Community Profile: Natalia
This week’s Community Profile features our newest instructor, Natalia! She started teaching for MOSAIC engage this summer and this week she shared her experience and story with us :) Thanks Natalia!
Tell me about yourself
I am passionate about education and social justice. Thriving in multicultural and diverse environments, I find joy in listening to and learning from people. My connection to Mother Earth, or 'Pachamama', keeps me grounded, helping me maintain perspective on life's finite nature and the cycles of the universe.
During my leisure time, I enjoy reading, playing the guitar (albeit not skillfully), visiting parks, playing badminton, swimming, and watching TV series.
Being from Brazil, my identity is closely intertwined with my homeland (I really miss Brazilian food). I have a wonderful husband who has been with me for 9 years and 2 cats who came with me from Brazil. They are my family; my everything.
One more thing about me is that I like to study. I've earned bachelor’s degrees in social sciences, education, and English language, as well as a master’s degree in political sociology and a TESOL certificate. Here’s a quote I like, "Education does not change the world, Education changes people. People change the world" by Paulo Freire. Since 2014, I've been dedicated to working in the field of education.
Where would you take your friends from other countries if they are visiting you?
I live in New Westminster, and my initial plan would involve taking them to some of the area's attractions. I would take them to places like Queen's Park, the Quay, and Moody Park. Additionally, I'd ensure they experience the scenic beauty of Burnaby Mountain, the tranquility of Deer Lake Park, and the iconic charm of Stanley Park. A visit to Lonsdale Quay Market and Grouse Mountain and outings to remarkable locations such as Whistler, Victoria, and Sunshine Coast would be on the agenda as well.
What piece of Canadian culture would you introduce to newcomers?
I'm not sure if these things are universally 'Canadian' since my experience has been primarily in the Greater Vancouver area, but one aspect that I've noticed and really appreciate is the way people respectfully compliment each other, even strangers, on the street. It's common to hear phrases like 'I like your dress,' 'Your earrings are lovely,' or 'You look pretty.' These small gestures truly make my day. I've been trying to incorporate this habit more often into my interactions, always mindful of not being intrusive.
These polite gestures, like expressing gratitude to bus drivers and consistently using 'please,' 'thank you,' 'excuse me,' and smiling, are simple actions that can quickly become a part of your routine. They not only help you adapt to local norms but also contribute to making meaningful connections with people.
Do you have any summer plans?
I'm going to Grouse Mountain for the first time this weekend, and I'm very excited because I've seen photos, and it looks awesome. I would also like to go to a lake; however, I don't have a car, so it's a bit hard to plan and go to one. I've been enjoying the open swimming pool at Moody Park in New Westminster a lot. Public swimming pools aren't common in Brazil, so I really like being able to pay 2 dollars to enjoy it for 1 hour and a half.
You joined MOSAIC Engage recently, how are you enjoying it so far?
I really appreciate how friendly everyone is and how I get to learn more about different places. Being an immigrant myself, I can relate to the struggles many students face in finding their place in Canada. I want to help make their process smoother by providing guidance, just as I received assistance from MOSAIC when I was a client in the Culture Connections program.