I have been a classroom volunteer at the downtown location of Mosaic for the past five years. It was after listening to the news day after day about the civil war in Syria that I felt compelled to answer a newspaper ad calling for volunteers in the summer of 2014. I had heard about so many newcomers arriving in Canada and I really wanted to help in some way. Giving back and being of service to my community has always been important to me.
Since then I have met many wonderful people here at Mosaic. I am inspired by the resilience and bravery of the students who have come from such distant countries in search of safety and freedom, and a better life for themselves and their families. I feel great pride and love for Canada and I am very grateful for our diversity as a country. It has been very enjoyable for me to teach newcomers about our life and culture in Canada and to make them feel welcome.
Over the years I have become familiar with many students and it is very inspiring and rewarding to watch them learn and improve their English language skills. I have seen them become more self-confident to speak and practice their English. I love the laughter in the classroom as the students become more comfortable with their learning environment and are able to laugh at themselves a bit and with each other. Even on those bitter cold, winter Winnipeg mornings, I love all the smiles. It is also such a treat to get to see the smiles and hear the laughter of the beautiful, young children as they arrive for their childcare program.
I am very inspired by the teachers at Mosaic, especially Viktoria who has been a wonderful role model. She has taught me a lot about teaching and I look forward to learning more as I start the teaching certification program in the fall.
I am also married and a mom of two lovely teenagers, one son and one daughter who keep me very busy. I also volunteer at my church, St. Boniface Hospital and Tuxedo Extendicare nursing home. In my spare time I love to read, watch Netflix, workout, cook and go on travelling adventures with my family.