My name is Emma Pittman, and I was born and raised in Williams Lake, British Columbia. I come from a close-knit family of four, with my parents Nicole and Gerard, and older sister Camilla. Growing up in this family environment has provided me with a unique set of experiences that have influenced my personal and professional development. I am a proud member of the Qalipu Mi’kmaq First Nation, with my roots being in Main River Band in Newfoundland, Canada. My heritage is an integral part of my identity, and I am deeply connected to my family and the land. This cultural foundation shapes who I am as an individual but also forms my approach to education, by fostering that sense of inclusivity and respect. I believe my background and experiences will enable me to be an effective, compassionate teacher who can create meaningful connections with both students and the land.
As the younger sibling, I had the privilege of observing my sister’s experiences, which helped shape my own understanding of growth, learning, and responsibility. My sister is a nurse and people have often told me I should go into that field, yet I quickly realized that the healthcare field was not for me. Instead, I gravitated toward being a teacher as I enjoyed teaching younger students how to play sports and found fulfillment in fostering their development. However, it wasn’t until high school that I began to seriously consider a career in teaching. After completing Grade 12, I applied to Thompson Rivers University to pursue a Bachelor of Arts degree, with the goal of eventually being admitted into the Bachelor of Education program. This academic pursuit has allowed me to explore various fields of knowledge, all while preparing for a future in education.
Growing up in Williams Lake I was deeply involved in sports at an early age and have played a significant role in my life. Throughout my youth I participated in almost any sport in town, volleyball, basketball, baseball, track and field, or my two favourite sports, hockey and soccer. Over the course of more than 15 years playing hockey and soccer, I have achieved many medals and have had many opportunities to travel across the province. Through these experiences, I have had opportunities to mentor younger players, which has helped spark my interest in teaching and coaching. After relocating to Kamloops for my studies, I felt a loss of identity, as I was no longer actively involved in sports. However, whenever I am back in Williams Lake, I still involve myself in the hockey and soccer community. Whether it is playing in the women’s soccer league, or watching my cousins play sports, it helps me reconnect with my younger self. Recently, I have gotten the opportunity to volunteer as a coach for a youth soccer team in Williams Lake, alongside a close friend. I look forward to this role as it will be a great way to connect and engage with the community and the future generation of students, many of whom will one day be my students.
