Luminaries: May

Our seventh luminary is May!

I have had the honour of knowing May for several years now. May was co-nominated by myself and my friend Aislin, in recognition of her leadership, compassion, kindness, patience, and the inspiring way that she lives and works. May and her colleagues have cared for all four of our children intermittently since 2018 and we are so grateful for her. To see May is to smile. She just radiates joy and I’m delighted to celebrate her as part of this project.

The Luminaries Project is a personal creative project that celebrates women over 40 who are lighting the way for others in their communities. I am still accepting nominations, so if you know someone special, please read more and nominate them.

May with four of the children in her care, all of whom adore her: Felix, Beatrix, Sterling and Aoibhín.

Name: May Razalan Reyes

Age: 47

Current occupation: Early Childhood Educator Supervisor

Past occupations: Kindergarten teacher (Phillippines), grade one teacher (Phillippines), educational assistant (Edmonton Catholic School Division)

Why I chose to work in childcare: This is the closest or most related to my past occupation. Ever since I was young I enjoyed working with children. I love watching them grow and develop into confident, self-sufficient learners. Every day I learn new things and grow with every learning phase. I like working with families, fulfilling each child’s needs and supporting their growth. Working in childcare is a fantastic experience. Children are truly amazing, and it is a joy to see them grow, play and achieve their milestones. It is difficult but the rewards are enormous.

To describe myself in five words: I am cheerful, loving, loud, flexible and passionate about my work.

In my free time, I love gardening. I love watching my plants grow. I love to see flowers bloom.

A book I'm currently reading: “The Queen, her life.” I am a fan of the royals, especially Queen Elizabeth II and Princess Diana.

I love to listen to: love songs and sometimes rock songs, depending on the mood.

My morning routine: I wake up at 5am, do a quick 20 minute Zumba. I love to dance. Prepare breakfast for my family, prepare my packed lunch, shower and then go to work.

The biggest adventure of my life was when my family migrated here to Canada. We had to leave everything back home. Few friends, no close relatives, just us. Our start was rough. I had to adjust to the culture, to the weather, to the food. I could not work because I got pregnant, and I was left alone at home. I would cry every day. My mom lives in the US and would call me but after the phone call I was sad again. I almost gave up, but my husband and parents kept encouraging me tot hold on.

After giving birth, I applied at [the daycare where I now work], and I was hired. The best thing was I could bring my baby to work. From then on, I worked harder every day. I came to work inspired and happy. There are times that I would leave the Centre, but I keep on coming back, because this place is where my son and I grew up. I grew up maturely and I became a better person in this place.

Life is easier now because I embraced the people and the culture, the climate of this country which I call a home away from home.

What I love about my current age: I can say I am more mature because I have learned not to expect too much from people. I have learned to go with the flow of life. I am calmer now than before.

I try to foster these traits in the children I work with: I want to foster joy in the children for them to always see the bright side. By making the child feel that I am there to listen and care about their feelings is fostering empathy.

I hope every child who attends our daycare learns how to share, how to be patient. I want them to learn how to communicate. I want them to learn the colours, alphabet, numbers. I want them to develop their thinking skills by playing and exploring the world through their imagination and curiosity.

When I mentor people who are beginning their careers, I try to help them learn how to interact with children. I teach them to listen and acknowledge children’s feelings. I teach them to encourage each child to play and explore.

I feel proud when I see people close to me overcome their challenges. I feel proud when I see my children achieve something like finishing college.

People who inspire me: my mom. She is a retired teacher; my dad, for he inspired me to work harder; my husband because of the hardships we have gone through and how we overcame them. And we would say, “we have come this far; we have been through lots; this will come to pass” and always with a prayer.

What I am looking forward to right now is to retire one day and travel the world.

Advice for those thinking of pursuing a career in early childhood education: [this career] offers endless opportunities to explore and keep learning. Every child is unique and will teach you something new about the field. But seeing the world through a child’s eye, all that possibility, positivity, and excitement for life is worth it. When you do your job well, you will be forever appreciated by parents, families and the little ones you work with . You will know how much your work matters and feel a sense of fulfillment each day. If you love being with children and are creative and energetic, this is your dream job. There are days that will test your patience, but no matter what happens, when you see those smiling faces everyt day you will say that you have the best job in the world.

Luminaries: Leah

Our sixth luminary is Leah!

I would love to share some advice that Leah shared with me at the end of our shoot, when we were discussing the challenges of balancing motherhood and work. She explained that sometimes the onslaught of demands can make feel like you’re floating in a swamp surrounded by alligators. The key, Leah said, is to only worry about the alligator closest to your boat.

I loved that!

Leah was nominated by three people, her daughter Jessica, her son Brandon and her daughter-in-law, Krizela. Here are some of the things they had to say about Leah.

“She's incredibly caring, selfless and brave. She supports fiercely and never let's people give up on themselves. She taught me what bravery was and that you're never too old to chase your dreams.”

“She went from a small town girl into the military, into a medical role that took her across Canada, the US, Europe and served time in Afghanistan working in hospitals to help any and all that required her aid. She actively brightens the day of those around her and works to solve problems. She is a font of compassion and one of the truly caring people of the world.”

“She worked up from nothing, raised 5 children into adulthood and still does what she can to guide them, all the while having to constantly leave home to serve in North America and overseas. She always makes others feel at ease and worries about others, even if they don't worry about themselves. She is loved dearly in her family, amongst her colleagues. I feel she would be a great example of a person that even through adversity remained humble and trudged on.”

The Luminaries Project is a personal creative project that celebrates women over 40 who are lighting the way for others in their communities. I am still accepting nominations, so if you know someone special, please read more and nominate them.

Name: Leah Boyd

Age: 60

Current occupation: Physician Assistant (PA) with Inspiromed

Past occupations: Military PA, Medical Technician (Med Tech), EMT

To describe myself in five words: determined, dedicated, loyal, compassionate, mom

In my free time, I love quilting, sewing, gardening, knitting, crochet, cross stitch, spending time with family and grandkids

A book I'm currently reading: Marilla of Green Gables

I love to listen to: a variety of music, podcasts and local radio

My morning routine: not very elaborate: shower, hair and makeup, drive to work, on days off, relax on the couch, drink my coffee, plan the day and play with our dog, Nyla

A decision I made that changed my life was: to join the military in order to give myself and my children more opportunities and education.

The biggest adventure of my life: I have had several adventures, some of biggest have been raising a large family, a tour to Afghanistan and work in the Role 3 Hospital with some of the most incredible caregivers and doctors, and a humanitarian tour on the Mercy Ship.

What I love about my current age: I love who I am, I am comfortable and confident in my own skin, I have time to spend with family and especially grandchildren I didn't have before. I have the time to do the things I love.

Some issues I am passionate about are: older women's physical and mental health issues. The process of physical aging for women is more commonly talked about now than in my mother's generation, but there are still a lot of taboo topics and misinformation. Reaching menopause is not a conclusion at the end of a stage of life; life goes on past this. Ongoing feminine health information is still important. Family doctors need to continue to educate women through menopause and beyond, and foster an atmosphere that allows the sensitive issues to be discussed.

I feel proud when: I see my family and grandchildren happy and successful in whatever they put their hands too. When Dean (my husband) and I attain our personal and professional goals.

Some people who inspire me are: my parents, my children and my husband. Several inspirational speakers e.g. Brene Brown

When I'm going through a tough time, what usually helps me feel better is: thinking things through, coming up with a plan and understanding what I have control over and what I don't, and of course a good cup of tea!

What I'm looking forward to right now is: time with family, planning to learn to take lessons to play a cello, finish unpacking this house.

Personal philosophy/favorite quote?

I have several:

“Excellence is never an accident; it is the result of high intention, sincere effort, intelligent direction, skillful execution, and the vision to see obstacles as opportunities.” - Aristotle

Age is a number not a definition.

How you talk to yourself is important.

Do your best at whatever you are doing.

People might be surprised to know that: I joined the military at 40, got a degree at 54, had five children (my oldest is 42), and I'm a seamstress.

Advice for those thinking of pursuing a career in the military: Don't believe the recruiter — this is not camping as you know it. It's not for the faint of heart, but one of the best jobs I ever had! If you want to be part of something big, travel to unusual places, have dangerous and interesting adventures, make friends, have brothers and sisters not related by blood, have access to continuing education , be mentors, humanitarians and leaders, have great dental, medical and pension benefits, and like wearing green, this could be a job for you!

Anything else you'd like to add? I have had an adventurous and interesting life thus far and I'm grateful for every opportunity given to me and to every person who helped me along the way. Most of all I'm grateful for a supportive and loving family. I look forward to “Act Three” as my children put it and to age with grace!