Emily Tracy is the newest addition to the Options Solutions team. She is available to meet with clients four days a week at our South Granville Street office. If you would like to schedule an appointment with her call us at (604) 922-8456 or send an email to van@options-wp.chhdev.com.
What inspired you to get your Masters Degree in Teaching? I had an interesting journey that led me into the field of education. I graduated from Dartmouth College with a B.A. in Government and International Relations. My plan was to go to law school, so I took the LSATs and even figured out where I wanted to apply. But after graduation, I went to work for a non-profit organization in Zambia and Malawi, where I spent eight months teaching adolescents about HIV/AIDS prevention and awareness. We focused on using the power of soccer and sport to help educate underprivileged communities. I fell in love with education and working with youth. My time in Zambia and Malawi inspired me to follow my passion for teaching. So instead of applying to law school, I applied to the Masters of Teaching program at USC because it offered a focus in Urban Education, and I am extremely happy with my decision to pursue a career in education.
Why did you decide to play soccer at Dartmouth? Can you describe your experience with the NCAA? I played Division I soccer for four years at Dartmouth College, and it was an amazing experience. I was recruited to play for most of the top Division I schools in the NCAA. I was really focused on not only finding a fantastic soccer program, but also a school with a balance of rigorous academics. After visiting most schools in the Ivy League, I was sold on Dartmouth. It was challenging at times to balance an Ivy League education with the demands of a competitive soccer program, but choosing a school with supportive coaches and teammates made the transition from high school to post-secondary education a lot easier. Winning the Ivy League Championship and competing in the NCAA Tournament were incredible experiences and being able to share it with my best friends and teammates is something I will never forget.
What lead you to apply for a position at Options Solutions? Working with and helping adolescents has always been my passion. After completing my student teaching at Templeton Secondary in Vancouver, I realized what a complex and confusing time high school can be for students. Making sure students are taking the right courses and that they are aware of the requirements for post-secondary education is a challenging task at any high school. I knew that with my knowledge and experience, I would be able to help students find the right path in order to pursue higher education.
How would you describe your first month at Options Solutions? My first month here at Options Solutions has been very rewarding. Working with an amazing team of consultants, I have learned a lot. All of the students and parents that I have worked with have been wonderful and it is so much fun helping students realize their potential and helping them get on the right track. It has been great to attend conferences such as the Canadian University Event and SFU’s Counsellor Day, where I have been privileged to see first hand all of the new innovative programs being offered at universities throughout Canada.
What advice would you give to high school students today? I would tell students to start thinking about post-secondary education BEFORE Grade 12. I think it is really important for students to do their research and to prepare for university or college well before their Grade 12 year so that there are not any surprises. Understanding what options are available really helps students to stay focused and set goals, and it will better prepare them for life after high school.
