Meet Natassia, Strive Resource Centre Intern!
The Strive Team is delighted to introduce you to Natassia Rees-Evans (she/her), our Strive Resource Centre Intern!
We asked some questions to get to know Natassia a little better. Keep reading to see what she said!
Tell us a bit about yourself…
Hello! My name is Natassia. I moved to London last year to join Fanshawe’s Honours of Early Childhood Leadership program, in which I am entering into my final year as of September. I am thrilled to be spending my summer as an intern at Strive Professional Resource Centre. In my free time, I enjoy completing puzzles, playing board games, and spending time with my friends, family, and cat, Bonnie.
Tell us why you chose a pathway in Early Childhood Education and Care…
From the ages of 14 to 22, I worked in restaurants in Stratford, Ottawa, Kitchener, and Waterloo. Between this time, I also did some backpacking across Europe and Australia. After travelling, I wanted to begin a career outside restaurant work. I chose Conestoga’s ECE program to begin my journey. I went into the profession not knowing much about the ECEC sector, and fortunately, fell in love with what it has to offer.
What advice would you give someone else considering pursuing a career in Early Childhood Education and Care…
The advice I would give someone interested in pursuing a career in ECEC is to remember that the sector is large and diverse with opportunities. There are many pathways, such as EarlyON centres, Strive Professional Resource Centre, and even pursuing a career in Fanshawe’s ECE or ECL program.
What are you most looking forward to doing throughout your internship…
I am looking most forward to mentoring fellow professionals in the ECEC sector, specifically using my leadership abilities to assist in the implementation of meaningful and engaging learning activities using resources provided by Strive. I also look forward to spending time with the amazing Strive team!
What is something you’ve learned recently that you’re excited about…
One thing I’ve learned recently that excites me is understanding how to incorporate solution-oriented feedback into my professional practice, which I learned about in the Leadership Community of Practice that took place at Strive on May 6th led by Lindsay Lapaquette.
What is something you’re unlearning…
Currently, I am unlearning the notion that I must achieve my goals on a specific timeline, and accept that it is okay to move at my own pace.
Do you have a favourite quote…
“I define a leader as anyone who takes responsibility for finding the potential in people and processes, and who has the courage to develop that potential.” -Brené Brown
If you were an ice cream flavour, what flavour would you be and why…
If I was an ice cream flavour, I would be strawberry ice cream because growing up, my great grandma would always make me a strawberry ice cream cone after school. Lorraine was a teacher for over 50 years, and acted as a pillar for me during my early years.
Welcome to the Strive Team, Natassia! We are so excited to work with you!
Join us in extending Natassia a warm welcome by commenting below!