Family is very important to me and has played a huge role in shaping who I am today. I come from a big family on both sides and have four siblings, and I am the second oldest. Growing up in a large family taught me a lot about responsibility, patience, and the importance of supporting one another. Now, as we have all grown older and started doing our own things, those connections feel even more meaningful.

I also have three nephews, with a niece on the way, which has made family time even more special. Being an aunt has been such a rewarding experience, and it has helped me develop even more patience, care, and appreciation for working with children. It has also reinforced how important it is to create environments where young people feel safe, supported, and valued.

Spending time together as a family is something we really prioritize. Each year, we dedicate time around Christmas to travel together, usually somewhere warm and tropical. These trips are important to us, especially as we all get busier with our own lives, because they give us the chance to reconnect, relax, and make lasting memories together.

My family is also deeply connected to different places and communities. My Oma and Opa on my mom’s side live in Ontario, while my late grandma and my grandpa on my dad’s side are from Behchokǫ̀, NT. These connections have helped shape my understanding of family, culture, and community, and have influenced how I see the importance of relationships and belonging.

Overall, my family has taught me the value of connection, care, and support. These are values that I carry with me into my teaching, as I strive to build strong relationships with my students and create a classroom environment where everyone feels included and supported.