Travel has played an important role in shaping who I am as a learner and future educator. Through school I have had the opportunity to travel to many places, including France, the Netherlands, and Mexico, where I became scuba certified during a school trip. I have also been fortunate enough to have travelled to 29 of the 33 communities in the Northwest Territories, which has deepened my understanding of different communities and ways of life.

Travelling has helped me become more open-minded, adaptable, and aware of diverse perspectives. These experiences have taught me the importance of understanding different cultures, communities, and ways of living. Travelling with my family each year has also reinforced the value of connection, balance, and making time for meaningful relationships. I plan to continue being an avid world traveler and to keep learning through these experiences.

These experiences influence my teaching by helping me create inclusive, culturally responsive learning environments that value students’ backgrounds and experiences. They have also strengthened my appreciation for place-based learning and the importance of connecting learning to real-world experiences.