Weyt-kp xwexwéytep! Hello Everyone!

My name is Jessica, but most people call me Jess. I am currently writing this introduction from Secwepemculécw, the unceded territory of the Secwépemc people. It is with gratitude that I live and study on this land. I am currently a student at Thompson Rivers University where I am studying to become an elementary school teacher. I am originally from southern Ontario, which is where I began my journey with education. I grew up in an urban environment, but my family was always drawn to the nearby forests and lakes. These places helped me to define my sense of self.

After highschool, I followed this preference for rural life north, to Sault Ste. Marie. Here I graduated in Natural Environment and Outdoor Studies at Sault College of Applied Arts and Technologies. This was an incredibly rich experience where I found mentorship and the beginnings of innovative pedagogical inspirations. With my diploma, I entered into the field of Adventure Guiding and Outdoor Education

This work took me to the far throws of north western Ontario and Minnesota, where the land is scoured with lakes, the elements are unforgiving and roads seem like a forgotten fable. I learned a great deal from wading through chest deep mud, with a canoe on my shoulders and a team to keep safe.

From here, I moved to the small town of Eildon in the province of Victoria, Australia. I worked as an Outdoor Educator for a year leading students in grade seven to twelve on hiking, rock climbing, mountain biking and paddling trips across the eastern half of Australia. This was my first experience working consistently with students, five to ten days at time, week after week. I believe this is when I first realized my passion for facilitating learning of self, others and the natural world. 

In 2015, I made my way back to Canada and followed my momentum to Vancouver Island, British Columbia. I landed in Strathcona Park; a vast wilderness area situated on the unceded territory of the Nuu-chah-nulth people. Here, I continued to work and play on the land, facilitating meaningful learning experiences for youth and adults alike. We climbed mountains, paddled rivers and lakes, explored caves, climbed rocks and explored the meanings of reciprocity, strength and stewardship. 

Fast forward to 2018, I felt it was time for change and made the decision to go back to school with the goal of completing an undergraduate degree, then a bachelors in education. This change of direction was not without its challenges but my life experiences prior have been enriched by the immense expansion of the lens with which I view the world. These days, as I study, I spend my free moments reading, painting, cuddling my cat Leroy and adventuring with my partner, Ryan.

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