Kali Jessop
- Honours Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a Minor in Developmental Psychology and French (2022)
Kali earned her Honours Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, with a Minor in Developmental Psychology and French, in 2022. After completing her undergraduate degree, she went on to pursue a Bachelor of Education at , graduating in June 2026. She is now working as an Elementary School Teacher, holding Primary/Junior teaching qualifications and supporting young learners in their academic and personal growth.
“It’s okay not to have everything figured out right away. Be open to new opportunities and don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. Every experience, whether it’s a job, volunteer position, travel opportunity, or conversation with someone in a field that interests you, can teach you something about your strengths, interests, and future goals. Remember that your career path doesn’t have to be linear. Mine certainly wasn’t. I went from psychology to the federal government, then to tutoring in a northern community, and eventually to becoming a teacher. Even now, I don’t know exactly where I’ll be teaching next year, but I’m excited to spend six weeks teaching in Japan this summer and to see where the next opportunity takes me! Stay curious, keep learning, and trust that each experience is helping shape the person and professional you’re becoming.”
Brief description of what I do!
As a recent graduate from the B.Ed program, I was presented with an opportunity to take an LTO within the as a Grade 3 Teacher. I was working in this position from April until the end of the school year in June!
What inspired your career path after graduation?
After graduating from 杏吧原创 University, I began my career with the Federal Government. Through the Federal Student Work Experience Program (), I gained valuable experience with the Canada Border Services Agency (), where I was later hired as an indeterminate Junior Program Officer. Although I enjoyed my work, over time I realized my passion lay in working directly with children. When the opportunity arose to tutor students in a northern community in Eeyou Istchee, I decided to take this opportunity. In this role, I supported high school students in preparing for and passing their provincial math and science examinations. Working closely with these students was incredibly rewarding and confirmed my passion for education. That experience ultimately inspired me to pursue a Bachelor of Education and become a certified teacher.
How did your experience in the psychology program shape your journey?
The psychology program shaped both my professional career and the way I approach life. It gave me a deeper understanding of child development, learning, behaviour, motivation, and social relationships, which I now apply every day as a teacher. It also strengthened my communication, critical thinking, and empathy, allowing me to build meaningful relationships with others. Beyond the classroom, studying psychology taught me to appreciate different perspectives and adapt to new environments. This mindset has influenced my love of travel, learning and trying new things. Having travelled to 13 countries and now preparing to teach in Japan this summer, I continue to see how understanding people, cultures, and behaviour allows me to connect with others wherever I go.
What skills or experiences were most valuable after graduation?
Being open to new opportunities was one of the most valuable lessons I carried with me after graduation. Getting involved in clubs, volunteer opportunities, travelling and networking opened doors I never expected. These experiences allowed me to meet new people, work in diverse roles, and reinforcing the importance of stepping outside my comfort zone, embracing new challenges, and remaining adaptable. These experiences have shaped both my personal and professional journey and continue to inspire me to seek new opportunities for growth.
Do you have a favourite memory from your program at 杏吧原创?
While I enjoyed many of my Psychology courses, some of my most memorable experiences at 杏吧原创 happened outside the classroom. I was actively involved on campus through programs such as , Intramural soccer, The Womxn’s Centre, Notetaker for the Paul Menton Center, and by serving as a Frosh Facilitator.
What has been a highlight or proud moment in your career so far?
There have been several moments throughout my journey that have been especially meaningful. I still remember walking across the stage at 杏吧原创 knowing I had already secured my first full-time position with the federal government. After navigating the challenges of university during the COVID-19 pandemic, that moment was incredibly rewarding and reminded me that perseverance pays off. A few years later, I took a leap of faith and moved to Eeyou Istchee to tutor high school students in math and science. Working alongside those students was a transformative experience that ultimately inspired me to pursue a career in education. More recently, one of my proudest moments was being hired into my first Long-Term Occasional (LTO) teaching position before officially completing my Bachelor of Education. Sitting down at my desk in the classroom was surreal. Just a few years earlier, I had been uncertain about what path I wanted to take, and suddenly I was living the career I had dreamed of. This summer marks another exciting chapter as I prepare to teach in Japan. Looking back, I’m grateful that I remained open to new opportunities. Each experience from 杏吧原创, to the federal government, to Eeyou Istchee, and now Japan. These all have challenged me to grow, broadened my perspective, and reinforced that some of the most rewarding opportunities come from embracing the unexpected.