Finding Her Rhythm: Maria’s Journey Toward Early Childhood Education

For as long as she can remember, Maria Suzin has loved dancing—and even more than performing, she loved teaching it. Growing up in Metro Vancouver, Maria spent years in the studio, eventually becoming a dance instructor for young children. That hands-on experience opened her eyes to something unexpected: a future in education.

“Teaching dance showed me that every child learns differently,” Maria shares. “You can do the same activity with two groups and have completely different results. I had to adjust and really think about what each group needed. That kind of adaptability is something I now bring into everything I do.”

Maria is now completing her Bachelor of General Studies in Education with a minor in Early Learning and Educational Psychology. She’s also a regular volunteer at the elementary school she attended as a child—giving back to the same community that helped shape her.

Discovering Community and Confidence at SFU

Maria didn’t originally set out to become a teacher. She began her undergraduate studies in the School for the Contemporary Arts at SFU, majoring in Theatre Production and Design on the Vancouver campus. While she loved the creativity and behind-the-scenes work of theatre, her heart was pulling her in a different direction–toward education and working with young children. 

Her part-time job as a dance teacher, where she worked closely with young children, began to shift her perspective. She found herself looking forward to those classes—the interactions, the laughter, the challenge of tailoring lessons to different kids—and realized that this kind of work lit her up in a different way.

“One thing that I’ve noticed in my job is that every child works completely differently,” Maria explains. “So, every time that I teach, I have to build my class to advocate for the children that I’m working with.”

That clarity led her to transfer to the Faculty of Education, where she saw a path that aligned more deeply with her strengths and values. “I’ve always enjoyed being around kids,” she says. “They’re creative, curious, and honest. I feel like I relate to them and that I can help them feel seen and supported.”

When she moved to SFU’s Burnaby campus, Maria looked for ways to meet like-minded peers—and quickly found the Education Student Association (ESA). “I wanted to connect with others in the Faculty of Education,” she explains. “When I found out about ESA, joining felt like the right move.”

Since then, she’s taken on a more active role in the ESA and built strong friendships through it. “Being part of a club can be overwhelming sometimes—especially when it comes to event planning—but it’s also one of the most fulfilling parts of my time at SFU,” she says. “It made me realize that SFU is more than just a place to study or write exams. It’s a place to grow and belong and has made my time here even more valuable.”

Looking Ahead to the Classroom–and Beyond

Now in her third year and just one year away from completing her degree, Maria is already planning her next step as she continues her teaching journey: applying to SFU’s Professional Development Program (PDP), where she hopes to deepen her teaching practice and eventually step into a kindergarten classroom of her own.

“I know the kind of teacher I want to be,” she says. “Someone who takes the time to get to know her students, understands what they need, and makes learning joyful and safe. I want to create a space where every child feels supported.”

For Maria, teaching is more than a career—it’s an extension of who she is: creative, compassionate, and community-driven. Whether she’s leading a dance class or volunteering in a school, her goal stays the same: to uplift and empower the next generation.