Work Experience
TDSB - Volunteer
Around the same time as I had my firstborn, because of my husband’s work we moved to Canada. This time was very difficult for me to overcome because I was in complete shock; I had no idea that Canada had such diversity in cultures. As well as having to learn a new language I felt very secluded. This was a significant turning point in my life but not just for myself but also for my first born who was now attending kindergarten. Not knowing what to do at this time I wanted to help my son in some form, to do this I worked as a volunteer within the class to help coordinate activities and supervise field trips. While working I got to know the other parents very well and I got to know the children as well. I was never exposed to so many cultures and getting to know these wonderful people allowed me to become more aware of my surroundings and this allowed me to adapt well within the Canadian multicultural environment. While getting to know the children I was surprised about their learning skills. Although it is know that everyone has different ways of learning it never occurred to me that they were so different. This opened my eye to many different ways of teach the children and how to communicate, so that each and every student understood a certain concept. I encountered many different types of children and their culture within the time as a volunteer, and it brought me great happiness. Being alongside my son at this time also provided me with great memories. Interestingly enough I soon began to realize that it wasn’t I who was bring knowledge or happiness to the class, it was the children bringing all these wonderful gifts of happiness and knowledge to me. To like the old saying goes, “The teacher became the student.”