Sheldon & Jennifer Dahl

Sheldon and Jennifer Dahl met when they were 14. They both attended the University of Alberta, and went to Japan for a year after graduating. Now, this Power Duo lives in Fort McMurray where they are both teachers; Sheldon teaches Social Studies and Jennifer teaches Music. YMM: What are the most rewarding parts of your careers? SD: We bring a lot of passion to our subject areas and we love watching the spark of understanding ignite in our students. YMM: Tell us about your volunteer experience in the community. SD: I have been actively involved in community theatre since 2015. JD: I have been active in the Fort McMurray Music Teachers’ Association and Dr. Clark School Council and Fundraising Committee. Together, we have volunteered for a variety of political campaigns. YMM: What accomplishments are you most proud of? JD: I am most proud of going back to post-secondary schooling to get my Education degree. SD: I am most proud of the mental health hurdles that I’ve been able to overcome in the last seven years. Together, we are proud of how much we have supported each other. YMM: What keeps you in Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo? JD: Our friends and family. We have grown strong roots here through our community involvement. YMM: In your opinion, in what areas could the community improve? SD: Work can too easily become the focus of life here and people can miss out on enjoying the region and learning from others who are here. YMM: What does community mean to you? JD: Community is built through shared experience and it grows stronger as we expand our circle. YMM: What is the best advice that you ever received? JD: Secure your own oxygen mask first before helping others. One of the ways we do this as a couple is by having regular date nights. YMM: What is the worst advice that you ever received? SD: Any example of toxic positivity like “happiness is a choice”.  Life is hard sometimes. Mental health struggles are real. Instead of thinking happy thoughts take action to change things for the better. YMM: Who is your hero, and why? SD: Larry Newman was an important mentor for me at the start of my career, and has had a lasting impact on me. JD: I would give a shout-out to so many everyday heroes, from parents of special needs children to new Canadians. Everyone who gives what they can to make our world a better place. YMM: Describe your perfect day in Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo. SD: We would start the day with some locally roasted java from Sunday Coffee Roasters, peruse some new titles from the Wood Buffalo Regional Library, have lunch at Mitchell’s, float down the Clearwater River with friends for the afternoon, enjoy dinner at Surekha’s, see a Keyano Theatre production, and end the night with Cocktails by Boots.