“Education is for improving the lives of others and for leaving your community and your world better than you found it.” Marian Wright Edelman
Community has always been central to my life. As a child, my family hosted many travellers from all over the world, as well as any neighbour or friend who needed a place to stay. We also provided a recycling depot in our back alley for our local community.
By the age of twelve I was regularly babysitting for families throughout the community, and I led an after school homework club at my community center when I was thirteen.
This passion for community has continued throughout my life and I have spent the past 10 years leading yoga, art, goal setting and other activities throughout my extended community.
In 2007-2009 I was the Oakridge Store Community Leader for lululemon athletica. I was fortunate to work tightly with athletes and exercise facilities within my community. As Community Leader I was in charge of running the R&D and ambassador programs, putting on in and out-of-store events, holding goal-setting seminars, managing staff events and training new staff members in the community pillar of the company. I was also the charity and social corporate responsibility representative for the Oakridge store.
This job was pivotal in my development as a leader and community builder. The culture of the company promoted and honoured the importance of team-work, initiative, transparency and accountability. We were encouraged to take ownership of decisions and tasks by giving us autonomy and the permission to ask forgiveness rather than permission, trusting us to make good decisions for the company. They invited us to utilize our creative decision-making abilities to troubleshoot and solve new and challenging situations on our own. I developed an attitude of appreciation for mistakes as part of the learning process.
Simultaneously, I also participated in ongoing volunteer work in relation to teaching and education. I volunteered at Edith Cavell and Van Horne Elementary schools in grade seven classes. I was also a mentor to a ten year old boy focusing on environmental education. I led a homework club at Van Horne Elementary school, where I tutored and facilitated learning for the many diverse students. I also taught goal setting seminars at Elementary schools and Yoga and Dance studios. I later continued volunteering at Queen Alexandra after my practicum was over.
As a teacher I look forward to connecting with my school community and developing authentic relationships with staff, students and families. This, for me, is one of the most important parts of being a teacher.