Jen Greigson
What education have you taken?
After graduating with my High School Diploma from Alonsa Collegiate, in Alonsa, MB., I came to Brandon University and completed a Bachelor of Arts, with a Major in Sociology, and a Minor in Math. Afterward, I completed my After Degree in Education with teachable subjects being Math and English.
What accomplishments are you proud of?
I am most proud of my designation of Chapter President for the Manitoba Council for Exceptional Children, the Canadian Millennium Scholarship Foundation, Chartered Accountants Scholarship, Brandon University President’s Honour Society and finally community commitments such as 4-H, fundraising actives, and figure skating and softball.
Tell us about yourself.
When I graduated high school, I thought I would become a Chartered Accountant. Part way through that program, I decided it wasn’t for me so I left university to work for a while. During this time, I met my husband, got married and became Mom to two beautiful daughters. I was fortunate to get to spend some years at home raising my kids, and eventually got back into the workforce as an Educational Assistant. This is when I really knew what I wanted to do as a career.
How did you become interested in your field of study?
While working as an Educational Assistant (EA) I met so many wonderful people, both staff and students and I knew I wanted to pursue a teaching career. Working with students can be challenging, but for me it’s also meaningful and energizing. I loved going to work everyday. I felt I still had more to offer in the field of Education, so I decided to go back to University to do my teaching degree. I am so excited to graduate this spring and get back into the schools as a classroom teacher!
What is your philosophy in life?
To me, happiness in life always comes from having good relationships with those around you. The sayings, you get what you give and treat others how you want to be treated, tend to guide my thoughts and actions. I am a very community-minded and try to give a helping hand whenever I can and, in turn, I hopefully can look to people around me if I need help.
Where do you see yourself in the future?
Ideally, I would like to be a full-time classroom teacher in any grades from K-8 at a rural Manitoba School. Eventually, I would like to work on a Master’s Degree, focused in Special Education or Guidance and Counselling, where I hope I can further help academically or behaviorally-challenged students find success in their school pathways. Long term, I see myself doing more travelling with my husband and seeing other parts of the world. As a mother of two girls, ages twelve and nine, there are many special moments in their lives on the horizon and being there for them, and sharing in those moments is a great privilege I look forward to!
Nominator’s Comments:
Jennifer is in her final term in the Faculty of Education and has consistently been mentioned by numerous faculty as a strong student. Her Field Experience placements have also shed praise on her abilities as a future educator. I have personally worked with Jennifer, as she has taken over the role of President of the BU Chapter of the Manitoba Council for Exceptional Children. Jennifer has worked hard to ensure the BU chapter has a voice at the provincial council and has largely on her own initiative researched and secured a 2- day Professional Development opportunity for education students and for practicing teachers in the field, taking place this coming May, 2018. Jennifer also is the manager of the student resource room and has made this student space a more active environment over the course of this school year. Jennifer commutes on weekends to be with immediate family and has made much personal sacrifice to follow her passion to become an educator and this will definitely serve her future students well.