Julie Kissel, BSc Che Engg

Education Student Teacher

Werkland School of Education, University of Calgary

Welcome to my education e-portfolio! Join me on my journey in becoming an educator!

ABOUT ME

First and foremost, I am a devoted mother to three incredible daughters who endlessly inspire my life’s journey!

There’s nothing I wouldn’t do for my children—they are my greatest inspiration. Homeschooling them for a few years sparked a passion for teaching I never knew I had, ultimately leading me to pursue an education degree. I found immense joy in crafting lesson plans, tracking their progress, and learning alongside them. Those years are among the most cherished moments of my life, forever etched in my heart.

From Chemical Engineering to Education: A Career Dedicated to Growth and Impact

I earned a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering and served as a reservoir engineer at Imperial Oil for six years. My deep-rooted passion for mathematics and science drove my initial career choice, allowing me to thrive in the dynamic field of engineering.

With the growth of my family and the establishment of our family business, I transitioned from engineering to focus on business development and operations. The analytical skills, problem-solving abilities, and adaptability honed during my engineering education and professional career were pivotal to the success of our business. This experience reinforced my belief in the power of a growth mindset, which now forms the cornerstone of my teaching philosophy. I am committed to fostering critical thinking, confidence, and a love for learning in my students, equipping them with the tools to achieve success in their academic and personal endeavors.

 

Life on our family farm

My beloved husband and I reside in rural Alberta, where we raise our children on a small farm teeming with chickens, horses, miniature horses, cows, bees, a dog, and a cat. We treasure the homesteading lifestyle, which fosters a healthier, more fulfilling existence and deepens our appreciation for the origins of our food. The farm offers our children boundless opportunities for growth and learning, from operating equipment and butchering chickens to delivering calves, harvesting honey, canning, and baking. These experiences cultivate invaluable life lessons and skills that enrich their lives.

A Reflection on My Personal Well-Being

To nurture my personal well-being, I engage in a variety of fulfilling activities daily. I am an avid reader, deeply drawn to historical fiction inspired by real-world events, such as life during World War II, and I occasionally immerse myself in the imaginative worlds of science fiction.

My husband is a cornerstone of my well-being, serving as my steadfast support and confidant. Together, we navigate the challenges of running a family business, leaning on each other to overcome obstacles and maintain balance.

Our farm lifestyle is another cherished source of joy and grounding. I find immense satisfaction in tending to my bees, preparing meals entirely from our homegrown produce, and spending time with our farm animals. These activities connect me to the land and foster a sense of purpose and tranquility.

Above all, my children bring profound peace and joy to my life (with the occasional whirlwind, of course!). Watching them thrive in sports, connect with friends, and grow into compassionate, empathetic young women fills me with pride. Driving them to lessons and extracurricular activities, though sometimes hectic, offers me a chance to step away from my own stresses and delight in their experiences, reminding me of the simple joys in life.

 

Getting Ready for a New Season in Life!

I’m Back in School to Earn an Education degree!

Hello! I’m Mrs. Kissel. Get In Touch Anytime!

(780) 545-9460

julie.kissel@ucalgary.ca