Growing up, I was always extremely involved in both my education, but also in my athletic endeavours. I truly believe having the opportunity to participate in both individual and team sports helps students grow as individuals and become more well rounded individuals.

During my time at Burnaby Central, I had the great opportunity to help as a sponsor teacher and coach with both the senior boys soccer team, as well as the Track and Field team. I jumped at the chance to be a part of both of these opportunities. While coaching, I was brought back to the great joy I felt while playing sports, and was able to sort of relive this feeling through seeing my students participate in sports like I had years ago.

Playing sports outside of the classroom give you a whole different perspective, and shows you a different side to students that you don’t regularly see in the classroom. It allows you to form bonds and create relationships that flourish, and I truly believe improves classroom experience. I believe that as a beginning teacher, it is of the utmost importance to create true connections with the students you teach, and getting involved outside of the traditional classroom is an excellent way to do so.

No matter where I end up, I know that I will always be involved as a coach, in order to help my students grow academically as well as personally.