Josee Maguet

Give a brief bio about yourself/your background/your history.

I grew up in the small rural town of Ste. Rose Du Lac Manitoba. A big part of what shaped me into the person I am today, is that town and the people there. Throughout high school I was active in almost every sport my school offered, including soccer, volleyball, basketball, curling, and fastball! Volleyball and basketball were my two favorite sports, which led me to volunteer coach the junior teams on my spare time. I continued to volunteer my time as a coach after high school as well. While in university I coached curling at two different curling clubs located in Brandon Mb. I have also had the amazing opportunity of volunteering as a student athletic therapist for the Brandon University Men’s Volleyball team. I’ve loved being on the team as much as I have loved coaching. It has allowed me to meet new people within the community and open new doors for me! Aside from sports I have also enjoyed spending my time camping, hunting, hanging out with friends, ice fishing, and snowmobiling!

What education have you taken?

I graduated from Ste. Rose School in 2018. From there I went to Brandon University and completed one year of my arts degree. During that first year I realized how much I missed the sports aspect of my life and wanted to continue my education in an athletic environment, so I chose to switch to the Physical Education Program. I have since graduated from the PE program, and I am currently in my first year of the early years stream of the Education After Degree program. I have enjoyed all my years of education and look forward to completing my degree in the near future!

How did you become interested in your field/area of study?

There has been a multitude of people in my life that have influenced me to become a teacher. My mom plays a huge role in this area as she is an EA at Ste. Rose School. Seeing her work so hard to make a positive impact on her students’ academic and personal lives made me want to be just like her.

My high school volleyball and basketball coaches also impacted my decision to be a teacher and take the Physical Education route, because I admired how much time and effort they put into their teams as well as academic lessons. They spent almost every weekend for months at sports tournaments, and countless hours during their evenings every week leading practices. Not to mention the time spent scheduling our games/tournaments, and accommodations for when we went to these events. I have been out of high school for 5 years now, and my old teammates and I still talk about the memories we have made while being a part of the Ste. Rose Celtics. Those memories will truly last a lifetime!

Throughout my university career I have worked at a daycare, CFS shelter, science camp, and have ran my own eyelash business. I am extremely fortunate to have met all the people that I have while working at these places as every single co-worker has had an influence in my decision to be a teacher.
The people that I owe the most for my interest in my field/area of study is the children that I have worked with. Each child has shown me that everyone has a strength, and everyone has potential.

I am very honored to have grown up in a home where I had a strong support system, but it breaks my heart to know that there are many children who are unable to say the same. As a future teacher, my goal is to create a safe learning environment where all my students feel welcome, valued, and supported just like my role models did for me!

What accomplishments are you most proud of?

I am most proud of my work ethic. Since starting my university journey I have been able to take on a full course load, volunteer 6-15 hours per week, and work 10-32 hours a week at my various employments. This has taught me the importance of time management. I believe that having a good work ethic will take you far in life, a moto I live by; hard work always pays off!

Where do you see yourself in the future? What do you hope to undertake or accomplish once you leave BU?

I would love to see myself teaching in a rural setting or potentially in northern Canada! Along with that, I hope to see myself coaching student athletes wherever I may end up teaching. My main goal is to show my students that I am there for them, and I care. If they see me active in their lives and community then there is a greater chance that my students will see me as someone in their lives that they can trust and look up to. I would hope to make a change for the better in students’ lives and make school an enjoyable environment!

What is your philosophy in life?

My philosophy in life is to take every opportunity life throws at you. There is always something positive that you can get out of every experience that comes your way!

In one sentence, how will you #EmbraceEquity?

I will #EmbraceEquity by giving my students the tools and resources that they need for them to thrive in our society, as well as instilling female empowerment, and equity!

Nominator’s Comments:

Josee is an incredible! She is involved in many volunteer and work opportunities that focus on education and well-being. Josee is a pre-service teacher, she is a full-time student in the Faculty of Education, early years after-degree program. While completing her studies she is also volunteering and working in many different capacities, several of which highlight her commitment to equity. At Brandon University, she makes a meaningful difference by volunteering as a student trainer as well as working with the MiniU Girls Can program, focused on science literacy and increasing confidence of youth from equity seeking groups in STEM activities. In her community, Josee works as a child and youth care worker at a Shelter for Michif CFS and has recently started substitute teaching. Josee is an engaged student and an emerging leader. Her ability to participate is so many different roles, all with the underlying intention of making a difference by supporting others is profound!