Employment Experience
Over the years I have been employed in various fields that have shaped my work ethic and level of determination as an employee. I have always wanted diversity in my work experience because I knew I could learn more about myself and the world in that way.
Server: Merritt Desert Inn, Boston Pizza Merritt, Game On Pub.
I began serving when I was 16 years old. Serving allowed me to meet many people, and see the best and worst of humanity. It taught me to be kind and compassionate, but also to not be too sensitive. Serving taught me to multitask while under stress, and organize my thoughts very quickly. I have heard that serving ranks highly as one of the most stressful jobs on the planet, and yet I continued for years (10+) because of the redeeming moments. I learned to hustle while continuing to smile, and I think all of those lessons will serve me well as an educator.
Labourer: Pine Ideas Ltd
Pine Ideas is a small lumber mill. I used saws and stacked lumber. I was dirty and exhausted every day, but I felt strong and I felt good. Working in physical labour taught me that there is pride in sweating to make money, but that I wanted to be more mentally engaged as well. Stacking wood made me appreciate rest, but it left me unfulfilled.
Tow truck operator, Toms & Merritt Towing
After I completed my BFA, I wanted a drastic change from classrooms and decided to obtain a more physically engaging employment. I passed my BC Class 1 learner’s test and was hired at Tom’s. My first year was spent in the oldest, most problematic truck and was sent to perform vehicle recoveries at accident scenes. I was the only female operator in our area, and one of a handful in BC. I soaked up a lot of very foreign knowledge and became an exemplary operator. In towing, I had to work hard physically, but also mentally because each scene is like a puzzle. It involved math and physics; working out weights and angles before getting started in order to maximize efficiency and minimize damage while being safe. I got compliments on my work from other companies. I received many thank-you cards for my courteous service, and received an award for “best in class” in our Wreckmaster course. On the dark side, I saw many close calls and people seriously injured. I was always on call, day or night, no matter the weather. I was expected to drive in the most dangerous conditions. This was a difficult and rewarding time that showed me how much I am capable of, mentally and physically.
Travel
In high school (2009) I attended an international rugby tournament in Anaheim, California. We got to play women from all over the world, and of course we went to Disneyland!
In the same year I was part of an exchange to Montreal. It was mainly for the french-immersion students, but I was invited by my french teacher due to my passion for the language. We stayed in a hostel and were shown the culture there by our Montreal sister-class.
Aside from academic trips, I have also visited Puerto-Vallarta, Mexico with my family. I enjoyed learning a bit of the language and culture from a few locals I befriended there.