In grade eleven my family went through hard times. I stopped going to most classes and entered survival mode. In world religions class, I wrote a children’s book about Buddhism. We were meant to illustrate it but I did not. My teacher, Mr. Grecko took me aside and heavily reprimanded me. Not for incomplete work, but for letting myself fall. I remember that he was so frustrated. Reflecting, this shook me from a haze and made me feel seen and worthy. This stays with me as a reminder of the opportunity a teacher has to fully see their students.At the age of nineteen, I gained two new siblings named Mia and Alex. My new baby sister and brother. Their existence brought an absurd amount of joy, albeit a dash of awkwardness too. An age gap like this was unheard of to me and I had no idea what my role in their lives would look like. Suffice to say, these little humans in their ten years have been some of my biggest facilitators. Children are incredible. They are uninhibited, human sponges always at play, with big hearts and big emotions. I want to be just like them.In my first week of college, a small wizard-like man named John told us that we, like it or not, were lifelong-learners. I clung to the term, like everything finally made sense. I found my people and consequently found my passion. This experience showed me how much I valued community, the natural world, and the fluidity of learning in alternative settings. My professors nudged me toward a natural ability to facilitate by way of experiential learning, deep reflection and giving me leadership opportunities. I was cautious and insecure entering the program. I came out grounded, curious and chasing life.
Please click through the following pages to interact with my timeline of educational influences.
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