In the past, I struggled with managing my mental health, especially as a student. To manage my work and life balance, I took steps towards learning about the ways I can manage my mental health and maintain a positive relationship with my learning and teaching. Keeping journals is a strategy I use to tap into my thoughts and emotions throughout the day. This allows me critically think about what I have encountered or learned and the ways it can benefit me. As an educator, I will strive to ensure that I provide students ample time and resources to check in with their emotions through creative journal reflection. Reflection can encourage students to be comfortable in their own thoughts and give room to practice (Ballard, 2017). Maintaing these mindful activities in the classroom can create an environment where students are motivated to share their thoughts and connect their feelings to their work.

As an undergraduate and graduate student I learned the value of collaboration while completing school work and assignments. Learning through collaborative projects and online environments allowed me to not only learn from my peers, but to practice with an open mind. Considering and debating other member's perspectives and opinions created more opportunity for productive discussion and critical thinking skills to develop. As an educator, I will strive to ensure that students have opportunity for both collarborative work and independent work. Adding a social context to their work will allows students to "join in manipulating materials and thus create a community of learners who build knowledge individuall and collectively (Chao et al, 2002). The co-constructed knowledge students build through peer to peer learning not only puts themselves in the driver's seat of their education, but provides opportunity to improve social skills, problem solving and cooperation.

As an artist, I consistently tie in creativity in any aspect of what I do. As an avid creator, I explore the ways in which I can represent myself and my identity in to my work. As an educator, I strive to ensure my students see themselves relfected in the work they create. I believe student representation and autonomy in the classroom coupled with creativity can motivate and engage students even more. Regardless of the subjects I have taught throughout my practicums, I provide opportunities for students to display their creative sides within their work by providing options for assessment. For example, allowing for poetic expression, dance presentations, creating a collage or website, or maintaining a refelctive journal, all invite pieces of students' identities to be present in their work. This form of holistic education motivates students and helps them feel empowered as they find their "intellectual, emotional, and moral awakening" (Jae-Young, 2014). This opportunity for self-inquiry and self-expression creates a welcoming environment through a holisitic approach (Campbell, 2011).