In my years of teaching social work, I’ve found that some of the most powerful lessons come not alwyas from textbooks, but also from the lived experiences of those around us. As educators, we often speak of social work values—empathy, advocacy, service, and social justice—as ideals to aspire to in professional practice. Yet these values truly come alive when we see them embodied in the lives of remarkable individuals who live these principles daily.
Today, I’m honored to share a beautiful tribute written by Lydia Tait, one of my students at Thompson Rivers University. In this moving essay, Lydia tells the story of her mother—a woman whose life journey exemplifies the core values we hold dear in social work. From fostering children and advocating for trans rights to serving her community as an educator and city councillor, her story reminds us that social work isn’t just a profession but a way of being in the world.
As we read Lydia’s account, we’re invited to reflect on how ordinary people can create extraordinary change through consistent acts of compassion and courage. This is the essence of what we aim to inspire in our students—the understanding that making “one thing better for one person” each day is indeed meaningful work.
I’m grateful to Lydia for allowing us to share in this personal reflection, and I hope it inspires all who read it to recognize the power of everyday advocacy and kindness.
A Life of Love, Strength, and Service: My Mother’s Story
By Lydia Tait
My mother was born on April 1. Her arrival into the world was met with skepticism—my grandmother, Val, is a twin, and when she went into labor, my great-aunt didn’t believe her at first, thinking it was an April Fool’s joke. My mom was the second-born in her family, growing up in Whitehorse, Yukon, before heading to the University of Guelph in 1997 to pursue a degree in physical science.
However, life had other plans. She took a break from university to travel and work, spending time modeling for magazines in Greece and Japan before eventually settling in Vancouver. It was there that she met my dad. I was born in August 2004, followed by my brother in March 2006. Despite balancing motherhood, she remained committed to her education, earning her bachelor’s degree in December 2005 and walking the stage in February 2006.
In April 2008, our family moved from Vancouver to Nelson. My mom worked as a bartender and server while also tutoring high school students in math. By May 2009, our family had grown again with the birth of my sister. With multiple young children at home, she made the decision to homeschool us rather than send us to traditional school. In January 2011, another sibling joined our family.
Somewhere along the way, my mom decided that four kids under eight was not enough chaos—so we became a foster family. More children began coming in and out of our home, yet she somehow found more love to give. In December 2014, my youngest brother was born. She continued homeschooling us until 2017, when we all transitioned into public school.
Throughout her life, my mother has been a steadfast advocate for trans women and gender-diverse individuals, never hesitating to stand up for inclusivity and justice. When the Nelson and District Women’s Centre faced internal conflicts over gender inclusion, she was vocal in her support for trans women’s rights, challenging those who sought to exclude them from vital services. She firmly believed that all women, including trans women, deserve access to safe spaces, resources, and community support. Her advocacy was not just words—she actively engaged in discussions, supported inclusive policies, and ensured that those who were marginalized had a voice. Long before the centre publicly apologized for past exclusion, my mother was already living by the values they have now committed to—fighting for a world where equality and dignity are not conditional.
Never one to stop learning, she became an instructor at Selkirk College and, in 2022, earned her Master of Mathematics for Teachers from the University of Guelph. In 2023, she successfully ran for city council, securing widespread community support. Recognizing that Nelson has the second highest homeless population per capita in BC, she prioritized direct engagement with unhoused individuals, ensuring that their perspectives and lived experiences informed conversations surrounding policies. A lifelong advocate for marginalized voices, she instilled in me from a young age the importance of standing up for equity, justice, and meaningful change.
More than anything, my mother has taught me that true worth is found in kindness, intelligence, and courage—not just in appearance. She often reminded me, “You are good, you are kind, you are clever, you are brave.” These words have become a mantra I repeat whenever I feel overwhelmed.
One memory that stands out to me is a seemingly small moment that perfectly captures who she is. One day, while driving home, she spotted a young man struggling to carry bags of groceries up Nelson’s steep hills. Despite my teenage embarrassment, she ignored my protests, stopped the car, and insisted we help. “If we have the means to make someone’s life a little easier without hurting ourselves, why wouldn’t we?” she said.
She has always lived by that philosophy—lifting others up, offering a helping hand, and teaching by example. She instilled in me the belief that if all you do in a day is make one thing better for one person, then you have had a productive day. As I pursue a career in social work, I can only hope to carry even a fraction of the love and compassion that she gives so effortlessly.
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