MEET JENN, STRIVE PROJECT INTERN!
The Strive Team is overjoyed to introduce you to Jenn Nguyen (She/Her), our Strive Project Intern!
Jenn joins us from the Honours Bachelor of Early Childhood Leadership degree program at Fanshawe College. Jenn is a talented dancer, passionate leader, and kindhearted individual. This summer she will be helping coordinate meaningful professional learning opportunities as well as support other special projects and initiatives currently underway at Strive.
We asked Jenn some questions to get to know her a little better. Keep reading to see what she said!
Image by Mercedes Jane Payne
Instagram: @mercedington
Tell us a bit about yourself…
My name is Jenn Nguyen, I have just finished my 3rd year at Fanshawe in the Early Childhood Leadership (ECL) program. I am looking forward to working at Strive this summer as their Project Intern.
I grew up in Niagara Falls, Ontario and moved to London in 2019. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my friends and family. Along with that, I love listening to music, reading, and occasionally binge watching anything that is in Netflix’s Top 10. I have also recently joined a dance studio which has been a highlight in my life these days.
Tell us why you chose a pathway in Early Childhood Education and Care…
I started my academic journey in a program very different from ECEC. Right out of high school I attended university in a public health program. After a few semesters I realized it was not the field for me and took some time off school to figure out what was next for me. In this time off I reflected upon career paths I always wanted to explore and working with children was one of them. This led me to Fanshawe’s ECE program which I graduated from in 2021. After graduating, I still felt there was more for me to learn and more doors I could open if I were to continue my education. Hence me bridging into the ECL program.
What advice would you give someone else considering pursuing a career in Early Childhood Education and Care…
For someone considering pursuing a career in ECEC I would encourage them to be more proactive and intentional during their field placement experiences. As a student, empower yourself and be a leader within your learning. I would encourage them to ask questions, seek feedback, and try to build relationships.
What are you most looking forward to doing throughout your internship…
During my internship, I am most looking forward to gaining an enriching experience through quality mentorship. In my short time at Strive so far, I can already tell that the team has an abundance of knowledge and experience to share with me that will guide me in building the skills needed to thrive as a leader in ECEC. I am excited that I will not just have one role model, but an entire team of passionate leaders to learn from.
What is something you’ve learned recently that you’re excited about…
I have gained a deeper insight into the efforts Strive has been making to re-conceptualize and re-construct what it means to truly support diversity, equity, and inclusion in ECEC. With seeing the great progress Strive has made through their Culturally Responsive Book Bundle Project, I am excited to be a part of their work in putting theory into action. Furthermore, I am looking forward to the continuation of these important conversations that create opportunities to amplify representation of marginalized children, families, and early learning professionals.
What is something you’re unlearning…
Something I am unlearning is the concept of work-life balance. Instead, I want to achieve work-life harmony. I have found that trying to balance creates competition between these two aspects. With trying to achieve harmony, I hope to find how work and life can coexist and work together to support reaching my goals. I also hope it will promote overall wellbeing and satisfaction.
What inspires you…
I am inspired when I see other people really passionate about the things that bring them joy. It could be passion towards their hobbies, interests, work, relationships, etc. It brings me motivation to bring as much care and energy into all aspects of my life and to not be afraid to express myself.
Do you have a favourite quote…
“It’s alright to stop, there is no need to run without even knowing the reason”
This quote comes from one of my favourite songs by BTS called ‘Paradise’. This song speaks to an analogy that life can feel like a race and that we try to speed through life to try to be the first to reach the end goal. Sometimes, we do not even know what our goals are but we keep going through life full speed because of expectations others have set for us. I think of this quote when I begin to feel burnout or overwhelmed and it reminds me it’s okay to take a break because life is not a race but a journey I can go through at my own pace.
If you were an ice cream flavour, what flavour would you be and why…
If I were an ice cream flavour I think I would be vanilla because it’s a great flavour alone but works well win combination with other flavours and toppings too.
Welcome to the Strive Team, Jenn! We are so excited to work with you!
Join us in extending Jenn a warm welcome by commenting below!