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Oana Sfat
Year Graduated: 2021
Program/Degree: Professional Development Program
"Take the risk and do not get discouraged. The faculty associates will give you linguistic support for language acquisition and even for lesson planning. There is such a great, supportive community that will help you grow as a student and as a professional.”
From a very early age, Oana Sfat knew exactly what she wanted out of life.
“For as long as I can remember, I have always wanted to be a teacher. It has always been non-negotiable for me,” says Oana.
The teachers she met in high school and during her formative years only encouraged her further.
“They were my role models,” Oana explains. “They challenged and inspired me to be curious and to believe in myself. They still hold a special place in my heart.”
After finishing her bachelor’s degree, Oana applied to SFU’s Professional Development Program (PDP) hoping to finally realize her dream of becoming a teacher.
“Preparing to become a teacher starts long before you enter a program,” she says. “Before applying, I did a lot of research and I think the PDP is one of the best ways for future educators to enter the profession.”
Not one to shy away from a challenge, Oana also decided to complete her teacher education in French, joining the PDP’s increasingly popular module français.
“I chose to do the French module because I wanted to improve my French and practice it at an academic level,” says Oana.
While she admits doing the program in French was initially more demanding and challenging, the decision has paid off.
“French teachers are in high demand with the popularity of French immersion programs. Being able to teach in French is an enormous asset. It’s also given me more professional opportunities like teaching core French, French language in immersion programs, as well as my specialty subjects in French.”
For anyone thinking of doing the PDP in French, Oana says not to hesitate.
“Take the risk and do not get discouraged. The faculty associates will give you linguistic support for language acquisition and even for lesson planning. There is such a great, supportive community that will help you grow as a student and as a professional.”
As for her career, Oana is excited for what the future holds.
“Once I settle into teaching, I want to get my master’s in French education and further my career.”