MEET NYIEL, STRIVE COMMUNITY ANIMATOR!
Meet Nyiel Nhial (she/her), one of Strive’s Community Animators!
We asked Nyiel some questions to get to know her a little better. Keep reading to see what she said!
Tell us a bit about yourself…
I graduated from Fanshawe College in 2014 with a diploma in Early Childhood Education and am currently a Registered Early Childhood Educator. Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to work across various age groups, including infants, toddlers, and preschoolers, with a strong foundation in child development and care.
In 2015, I earned my TESOL/TESL/TEFL certification through Oxford Seminars, which opened the door to an incredible experience teaching English abroad in rural South Korea within the elementary school curriculum. More recently, I’ve expanded my professional skill set by completing a certificate in Organizational Leadership.
I’m deeply passionate about supporting the growth and development of children and building strong relationships with families. I’m now excited to take that passion further by connecting and engaging with the broader community.
Tell us why you chose a career in Early Childhood Education and Care.
I grew up caring for my younger siblings and the children in my community, so care has always been a natural part of who I am. But it wasn’t until a family friend pointed out that my connection with children was a true gift that I began to see caregiving as more than just something I did, I saw it as a calling. From that moment on, the field of care became both a passion and a purpose for me. It has taught me so much about myself and has taken me on so many wonderful adventures.
Tell us about your role… What are you looking forward to in this role?
My role is Community Animator, and I am most excited about connecting with the community and pushing myself to be more attentive and informed about what's happening in the community that I am a part of.
What inspires you…
I’m inspired by my son and his simple nature to unapologetically be who he is.
Tell us something you enjoy doing in your spare time.
Spending quality time with my son, reading, singing, painting, lawn and garden work, and listening to podcasts.
What is something you’re unlearning?
I'm unlearning the need to always be there for everyone all at once. For a long time, I felt responsible for holding space for everyone around me, often at the expense of my own well-being. I'm learning that I can still care deeply and show up for others without stretching myself too thin — and that setting boundaries is also a form of care.
Do you have a favourite quote…
“Life is what you make it.”
If you were an ice cream flavour, what flavour would you be and why…
I would definitely be chocolate-flavoured ice cream. I mean.. look at me! Dark, rich, smooth, and original.
Welcome to the Strive Team, Nyiel! We are so excited to work with you!
Join us in extending Nyiel a warm welcome by commenting below!