My name is Ashley Anderson. I grew up in the small town of Dawson Creek British Columbia and now live in Kamloops, where I moved to attend Thompson Rivers University. Like many, I explored different career paths growing up, but by grade 12 I was torn between teaching and physiotherapy. For my capstone project, I had the opportunity to experience both. I started in a Kindergarten classroom and, before long, I decided to cancel my placement at physiotherapy clinic so I could spend more time with the students. The moment I stepped into that classroom, I knew that teaching was where I belonged. Since then, I have been on my dedicated journey toward a career in education.
To pursue this goal, I enrolled myself in the Bachelor of Arts program at Thompson Rivers University in 2021. After I completed 90 credits over three years, I applied to the Elementary Education program at TRU, where I am now finishing my first year.
Beyond academics, my upbringing on a cattle farm deeply shaped who I am today. Growing up surrounded by animals such as, cattle, horses, dogs, cats, and chickens has instilled in me a sense of responsibility, patience, and problem-solving skills. From an early age, I helped feed the cattle, cared for newborn calves, and operated farm equipment. Working with animals strengthened my empathy and perseverance, qualities that translate directly into the classroom.
In addition to farm life, I grew up playing competitive volleyball, which taught me the importance of teamwork and communication. As a team we would work towards a common goal, adapt to different playing styles, and support each other through our wins and losses. These lessons have all influenced my approach to teaching as just in sports, success in the classroom comes from collaboration, flexibility, resilience, and having a positive mindset. Outside of teaching, I live an active lifestyle that fuels my growth mindset. Whether playing volleyball, hiking, golfing, skiing, going to the gym, or baking, I enjoy challenging myself and learning new skills. I believe that the perseverance and adaptability I developed on the farm and through sports are essential in teaching where every day presents new opportunities for learning and growth.