Let me introduce myself!
My name is Kirsten Belliveau, I am 29 years old and I live in the small town of Nipawin, Saskatchewan. I am a mother to a feisty, strong willing, athletic 6-year-old daughter named Hudsyn. I am currently in my 2 year of my education degree. I have had quite the experience in my university journey as I have been trying to balance life a single parent, working, university, and all the things in between. 
Some fun facts about me are;
- My birthday is on Christmas Day.
- I am of Metis decent
- I have worked in the field of childcare for 10 years
- I was a Director of a large daycare facility for 3 years.
- I absolutely hate the feeling of flour (I get literal goosebumps, and gag)
- I won an Early Childhood Educator award in summer of 2022 recognized by the Metis Nations of Saskatchewan.
Just some fun things to know about me. So, moving forward. If someone would have told me 12 years ago “Kirsten, you will be working with small children and very much enjoy it!” I probably would have thought they were completely insane. But, honestly now I could not imagine doing something else. My journey started when I was 19 and my friend had worked at a daycare facility, and texted me that there was a full time position avalible within the facility she was working in and I should apply. So I took the leap and applied. Ask me how nervous I was in that interview. I had no idea what to say, and my hand were so sweaty, my thoughts I could not keep straight. But by some divine intervention, the director thought I did well, and gave me the position. Little did I know at the time, this was going to be the push I needed. Jump a couple years forward, I had moved to the city of Saskatoon where I had taken my ECE course and received my level 2. I moved back to my hometown and accepted a job as an Educational Assistant in a small private preschool for a little boy diagnosed with autism. I had so many great experiences and it was such am amazing work environment for the next 3 years of my life. I applied for my education degree then and got in, but shortly after my application, I found out I was pregnant. So unfortunately, the time was not right for me and I had to withdraw.
Following shortly after I had my daughter, I began my journey back into the work force. I started out as a casual E.A for the high school in my town, and worked for a short time until COVID-19 had hit and shut the school down. I was browsing and came across a directors position, ironically enough at the daycare that started my career, and I thought “I have nothing to lose, I am going to apply”, and after not hearing for awhile after my interview I was convinced that they had given it to someone else. But to my surprise I got a call telling I had gotten the job, and could start as soon as I wanted. I had taken on the roll of managing a facility licensed for 70 children, along with 21 employee’s, and absolutely no one to train me in the administration part of it. Needless to say the next three years of my life were a completely necessary learning curve, and taught me how resilient I could be when put to the test. During my time as a director, I had learning many skills that I will carry with me for the rest of my life. I believe it was essential to my growth all the lessons I had learned during my time.
I always knew I wanted to be an educator. I loved the environment, I love children, I love seeing them excel in challenges. It never ever felt like a job to me. I mean it still doesn’t, working within the school system now as an E.A. So here I am 6 years later, trying to make my dream come true as best I can. I would be lying if I said this process hasn’t been a humbling one. But none the less I am up for the challenge and I am ready to start my journey as a future educator.
