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What is an accomplishment you're proud of?

I went to university for four years and three months, and was able to get two degrees—Bachelor of Commerce and MBA at Saint Mary’s. I took no gap year and it was so intense. But I loved every single minute of it.

I actually completed my undergraduate degree in under three years and had a high GPA; it didn't suffer. Every summer semester, I would take 5 summer courses.

So when I was going into fourth year, I should have actually been going into third year. It just shows that if you really want something and are motivated and work hard, it’s feasible.

What has your career journey been?

My first few jobs were all in the nonprofit marketing sector. They were usually part-time, and they were always between having kids.

But what would happen is just before I was about to have another child, the contract would end. So then I'd be back on maternity leave, and I'd be looking for my next opportunity.

I gained a lot of experience writing press releases, doing social media, really getting a grasp of the nonprofit sector. Just before I was about to have my third kid, the contract was about to end as well, and I had no idea what I was going to do.

In 2023, I saw that Dalhousie was looking for someone to teach one section of introduction to marketing. I thought it would be a great way to see if I liked teaching—to see if it's even possible for me to become an instructor.

This year, I'm fortunate that I'll be an instructor for second- and third-year courses I'm very interested in. I think it’s going to be so much fun to teach. I just can't wait.

Why did you want to start teaching?

I’ve always had a passion for teaching. I’ve taken many educator roles, as a volunteer.

I taught dance classes. I taught Sunday school. I was a tutor. I was always a marker throughout my education, so I had a solid background. I was the friend who people would ask for help because they knew I could simplify material. I knew at the back of my mind that at some point I wanted to teach.

What do you like to do outside work?

I have a 21-month-old, a 4-year-old and a 6-year-old. I love not overplanning anything. Saying to our three kids, ‘Today we are going to do something fun’. We just get in the car and go.

Those days are special where we can take it as it comes. We might end up at Peggy’s Cove, we might end up on a trail, we might end up on the waterfront; it just depends on where it takes us. I love those special family adventure days.

In my spare time, I also love taking photos and I have a Cricut machine, so I love customizing everything I see.

How do you approach teaching?

My approach to teaching is to entertain students, keep them engaged, and tell them stories.

Let them get to know me on a personal level and the good thing about marketing is it allows me to share my own personal experiences.

I can use my experiences to relate back to course concepts, but they also get to know my vulnerable side and who I am. I'm sharing about my kids, or my life, or the silly things I did that again relate back to marketing. I feel that not only does this engage them and keep them entertained, but now they know who I am as a person.

And then they're happier to come to me when they need help. They see that, just like them, I am only human.