Hello, Hadih! My name is Ms. Gallant, and here’s a glimpse into my world!
“Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire. For the mind does not require filling like a bottle, but rather, like wood, it only requires kindling to create in it an impulse to think independently and an ardent desire for the truth.”
Plutarch
Every adventure begins with curiosity and for me, it started with a plane ticket, a love of learning, and a desire for something more. I shipped my life in boxes, packed my suitcases, and boarded a plane from Toronto, Ontario, to Prince George, British Columbia.
At 27 years old, I started over. When my new university didn’t recognize my credits, I was given the option to choose a new stream. When asked what I wanted to do, I only replied, “I like animals,” unsure where to go from there. Guided by my love for everything living and my pursuit of meaningful knowledge, I graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Fisheries and Wildlife. This degree showed me the intrinsic value of complex systems of our natural world and the importance of preservation and stewardship, a lesson I hope to impart to my students during their educational voyage.
My studies are just one part of my life. I am deeply committed to my community through my work with the Prince George Humane Society. My dog, Blu – my best friend and adventure partner – is always there, the best companion I could ever ask for. Whether we’re rescuing animals in remote communities or exploring the unceded lands of the Lheidli Tenneh.
These experiences have taught me the value of empathy, understanding, and the importance of creating a supportive and inclusive environment, lessons I hope to bring to my future classroom. This stage of my life is defined by learning, curiosity and exploration, authenticity and connection. I’m passionate about travelling to new places, such as St. John’s, Newfoundland, the ancestral home of the Beothuk and Mi’kmaq peoples, where I had the privilege of visiting and learning about this past summer. The joy of learning and exploration is what fuels my passion for education!
My journey to this point has been one of discovery and transformation with education as the catalyst. Raised by an “army brat” mom, I moved frequently as a child, often feeling excluded as the new kid. Like Matilda, I turned to books and devoured as many as I could. I was the quirky Harry Potter kid that cried at 11 when I didn’t get my letter and lived for Ocarina of Time. I never wanted to grow up.
As an adult, I settled in Toronto through my twenties, where I went to the University of Toronto, taking a Bachelor of Arts in Forestry and Conservation. At 27, 3/4 of the way through my degree, I realized I needed a change from city life. I relocated to Prince George, starting fresh with a new city, a new degree, and new adventures. It was during this transition that I discovered I was neurodivergent, a revelation that completely transformed my understanding of myself and others. I found my passion for education through tutoring, working with kids through the PG Humane Society, and creating engaging lessons for UNBC’s Active Minds summer camps. I decided to pursue teaching—a field where I can ignite the fires of curiosity in others and walk beside the next generations of the community through their learning journey while getting the opportunity to help others to be seen and feel valued.
Where I am now is meaningful because, for the first time, I have a clear end goal and a strong sense of identity. I aim to ensure every child feels seen and valued and has equitable access to education. I plan to achieve this by creating a classroom environment that celebrates diversity, acknowledging and respecting each student’s unique background and experiences. My commitment to equity is unwavering, and I strive to foster mutual respect and individuality in my classroom, valuing each student’s unique perspective and potential. I dream of incorporating hands-on learning, inquiry-based exploration, and even unique courses like zoology or forensic science. In the future, I am excited about pursuing a Master of Education, for I am a life-long learner at heart.
