Meet Chiya, Strive Project Intern!
The Strive Team is overjoyed to introduce you to Chiya Hassan (he/him), our Strive Project Intern!
We asked Chiya some questions to get to know him a little better. Keep reading to see what he said!
Tell us a bit about yourself…
Hello! My name is Chiya Hassan. I have just completed my third year in the Honours Bachelor of Early Childhood Leadership program at Fanshawe College, and I am honoured to be the project intern at Strive for Summer 2026, where I look forward to continued growth and learning. I grew up in London, Ontario, and enjoy spending quality time with friends and family. I also enjoy listening to music, playing video games, and watching shows, with my most recent being Gilmore Girls. After graduating from Fanshawe, I plan to pursue further education while working within the ECEC sector. I recognize that there is always more to learn, which brings me excitement as it creates ongoing opportunities for both personal and professional growth.
Tell us why you chose a pathway in Early Childhood Education and Care…
I spent many years caring for my four younger siblings, supporting them through both their academic and personal lives, so care and education have always been core parts of who I am. As I reached high school and grade 12, a time when many were deciding what to pursue long-term, I knew I wanted to become an educator. With encouragement from teachers, friends, and family, I applied to the Early Childhood Education program and later the Honours Bachelor of Early Childhood Leadership program. Through both my practical and academic experiences, I have been able to see and understand the vital impact this profession has on the lives of children, families, colleagues, and the wider community.
What advice would you give someone else considering pursuing a career in Early Childhood Education and Care…
The best advice I could give someone considering a professional career in Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) is to be passionate and intentional in what you do. These qualities have supported me as a growing early childhood leader (ECL) and have helped me empower and mentor other RECEs throughout both my classes and practical experiences. Passion can inspire others to value the work they do, while intentionality brings an important reflective component that allows educators to be thoughtful and purposeful in the learning experiences they provide for both children and fellow educators. Most importantly, empower yourself, value the work you do, and appreciate every moment of it, as the ECEC sector is incredibly valuable and deserves to be preserved and protected.
What are you most looking forward to doing throughout your internship…
During my internship, I look forward to the professional growth and learning opportunities I will gain through collaborating with the Strive team on various projects, supporting Leading Inspired Learning 2024–2026, and engaging in professional learning (PL) opportunities that will further develop my skills and knowledge within the field.
What is something you’ve learned recently that you’re excited about…
Something that I learned recently that really excites me is gaining a deeper insight into the effort and dedication Strive puts into supporting the ECEC sector. After attending a few Strive meetings and professional learning (PL) events they have hosted, I developed a strong appreciation for the work they do and a better understanding of the level of commitment and collaboration it takes to create meaningful support for educators and the field as a whole.
What is something you’re unlearning…
Something I am unlearning is the idea that I always need to be perfect and that mistakes should be avoided. I often strive for high grades in school and to meet expectations, which are both valuable goals to have, but I am learning that mistakes and setbacks are also important parts of growth. They can be used as opportunities for improvement and as ways to critically reflect on both my own and others’ practices. Without mistakes, it becomes difficult to build resiliency through overcoming challenges, continuing to try, and growing from those experiences.
Do you have a favourite quote…
“Sing your heart out in every moment of your existence”
This quote comes from one of the many video games I have played and psychologically is layered, but truly resonates with me. To “sing your heart out” means to do something with enthusiasm, energy, and emotion, while “in every moment of your existence” means that no matter where you are or what is happening, you continue to live with those feelings of enthusiasm. In relation to being in the ECEC sector, this quote has helped me recognize small achievements and be present in the moment instead of focusing on the worry or stress that can come with any occupation.
If you were an ice cream flavour, what flavour would you be and why…
While this question initially seemed easy to answer, I realized it was actually one of the most difficult because so many ice cream flavours resonate with me in different ways. After reflecting on it, I believe butter pecan represents me the most. Butter pecan is sweet, classic, and comforting, and it has been one of my favourite ice cream flavours since childhood. However, what makes it resonate with me more deeply is that it also carries a sense of sophistication. Unlike flavours such as vanilla or chocolate, which mainly remind me of childhood sweetness, butter pecan combines sweetness with subtle salty notes that reflect growth and maturity. I feel that my journey from preferring chocolate as a child to appreciating butter pecan as I grew older mirrors my own personal development and the journey of becoming the educator I am today.
Welcome to the Strive Team, Chiya! We are so excited to work with you!
Join us in extending Chiya a warm welcome by commenting below!