school activity volunteer at Trillium Elementary in Orleans, allowing me to interact with the school community during fun events like dances, movie nights and Scholastic Book events. I also volunteered as an advanced functions tutor at St.Matthew High School. Here, I was able to interact with older students (and some of my former teachers) outside of school hours, but in an academic, classroom setting. This experience allowed me to learn more about the students, but also allowed me to better understand the different ways of learning and the importance of adaptability as a teacher. This experience was particularly insightful as I have since found myself teaching at St. Matthew as a science teacher. I continue to volunteer in a variety of classrooms throughout the OCSB, OCDSB, UCDSB and WQSB. Finally, I spent a great deal of time volunteering with the "Let's Talk Science" (LTS) program. This program brings science education to schools across Ontario for students from Kindergarten to Grade 12. During my time as an LTS volunteer, I was able to work with children in grades from 2 to 10. I was required to adapt lessons from our pre-made kits to make the material appropriate for students of any age. I have gained so much from all of my volunteer experiences that continue to contribute to my abilities as a member of my community and as an educator. Personal LifeWhen I am not working or burying my head in a book, I really enjoy spending time with my friends and family. I am lucky to have a tight-knit family including my boyfriend of five years, Kevin, my sisters Melissa (25) and Heather (18 - I actually completed one of my practicums at her school...awkward!) and my mom and dad (I think they'd prefer I don't mention their ages). I also have three dogs; Lily, a 14 year old yorkie (who has a limp and is going deaf), Alfie, an 10 year old chinese crested (who is blind) and the newest addition is April, a 3 year old cocker spaniel (who has diagnosed OCD...yes, dogs can be OCD). April was the first dog we rescued through Rosie's Animal Rescue and I could not have been happier with the experience. Since I have this platform to speak I will say that if you plan on purchasing a dog, please considering rescuing. It was an amazing and rewarding experience and April was definitely the missing puzzle piece that my family needed. I grew up jazz dancing and still love (attempting) to dance. I find keeping physical activity a fun and integral part of life is important and helps with personal overall well-being. I also love art! Painting and drawing really brings out my creative side. I think it is important to make time for the little things! I am also an avid traveler having been to Europe 3 times (destinations including Italy, the Netherlands, France, Belgium, Ireland and England), the US more times then I can remember (I've been just to Disney World 4 times...we're a bit obsessed), Bermuda and Cuba. Future destinations will hopefully include somewhere on a beach (honestly, i'm desperate...I just want sun), Greece, Morocco, Tanzania, India, Eastern Asia. I'm excited to see where the future takes me! |
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