As we continue to profile our 2021 teaching recruits, today we meet Julia Brown, another one of our new science teachers with a love for science, the environment and inspiring creative problem-solvers.

Where were you born and where did you grow up? 

I was born and raised in London, Ontario (Canada!)

Where else have you lived besides Nelson? 

I spent two years in Christchurch.

Why did you decide to be a teacher? 

I have always loved working with people and am so grateful to be in a position where I get to share my love of science with the next generation of problem solvers and critical thinkers.

What do you like about teaching, and teaching at Nayland specifically? 

I love being in a position where I get to be a role model for students and share my interests with them. I love getting to know each student on a personal level. Nayland has given me so much support since I started and the students here are so free-thinking and creative.

What do you like to do in your spare time? 

You are pretty much guaranteed to find me outdoors in my spare time. Climbing mountains, sailing, kayaking, anything really! I also love reading and music and have recently been teaching myself the guitar.

What are your passions and areas of expertise? 

I studied health sciences and psychology, both of which are hugs interests of mine. I grew up with a love and appreciation of the environment as well and I have become that person on hikes who stops every 2 seconds to identify a plant.

What were you like as a student at school? 

I was incredibly chatty! I had good intentions and loved learning, but I had more energy than I knew what to do with.

Who has inspired you on your own learning journey? 

My parents. They are lifelong learners themselves and have always taught me and my brother to be curious, to have many interests, and the treat everyone with kindness.

Describe yourself with three words: 

Caring, passionate and creative.

Question from Henry Jones: What is a little-known fact about you? 

I speak fluent French and have a sailboat tattooed on my ankle!

What question would you like to ask the next interviewee?

If you weren't a teacher, what would you be doing?