I have always been drawn to the things that connect us, whether that is through music, language, or the natural world. These passions have shaped who I am and inspired my journey to becoming a future teacher.
Music has always been central to shaping who I am. I grew up playing the piano and alto-saxophone and singing in a community choir. One of the highlights of my musical journey was playing my alto-saxophone on the Great Wall of China with my high school band! For me, music and language are intertwined, they both have their own structures and rhythms. My love for music sparked my interest in learning new languages. I completed elementary and high school in French Immersion, learned German in grade 12, and later studied Japanese and Korean at the University of Northern British Columbia and the Unversity of Victoria.
Learning Korean changed my life in many ways. It led to me partaking in an exchange program at Yonsei University in South Korea, where I lived for five months. The experience solidified my love for languages and guided me further into the world of teaching English Language Learners (ELL). I believe that learning a language is all about immersion and collaboration, skills that are so important in any classroom.
When I am not teaching or diving into language studies, you will find me outdoors with my camera in hand. I love exploring nature, whether it be hiking in mystical forests or just appreciating the beauty of the natural world around me. I have been lucky to travel to some amazing places and capture unique landscapes through photography.
My love for the outdoors inspires how I hope to teach. I think land and place based learning is so important for helping students connect with their surroundings, reflect on their place in the world, and develop a respect for nature. Whether it is through a walk in the woods or a lesson inspired by the seasons, I want to bring that sense of wonder and connection into my classroom.
That is a little bit about me, Miss Shyla! I am excited to bring my passions for music, language, and nature into my teaching and share them with my students.
A collection of photographs I have captured during my travels across the globe!