Community connections

Hey Darya! This is what I came up with. You can edit some of it is you want or add anything that you can think of.
  1. Why are you passionate about your job?
I am passionate about my job because everyday I get to do something that i love. I also get to teach kids that were just like me when i was younger. I get to be creative, athletic, and organized, which are things that i enjoy.

2. What obstacles did you have to go through to get to where you are now?

I have been part of this community for 18 years and have gotten the chance to work with many different mentors as well as fellow students. This for some could be an obstacle to face when starting in this field. Before I was allowed to start teaching I was part of a student teaching program for around 5 years where I was a helper in class rooms. I was monitored and asked to help with student management and class prep but no choreography. This program was a volunteer opportunity and was limited in space. This gave me a inside look at what goes into to being a teacher. Many people don’t get a opportunity to do this which could make the process of being qualified enough a obstacle.

3. What are some tips you would give someone who is interested in what you’re doing?

If someone wanted to become a dance teacher I would suggest that they should prepare themselves as best they can. This to me means understand how big that this commitment is. I teach the same schedule from september to june like the school district schedule. There is also more aspect then just teaching children. Things like invoicing are aspects of this job that I had no idea how to do before I started. Being a dance teacher at a privately owned studio is different then if you are working for a big company, you need to be able to communicate with lots of different people like parents, kids and coworkers.

4. Would you be open to do something like this again with another riverside student? If yes, how could they contact you?

yes I would be open to do something like this, here’s my contact info:
Ashleigh Gemmell
cell: 7788757433

5. What’s your favourite part of this job?

I love the opportunity to be apart of many kids lives, and be able to watch them grow and advance through the years.

6. What made you want to go into this career?

My dance teacher growing up is one of the many  role models in my life and it was the way that she affected my life and encouraged me made me want to learn more. Also, who wouldn’t want to have a career doing something that they love!