Bailey Johnson
NITEP On-Campus field centre
Nation: Métis
Home: Summerland, BC (Currently residing in Vancouver, BC)
What inspired you to go into teaching?
Teaching was always an interest of mine, but when I heard about the NITEP program I knew that it was the right path for me to take. Being involved in the public school system for most of my childhood, I witnessed lack of Indigenous education being provided. I think my biggest motive to teach was to be able to change the way that the public school system teaches children and incorporate more Indigenous learning that would provide children with the education I was deprived from growing up. It’s very important to have Indigenous leaders and representatives in the education system and to be able to teach in a setting that honours culture.
How do you believe NITEP will help you achieve your education goals?
My goal is to be able to teach children empathy and understanding, and to stress the importance of Indigenous history, as it’s everyone’s history – it’s not separate. I am humbled to be a part of an amazing program such as NITEP that provides me with the education and possibility to live up to my goals and dreams. Although I am only in first year, my peers have already changed my life in a very positive way. I am surrounded by people who inspire me, push me, and motivate me to take my learning beyond the classroom, and teach me valuable life skills that I can apply in all areas of my life.
What does NITEP mean to you?
NITEP to me is all about growth and empowerment, and knowing that I am a part of a program that has such positive impact on our school system and the way our society functions is the reason I am here at UBC to learn. UBC and Vancouver are an amazing place to be in, and I am so lucky to be surrounded by such beauty and positivity every single day!