EDUCATIONAL INFLUENCES SLIDESHOW
My journey toward becoming an educator has been shaped by a combination of challenging experiences, meaningful relationships, and hands-on opportunities to teach and connect with children. Putting my journey into words allowed me to fully reflect on how the many important people and opportunities in my life have shaped my teaching practices and philosophy. Although I had many negative experiences in school as a child, these experiences taught me the importance of empathy and the lasting impact teachers have on their students. Ultimately, my teaching journey has taught me to lead with compassion, creativity, and a deep respect for every learner’s unique journey.
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1H1czq4urFqRojfp3NFG8_Y-Y16PBtgiYBVb-H550Nas/edit?usp=sharing
RECONCILIATION RESPONSE ASSIGNMENT
For Teaching and Learning in the 1st term, I wrote and self-assessed a response to practicing reconciliation in the classroom. This assignment deepened my understanding of culturally-responsive teaching and the importance of centering Indigenous voices in education. The Teaching and Learning course provided many opportunities to explore respectful collaboration, critical self-reflection, and ethical pedagogy. Through this reflection, I explored how to engage meaningfully with Indigenous communities and create learning experiences based on respect and inclusivity. The process of imagining a thoughtful approach to reconciliation in the classroom encouraged me to commit to ongoing learning, humility, and accountability as a settler educator working on Indigenous land.
MATH MANDALA ARTIST STATEMENT
The mandala I designed for math class symbolizes the emotional and intellectual journey I’ve experienced with mathematics. It begins with feelings of frustration and self-doubt from early experiences where math felt rigid and isolating, and creativity was discouraged. Over time, my mindset began to shift. I started to see math as something flexible, imaginative, and even enjoyable. The mandala captures this transformation of growth and serves as a reminder of how powerful a shift in perspective can be. It reflects my hope to help students experience math in a more positive way. By encouraging creativity, understanding, and support, I hope to help students develop growth mindsets in all subjects.
LANGUAGE & LITERACY CHILDREN’S BOOK
In the second term, my Language and Literacy class hosted a book fair where my classmates and I showcased our original children’s books. For the event, I wrote the first chapter and plot outline, and created illustrations for Witch Hazel and the Scarlet Society, a fantasy-mystery novel I began developing in high school. This project allowed me to reconnect with a story that once fueled my creative passion, revisiting it through the lens of an aspiring educator. It served as a powerful reminder of how Language and Literacy can be a rich medium for imagination, reflection, and personal expression.
DISTRICT/AUTHORITY SCHOLARSHIP – 2020
In 2020, I graduated from Abbotsford School of Integrated Arts and was awarded the District/Authority Scholarship. To earn this scholarship, I dedicated over 100 hours to developing a script and concept art for a cartoon pilot. That project was “Witch Hazel,” which I have begun to reimagine as a children’s novel. This opportunity allowed me to develop some of my greatest passions, writing and drawing, into a product worthy of a $1200 scholarship. My project was adjudicated by a team of educators who gave me wonderful feedback and praise that encouraged me to continue developing my work into something greater. I hope to empower and inspire my future students like those educators did for me.
HONOUR ROLL – 2015 & 2016
At the start of grade 8, I transferred to a new school and found myself once again in the unfamiliar position of being the “new kid.” After struggling academically in grades 6 and 7, I expected yet another difficult year. However, my new homeroom teacher, Mr. Smith, changed that. Through providing encouragement, constructive feedback, and expressing belief in my abilities, he helped me develop a growth mindset. His support motivated me to keep improving, and as a result, I made the Honour Roll in both the 1st and 2nd terms. This experience greatly improved my self-confidence and my attitude towards learning.
FINE ARTS AWARD – 2013
At my grade 5 awards ceremony in 2013, I was surprised and deeply honoured to receive the Fine Arts Award, one of the first of its kind ever presented at McMillan Elementary. That year, several students had shown incredible passion and skill in visual arts, music, and performance, inspiring the creation of this new award to celebrate creative expression. Being chosen as one of the lucky students to receive this award was a meaningful moment for me. It was the first time my love of creativity was recognized to such a degree. It affirmed that my passion for the arts was valued by more than just my family and I, and that I could incorporate my love of creativity into any future endeavour I put my mind to.
PEER TUTORING – 2020
In grade 12, I had the opportunity to support my school’s music teacher by tutoring grade 7–8 clarinet students and grade 6 ukulele students. This experience was incredibly valuable, as it allowed me to observe effective teaching practices through the lens of a future educator, collaborate with an experienced teaching assistant, and work with students in both group and one-on-one settings. One particularly meaningful experience was working closely with a grade 6 student who had transferred midway in the school year and was unfamiliar with musical terminology and sheet music. I guided her through the basics of note reading and time signatures, helping her build foundational skills and confidence.
JUNIOR YOUTH GROUP LEADERSHIP – 2017 & 2018
In grade 10, I volunteered as a junior leader for the Junior Youth Group at my local church, working with the grade 5 girls cohort alongside two other leaders. This experience was both rewarding and challenging, offering a valuable opportunity to build meaningful connections with children while learning to balance leadership with friendship. I learned much about how to support children through their worries and everyday struggles, often being approached by both girls and boys outside my cohort for guidance. These moments helped me develop key skills in leadership, empathy, and conflict resolution, which I continue to carry with me today.
EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITY – CROCHET
One extracurricular activity I plan to bring into my future classroom is the art of crochet. I began learning crochet two years ago, and it has been a fun, creative journey that has taught me the value of patience and perseverance. Crochet supports the development of fine motor skills, focus, and pattern recognition, while also integrating math in a hands-on, calming way. It encourages self-expression and builds confidence through visible progress and achievement. I hope to share this passion by starting a crochet or textiles craft club, introducing students to a skill they can enjoy and grow with over time.
LINKEDIN PROFILE & UPDATED RESUMÉ (2025)