Tell me a little about your background.
I am a former teacher from the UK, excited to be living here in beautiful Vancouver and to be joining the Options Team! My teaching and academic background is in foreign languages — in the UK I taught Mandarin and French at the secondary school level. As well as teaching, a large part of my role was guiding students through their university applications. This was for all subjects, including everything from medicine to history! I love helping my students find their dream university course, and it was so exciting to see their aspirations realised when they received their university offers. Regarding my own university studies, I achieved my Bachelor of Arts in Mandarin Chinese at the University of Sheffield, spending a year abroad at Nanjing University in China. I then completed my postgraduate certificate in Education from University College London. Since living in Canada, I have undertaken a significant amount of research and training into the Canadian post-secondary admissions process. I’m looking forward to working with students who are hoping to study in both Canada and the U.K.
What makes you most excited about working at Options?
I have been told so many wonderful stories about the students we work with. The team remembers students’ journeys with Options from their first session, to their leaving home for the first year of university. The consultants take pride in knowing their students really well, and often they will even see different members of the same family. There is a deep, supportive relationship between consultants and their students, and I think that is very important. I am really looking forward to getting to know my students, hearing their stories and helping them achieve their personal goals.
What has surprised you in the first month?
The variety of universities that our students choose to study at across Canada! While a lot of students coming to Options want to stay in British Columbia, I think it is great that there are also many that are interested in studying in Ontario, Quebec and even as far out as the Atlantic provinces! Considering that British Columbia is four times larger than the entire U.K.,
a ‘far away’ university for British students is anything over a three hours’ drive away. When I speak to students at Options who are looking to study at schools that require a flight to get there, it reminds me just how vast Canada is and how many fantastic universities there are in this country offering high-quality courses for students.
If you had a theme song, what would it be?
“Fight Song” by Rachel Platten. I love the song’s empowering message.
Who is your role model?
Jacinda Ardern. She shows us all female leaders can handle crises with strength and integrity.
What do you spend too much time doing?
Bombarding family with photos of raccoons spotted in Vancouver — the UK needs these awesome animals!
If you could teach a university course that describes you, what would it be?
Studying abroad: How to make the most of your time living in a foreign country.
What is your favourite snack?
Jaffa cakes. And before anyone says otherwise, the chocolate side should definitely be on top!
Which well-known person or fictional character would be your ideal roommate?
Jamie Oliver – living with a professional chef might inspire me to improve my cooking skills!
