September 28, 2024
What is your name and where do you work?
Kwe’ ! My name is Kendra Simon and I work in Wagmatcookewey School in Wagmatcook First Nation.
How many years have you been working as an EA?
My first year working as an EA was in the 2018-2019 school year under Jordan’s Principle and I’m currently on my second consecutive year at Wagmatcookewey School.
What do you find most rewarding about your work?
For me, I think the most rewarding part about my work is being able to make an impact on the lives our students live. Helping them gain the tools to be able to communicate, learn and thrive.
Can you describe an accomplishment that has filled you with pride in your career?
I think a big part of the pride I feel working in my career path has to do with seeing the students gain confidence in what they’re doing and figuring out things on their own without the guidance we normally give or support them with. A personal accomplishment of my own however, would be finding out that this is definitely the career area I wish to work in long-term. It’s motivated me to look into university courses relating to education and mentorship, as it’s something I’ve held off doing since graduating from high school in 2018.
Do you have any Mentor’s you’d like to mention or give a shout-out to anyone who influenced you to work in education?
Yes! My very own Mom, Christina Pierro. Back when I was still attending junior and senior high she was actually the one who worked in our Learning centre. My mom has been the light guiding me through everything and I’m so very thankful she’s given me some of my own tools to feel a little more at ease starting out as an EA. She now actually works as the one who does university funding (or college if over 2 years) so I’ll likely be going to her again sometime soon for that!
Welalioq msit wen, for taking the time to learn a little about me.