MEET AVERY, STRIVE PROJECT INTERN!
The Strive Team is overjoyed to introduce you to Avery Lomax (She/Her), our Strive Project Intern!
We asked Avery some questions to get to know her a little better. Keep reading to see what she said!
Tell us a bit about yourself…
Hi! I’m Avery, a third-year student in the Early Childhood Leadership program at Fanshawe College. I’ve grown passionate about research and its potential to create meaningful change in early learning. I’m especially interested in how we can better support educators in order to improve outcomes for children. I enjoy asking questions, observing practice, and reflecting on what can be done differently to strengthen the field. Through my internship with Strive, I’m excited to deepen my understanding of leadership in early childhood education and care (ECEC) and build the confidence to contribute to progress in a sector that urgently needs it.
Tell us why you chose a pathway in Early Childhood Education and Care…
I chose the field of Early Childhood Education and Care because I’m passionate about creating safe, supportive spaces where children feel seen, heard, and valued. Knowing that I can be a consistent and trusted adult in a child’s life means a lot to me, especially because I understand how important that was in my own childhood. My personal experiences, both positive and negative, have shown me the lasting impact educators can have, and it’s incredibly meaningful and rewarding to now be part of creating those positive moments for children.
What advice would you give someone else considering pursuing a career in Early Childhood Education and Care…
I have a lot of advice I could share with someone considering the ECEC field, but I think one of the most important things is to take care of yourself. This work is deeply relational, and the best way we can truly show up for children is by being in the right mindset to be emotionally present ourselves. When we prioritize our own well-being, we’re better able to engage in best practices and build the meaningful, responsive connections that children need to thrive.
What are you most looking forward to doing throughout your internship…
I'm most excited to build new relationships with the team at Strive and the professionals I meet through PL events. I’m looking forward to observing how my colleagues communicate in these settings and using those experiences to strengthen my own skills in building professional, collaborative relationships in the ECEC setting and everyday life.
What is something you’ve learned recently that you’re excited about…
Recently, I’ve started learning about the stock market, particularly how dividends work and how you can make money from them. While I’m far from being an expert, it’s exciting to feel confident in something related to numbers, which is something I’ve never really understood before. It’s been empowering to grasp the general concepts and see how I can apply this new knowledge. It’s a whole new way of feeling smart and capable!
What is something you’re unlearning…
One thing I’m actively unlearning is the influence of traditional gender roles, both in my personal life and in my work with children. I’m committed to creating inclusive environments where all children feel free to express themselves beyond gendered expectations, and I make a point of gently challenging language and behaviours, both my own and others’, that contribute to reinforcing these stereotypes.
Do you have a favourite quote…
My favourite quote is by Plato: “Wise men speak because they have something to say; fools because they have to say something.” I connect with this quote because it reminds me to be intentional with my words and to speak with purpose rather than out of habit or pressure. It highlights the value of thoughtful communication, something I am working on improving in both my personal life and professional practice.
If you were an ice cream flavour, what flavour would you be and why…
I think if I were an ice cream flavour I would be salted caramel. Classic, sweet, but with a bit of an unexpected twist. I like to think that my personality is warm and comforting, but once you really get to know me, there’s more going on beneath the surface. I have a good mixture of kindness and honesty, trying to keep things real while still being someone that people can count on.
Welcome to the Strive Team, Avery! We are so excited to work with you!
Join us in extending Avery a warm welcome by commenting below!