A Message from Margaret Boersma
We all have defining moments that shape who we become and the impact we make in the world. I want to share a few of mine in the hope that they inspire you to reflect on your own journey.
I believe we are all here to make a difference—but discovering our purpose and where to focus our energy can be challenging. They say hindsight is 20/20, yet when we’re in the thick of things, the path forward can feel unclear.
A Defining Moment: Feeling Stuck
As the eldest child of Dutch immigrants, learning English as a second language wasn’t seen as interesting—it was just… different. In fact, in the community where I grew up, it was considered weird.
I’ll never forget the moment that shook my confidence. I was 11 years old, standing on the back doorstep, when I overheard my mother on the phone, exasperated:
"She just can’t learn!"
What I heard in my heart was: I am stupid. Life will always be hard.
I recalled all the frustrating moments—struggling with spelling, math, and reading comprehension. No matter how much my mom helped, learning felt like an uphill battle.
A Turning Point: Taking Control of My Future
By grade 10, my marks plummeted. High school was overwhelming, and I was in survival mode.
One day, my mom sat me down and said,
"I talked to the guidance counsellor, and she highly recommends you move to the general (applied) stream next year."
A wave of relief washed over me, but then doubt crept in. Would this decision cut off future opportunities?
"Can I go back to academics if it doesn’t work out?" I asked.
"That’s never done," she replied. "Once you’re in general, it’s too hard to go back."
But I knew I didn’t belong there. I made a plan. I worked harder than ever, determined to return to the academic stream—something that just wasn’t done. And yet, I did it.
A Moment of Clarity: Finding My Passion
In my last year of high school, I was walking past the elementary school when I heard children singing. In an instant, I was transported back to my childhood—singing with my sisters in the backseat of the car, dancing to Mary Poppins songs.
That moment awakened something deep inside me.
"If I were a teacher, my students would learn through singing, dancing, acting, and playing games."
For the first time, I felt excited about learning. I realized that I didn’t just want to teach—I wanted to change the way things were taught.
A Career of Impact: Transforming Education
I went on to teacher’s college, excelling in both my studies and practicums. I loved working with children, helping them not just learn, but truly understand.
I also discovered something else: I was an artist. Using the arts—mime, creative dance, storytelling—I could reach students on an emotional level, helping them process and engage with learning in a way that traditional methods never could.
Over the years, my passion expanded beyond the classroom. After decades of teaching, I now work at the school and board/district level, training educators and leaders both locally and abroad.
The Bigger Mission: Transforming Systems for Thriving Schools
I am committed to transforming the way we educate—ensuring that social and emotional learning (SEL) is embedded in both school curriculums and workplace environments. When we equip people with practical SEL skills—like conflict resolution, stress management, and empathy-building—we don’t just improve learning outcomes; we transform communities.
My vision? A world where education fosters collaboration, creativity, and problem-solving. Where teachers are equipped with whole-brain learning strategies that engage students deeply.
I never could have imagined this path when I was a struggling student, feeling lost and incapable. But looking back, I see now that my struggles became my purpose.
What About You?
What has shaped your journey?
What impact do you want to make in the world?
