What do you love most about your profession? Why did you choose this career?
The thing I love most about my career is that I get to help people. I have always loved science and technology, which is why I chose a Petroleum Engineering Technology program (geography and rock formations was my favorite subject), and to have a science focus for my Bachelor's Degree. With my love of science/technology, and helping people through teaching them, I have managed to secure a place where I teach adults who have come back from the workforce, many uncomfortable and lacking confidence with computers and allow them to have a safe space to develop their skills. I chose my career as a means to give back to society. I want to help people grow and become their best selves, and being a patient and structured presence in the classroom allows them to have that opportunity. Many students of mine have kept in contact since they graduated, and many have me as a reference on their resumes. This lasting connection shows me that I have made a positive difference in someone else's life.
When did you realize you wanted to work in STEM or Skilled Trades?
I will admit, as a child I wanted to be a lawyer (my mother still thinks I should have been a lawyer), but as I grew up I had other things to consider such as my personal interests and the job market. I was interested in science and technology in grade school and chose Petroleum Engineering Technology as a career. It was in this program that I realized that I wanted science to be a part of my career. My interests changed as when I entered the workforce I was greatly intimidated by my all-male colleagues and left the workforce due to it; however, I vowed to become a teacher and share my love of science and technology in whatever role I could. So, I spent a few years substituting and engaging grade school students in science and critical thought exercises until I obtained the job I have now as a Microsoft Instructor teaching technology skills to those looking for a better career.
Why do we need more women in STEM and Skilled Trades?
Because we are still trying to break the stigma. What we need to do is make it normal to think of women in skilled trades and STEM careers. We have a long way to go for this, and until then we need to keep appealing to the inquisitive side of children, keep them hungry for knowledge and the flame for critical thought alight. It is when they conform to societal expectations is when their flame is smothered. Children in grade school are still developing their interpretations of the world, and the more they see it spoken about by adults around them, the more normal it will become. It is hopeful, that one day, male nurses and female engineers will not be a minority, but until that day we just have to practice critical thought, acceptance and open-mindedness, especially to girls in school.
What does your typical workday involve? Can you work remotely? (indoors/outdoors, office/plant, travel time, teamwork/solo work)?
My typical work day as a Microsoft Instructor is to enter the private college's campus, go to my classroom and welcome students from 8:15 am - 12:15 pm & 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm. Sitting at the computers, students complete the online training and I offer varied instruction in conjunction. My room holds 30 computers and I typically have them all used to completing one of the six courses that I teach. I teach Computer Fundamentals, Software Fundamentals, Word Processing, PowerPoint Presentations, Excel Spreadsheets and Access Database Management. Each of these courses is 2 weeks in duration with a Final Exam on the last day of five of them. Since moving online, I have completed a YouTube channel to help students with general computer questions setup and projects. I work indoors all day in a classroom, coordinating with the office for student records, student alerts and resources.
Who is your role model? What is it about this person that inspires you?
My mother is my role model. This woman inspires me because as much as my interests lay in science and technology, my personal brambles oftentimes prevented me from obtaining the milestones I could have and she always believed in me. It is because of her steady support that I pick myself up, love myself harder and move on to the next challenge with a fire that keeps getting stoked each time I fall down. She has taught me the importance of failing well. She inspires me to move, and always keep moving. Fail, but find the lesson and do it better next time. You can have a love for something, but until you have a love of self, you will never feel worthy of loving anything else.
What do you do for fun? What are some of your hobbies/activities?
First things first, I try to always remember to have fun. My creative expression is a release for me, it is like meditation or therapy. When I forget to have fun, I wither. Some of the things I like to do for fun are embroidery, wood burning, quilting, painting, woodworking, reading, writing, meditating, making jewellery, crocheting and cooking. Some of my persistent hobbies I have turned into small businesses on Etsy, such as my wood burning and graphic designing. However, for true fun and creative release, I embroider. I never follow a pattern and just find inspiration from things around me before I thread my needle. In high school, my activities were more physical and I was involved in the ice and ball hockey and soccer teams as the goalie. I also attended a national tournament for fast-pitch baseball as an outfielder for the Newfoundland team while in high school.
What advice would you give students who might be considering a career like yours? What advice would you have given your younger self?
High school: I know it is hard to think realistically of where you would like to be in 10 years time, so think of your youngest or favourite teacher. Ask them why they chose teaching. Ask them when they knew that they wanted to be a teacher and what was their favourite subject in school. Now, make comparisons to your life. Are there any subjects that you enjoy more than others, what are your favourite hobbies and what careers have you thought about? There are so many amazing opportunities at MUN and CNA if you would like to stay on the island, and there are even more opportunities off the island. Keep an eye out for scholarships and bursaries for these programs and do some research on the ones that sound most appealing. Then lastly, cross-check with the job market and ensure these will be in-demand jobs. Elementary/Jr. High: I really enjoyed understanding how things worked, I spent a lot of time with my grandfather while he took apart car engines, and my nan as she would sew elaborate projects. I knew that the job I wanted when I grew up would have something to do with understanding how things worked. What do you think you would like to do in your job when you grow up?
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