Get to Know… Ms. Sveinson from Cambridge Elementary

Kristy had wanted to be a teacher for as long as she can remember, playing “school” all through her childhood.  As a child, she loved giving her friends homework and spelling tests, and when her friend once asked why she always had to be the “student”, Kristy explained, “because when I grow up, I am going to be a teacher”.

Both Kristy’s parents are educators, her father was a teacher and later a principal; her mother was a special education assistant.  She loved hearing the stories of how her parents helped their students and became inspired.

Kristy’s love of teaching and her students is immediately apparent, when I ask her what exactly she loves about teaching: “Oh my goodness… where do I begin?  There are so many things that are absolutely amazing about teaching.  I get to take these little five or six year olds and within a year, I see them become readers, writers and such confident little people.  The growth within one year is absolutely amazing and all the ‘aha’ moments… well let’s just say – it is why teachers teach!”

Outside of school, Kristy continues to teach in a different way… her adorable pocket beagles Sami and Sofi, still pups at 2 years old and 7 months.  They keep her busy and laughing, and in return she takes them on all kinds of adventures.

And, the five questions we always ask…

What do you love about this neighbourhood?  I would have to say what I notice most about working at Cambridge is the strength of community, despite the large size of it. Everyone seems to know everyone and people take care of each other. It reminds me of where I grew up… where our ‘friends’ became like ‘family’.

Tell us one thing that always makes you smile.  Only one thing? That is so difficult!!! There are so many, snowy mountains, my family, my puppies, when the plane safely touches down on the ground, looking at old pictures, when kids in Grade 1 tell me that I’m the best teacher they’ve ever had (haha)… but only one thing… one simple little thing – how about CHOCOLATE!

How do you keep sane?   I have a few ways of staying sane. I love to take Sami and Sofi for a walk, especially at Campbell Valley Park or along the beach. I spend a lot of time on the phone with my best friend, who lives in Peachland. She is also a teacher, and we spend a lot of time debriefing our days together and laughing about things that have happened!! I also love to ski and last year I started snowshoeing. I grew up skating and although I don’t get to skate as much anymore, I still love it! I’ve also been fortunate enough to have the opportunity to travel to some amazing places in this world.

Who is your hero?   My non-celebrity hero is my Grandmother. She taught me to always hold my head high and to be proud of who I am. And she taught me there was nothing wrong with dreaming!  My celebrity hero would be Terry Fox. Such strength, such character.

Mac or PC? Mac, definitely!!!