Volunteer
I have done quite a few volunteer jobs that have given me experience for my future career.
I started volunteering in the LEADERS IN TRAINING and QUEST programs with the City of Nanaimo. In this position, I assisted in leading different summer camps. I worked with preschool camps, park camps, and events put on by the city. I engaged with many different people and gained a lot of valuable skills. This experience helped me find my passion for working with children. Having the diversity of age levels gave me a chance to practice different skills with each group.
I also volunteered with Big Brothers Big Sisters Canada. I ran a girl’s group that ran after school with a group of grade 5 girls who were having issues socially. In this program, I would run activities related to the lesson that we were provided by the organizer. I built connections with the young girls and created a safe space for them to learn and grow. I used skills that I had previously learned in my work with the city. This was challenging at times but it gave me a chance to think on my feet and adapt to the situation. I felt that this was very beneficial for me to experience as well as them.
Observe
I have gone to an elementary school to observe classes two times. First I was in a kindergarten and grade one split class, second time I was in a straight one class.
The split class was a very positive experience for me. The teacher had a very respectful class that knew their routine and would listen when being instructed. I was very impressed by the ability of the grade ones to understand that they had different expectations than the kindergarten students and they could live up to those expectations even though it might not have been as fun as what the kindergarten students were doing. The kids were kind and respectful to me as I was a visitor in their space.
Experiencing a straight grade one class after experiencing a split class was very interesting. There was a different dynamic between the students because they were all the same age and they didn’t listen as well as the other students had. I think that a reason for this was because there weren’t any older students to look up to. In this class, there were a handful of students with high needs so I was able to step in a little more than the other class. I got to sit with a few students and help them with their spelling and math. I felt that I got to experience a different type of benefit from being in this class.
Being in these classrooms helped me learn a lot about what I want my classrooms to be like in the future.
Work
I have experienced a few different work environments that have given me many different learning opportunities.
I have worked in a restaurant since I was 14. I have always enjoyed the fast-paced environment and the exposure to the public. This job has taught me how to think quickly on my feet, organize my time wisely, and be respectful to coworkers and customers. I enjoy the industry and am very glad that I have the skills that I have built through my time in it.
I did a short time in retail and found that it wasn’t for me. Unlike a restaurant, I was encouraged to think quickly on my feet and have my mind stimulated. I spent my time organizing boxes, checking people out at the till, and helping customers find the right product for their needs. While I did learn some customer service skills, I found that a restaurant environment was better suited for me.
I recently started working in a daycare. I started in the summer doing a day camp where I learned many valuable skills that will carry over into my teaching career. I spent eight hours a day building connections, engaging in activities, and teaching kids about certain topics for the day. When school started, I continued working with the daycare for after-school care and I am enjoying it. The kids I work with every day teach and challenge me. This job has been by far the most beneficial experience that has given me skills for my career.