Employment and travel provide the opportunity to expand your life experiences which will inevitably enhance your understanding of the world, its people and the challenges/successes we can have.
The first one is my experience as a Front Line Support Worker for Active Care Services. I worked with youth-in-care as a support person to ensure their safety as well as their physical, emotional, and mental well-being.
The second experience I gained which will be beneficial to my future career as a teacher is the time I spent as an Aboriginal Education Worker. During this time I helped host special events for the school, was a support for students with their personal and educational goals, as well as was able to participate in cultural activities.
https://www.sd73.bc.ca/en/working-together-departments/aboriginal-education.aspx
Another beneficial experience I am fortunate to have is my Europe Trip 2022.
Travelling throughout Europe was a beautiful experience. I was able to gain an appreciation for different cultures and different ways of knowing (about life, community, food, etc.). One of the main aspects that stood out to me was the challenge of living somewhere where my language was not the first-language and I had to adapt my way of communicating. I believe the challenges I faced are minuscule compared to the challenges students face when they are learning in a language other than their own. I am grateful for this understanding so I can be mindful and actively assist my students whose first language isn’t english in as many ways as possible.