MEET LIZ, ECE RESOURCE CENTRE INTERN!
The Strive Team is delighted to introduce you to Liz Gannon (She/They), our ECE Resource Centre Intern!
Liz joins us from the Honours Bachelor of Early Childhood Leadership degree program at Fanshawe College. Liz is a proud advocate for change, a caring individual, and brings a joyful presence to the Strive team. Liz will be working closely with the Resource Centre team to advance our vision of transforming the Resource Centre into a Pedagogical Hub and Professional Learning destination.
We asked some questions to get to know Liz a little better. Keep reading to see what Liz said!
Tell us a bit about yourself…
I am new to London, I moved here to attend Fanshawe College in the Early Childhood Leadership program. I have a 5 year old son, who is my inspiration in everything I do. I enjoy going to the beach (in hot or cold weather), going for hikes, and reading. After graduation I want to get my Master’s in Curriculum and Pedagogy.
Tell us why you chose a pathway in Early Childhood Education and Care…
I chose Early Childhood Education and Care because I have always enjoyed working with the children. My personal pedagogy views children as the future of our world and the impact ECEC professionals, like myself, have on the early years will set a growing foundation for a compassionate, driven, and confident future.
What advice would you give someone else considering pursuing a career in Early Childhood Education and Care…
I would encourage them to research topics they’re passionate about and that best support the challenge and trends with children, families, and within the childcare and education sector. I would encourage them to advocate with children, families, and other ECEC professionals about social issues and for change within our sector and the communities we serve.
What are you most looking forward to doing throughout your internship…
I’m looking forward to building relationships with my mentors, the ECEC professionals and families Strive works with and serves. I look forward to building upon my knowledge of leadership and sharing my knowledge with Strive, ECEC professionals, and the families we work with.
What is something you’ve learned recently that you’re excited about…
I am excited to expand my knowledge on 2SLGBTQIA+ curriculum and pedagogy and implement additional comprehensive useful materials into Strive’s already extensive inventory.
What is something you’re unlearning…
I am unlearning the teachings and stereotypes I received about Indigenous communities. I am learning how to advocate with their communities to best support their journey to reclaim their languages and culture.
What inspires you…
What inspires me is my son. I want him to grow up to feel free and safe to express his own personality and identity. I want to support a future generation of ECEC professionals and children to be comfortable with their own identities and expressions without fear of rejections of social injustice.
Do you have a favourite quote…
“We are born as who we are. The gender thing is something that is imposed on you.”
– Lauren Cox
This reflects my own views and beliefs as a person that doesn’t prescribe to traditional roles of gender and sexuality. I believe love is natural and hate is taught. As an ECEC professional I hope to encourage love and empathy with the children, families, and other professionals I work with.
If you were an ice cream flavour, what flavour would you be and why…
I would be rainbow sherbet because I look at myself as a combination of events that are unique to my own journey, but together they create my personality, my knowledge, my love, and my life. The different flavours reflect different aspects of my entire body and spirit, but together create a harmonious blend of who I am as a person.
Welcome to the Strive Team, Liz! We are so excited to work with you!
Join us in extending Liz a warm welcome by commenting below!