First-year Centennial College student Megan Oates was one of the privileged and proud Canadians to run with the Olympic torch as the sacred flame wound its way through Ontario to Toronto recently. She belongs to the school of hospitality.
Oates was handed the torch at 5:45 am on a frigid pre-dawn street corner in Whitby on Dec. 17 and ran the prescribed 300 metres in about two minutes as her family, friends and neighbours cheered her on. The emotion-filled run ended far too soon, but it was a memorable experience just the same.
Oates had applied to Coca-Cola last winter after watching a TV commercial promoting the torch relay. She didn’t hear back from contest organizers until July, when she received an e-mail informing her that she had made it to the second round, based on a random draw. The next step required her to write a short essay explaining why she deserved to carry the torch.
“I received an e-mail from VANOC (the company that is running the Olympics) in September saying that my essay had been picked!” Oates recalls excitedly. She then had to fill out a barrage of forms and was eventually assigned a spot in Whitby, which is near her Pickering home.
“I got my uniform a couple weeks ago, and I actually had the opportunity to purchase the torch that I am carrying,” says Oates. “Since it is a little bit out of my price range, it is going to be my Christmas present from my parents.”
Oates is a student in Centennial’s unique Cultural and Heritage Tourism program, which prepares students for careers in the growing cultural and heritage tourism sector around the world. The school of hospitality makes the students fully equipped for their career. Ironically, Canada’s Olympic Torch Relay is the type of event she will likely be planning in her own career in the future.
The 2010 Olympic Torch Relay is a 45,000-kilometre journey across Canada that will unify the country and build excitement for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games. The relay, which involves 12,000 runners, is more than 100 days long, and will visit over 1,000 communities and places of interest. The Vancouver Winter Games will open on February 12.
Monday, January 4, 2010
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Kwesi Johnson Keeps Going and Going
Growing up in a tough Toronto neighborhood, Kwesi Johnson's sense of community responsibility was seeded when he was 12 years old. That's when he met a youth worker who would often shoot hoops with the kids on the playground, all the while talking about respect and avoiding the lure of joining a gang.
Before Kwesi knew it, he was volunteering to teach basketball skills to six- and seven-year-olds at the Malvern Family Resource Centre in Scarborough. Soon he was helping to plan community walks, discussion forums, tournaments and trips for the children. Whether he was working as a camp counselor, helping with their homework or just talking to them, Kwesi's own message was constant: Respect yourself, respect others.
Kwesi saw a rewarding career in his work and came to Centennial College to enroll in the child and youth worker program. His teachers were impressed with this energetic young man. Outside of class, Kwesi volunteered for a long list of agencies, including the Alliance of Guyanese Canadian Organization, the Anglican Church of the Nativity, and the Black Communities and Police Consultative Committee.
Kwesi is adamant, his Centennial professors and the opportunities they provided helped shape his path and instill in him a passion for education. He recalls one teacher who led a class discussion about a local tragedy in which a young man had killed his little brother. When the discussion was over, Kwesi still had an agonizing question for his teacher: What could drive someone to stab his brother to death?
"He said, 'You know what? I'm not sure. Why don't you find out and come back?' The way he looked at me, I knew he wanted me to continue learning - and I will," Kwesi recounts.
He worked hard, both, in and outside of classroom to learn how to reach troubled youth. It was hard not to notice his efforts; nobody can forget Kwesi once they've met him. So it came as no surprise to anyone that his work got recognized.
Kwesi was one of three young Ontarians awarded the 2007 Lincoln Alexander Award for Leadership in Eliminating Racial Discrimination. In 2008, he was given the Alumnus of Distinction Award from Centennial's Department of Community Services. Kwesi also earned a national scholarship from the Black Business and Professional Association the same year.
With his Centennial diploma complete, Kwesi felt he needed a degree to cap off his formal education. He applied to Ryerson University, where his college diploma allowed him to enter the third year of the four-year Child and Youth Care program.
It wasn't long before he made his mark on the downtown campus, volunteering for a number of initiatives while never taking his eye off his goal of changing young lives. He invited community groups to come and present to students, and became a co-ordinator of the program's mentors.
"Focus on the task, on your craft," he counsels others who are contemplating a career-oriented education.
His two years at Ryerson passed quickly. Last June, Kwesi was called to the Convocation stage not only to receive his degree, but also to collect the Ryerson Gold Medal for his outstanding grade point average and his demonstrated commitment to community involvement. The graduating class erupted with applause.
"My love for learning solidified when I came to Ryerson. I kept going and going," he grins. And, despite his dyslexia, Kwesi is taking his education to the next level. He started a Master's program in sociology and education at the University of Toronto this fall, with an eye to attaining a PhD.
All the while, Kwesi continues to work at East Metro Youth Services, close to the people and the neighborhoods he has long had a vested interest in helping.
"It's what I'm all about: connecting with child & youth worker and allowing them to have experiences they would like to have. They're the next generation. They're so impressionable, but they will teach you too - a lot about yourself and a lot about them."
Before Kwesi knew it, he was volunteering to teach basketball skills to six- and seven-year-olds at the Malvern Family Resource Centre in Scarborough. Soon he was helping to plan community walks, discussion forums, tournaments and trips for the children. Whether he was working as a camp counselor, helping with their homework or just talking to them, Kwesi's own message was constant: Respect yourself, respect others.
Kwesi saw a rewarding career in his work and came to Centennial College to enroll in the child and youth worker program. His teachers were impressed with this energetic young man. Outside of class, Kwesi volunteered for a long list of agencies, including the Alliance of Guyanese Canadian Organization, the Anglican Church of the Nativity, and the Black Communities and Police Consultative Committee.
Kwesi is adamant, his Centennial professors and the opportunities they provided helped shape his path and instill in him a passion for education. He recalls one teacher who led a class discussion about a local tragedy in which a young man had killed his little brother. When the discussion was over, Kwesi still had an agonizing question for his teacher: What could drive someone to stab his brother to death?
"He said, 'You know what? I'm not sure. Why don't you find out and come back?' The way he looked at me, I knew he wanted me to continue learning - and I will," Kwesi recounts.
He worked hard, both, in and outside of classroom to learn how to reach troubled youth. It was hard not to notice his efforts; nobody can forget Kwesi once they've met him. So it came as no surprise to anyone that his work got recognized.
Kwesi was one of three young Ontarians awarded the 2007 Lincoln Alexander Award for Leadership in Eliminating Racial Discrimination. In 2008, he was given the Alumnus of Distinction Award from Centennial's Department of Community Services. Kwesi also earned a national scholarship from the Black Business and Professional Association the same year.
With his Centennial diploma complete, Kwesi felt he needed a degree to cap off his formal education. He applied to Ryerson University, where his college diploma allowed him to enter the third year of the four-year Child and Youth Care program.
It wasn't long before he made his mark on the downtown campus, volunteering for a number of initiatives while never taking his eye off his goal of changing young lives. He invited community groups to come and present to students, and became a co-ordinator of the program's mentors.
"Focus on the task, on your craft," he counsels others who are contemplating a career-oriented education.
His two years at Ryerson passed quickly. Last June, Kwesi was called to the Convocation stage not only to receive his degree, but also to collect the Ryerson Gold Medal for his outstanding grade point average and his demonstrated commitment to community involvement. The graduating class erupted with applause.
"My love for learning solidified when I came to Ryerson. I kept going and going," he grins. And, despite his dyslexia, Kwesi is taking his education to the next level. He started a Master's program in sociology and education at the University of Toronto this fall, with an eye to attaining a PhD.
All the while, Kwesi continues to work at East Metro Youth Services, close to the people and the neighborhoods he has long had a vested interest in helping.
"It's what I'm all about: connecting with child & youth worker and allowing them to have experiences they would like to have. They're the next generation. They're so impressionable, but they will teach you too - a lot about yourself and a lot about them."
Friday, December 25, 2009
With All The Doors Open to Him, Vishal Chooses College
"My parents put me in boarding school to make me more outgoing and creative," recalls international student Vishal Member. "We learned in English to ensure we had a global experience."
He attended New Era High School in Panchgani, India, where he lived and studied until the end of grade 10. Vishal completed grades 11 and 12 back home in Surat, achieving the second-highest grade point average in the province.
Given his excellent education, it would not be a stretch to say Vishal could look forward to being warmly received by any university anywhere in the world.
So why would he choose to go to Centennial College in Canada?
"I picked Canada as my destination because it has a stable economy and it has a reputation for welcoming immigrants," Vishal smiles. "And I chose Centennial because I liked the fact it was Ontario’s first community college, which suggests to me it is an established and successful learning institution."
Vishal had the means to go to any university he wanted, but decided to pursue a college education.
"University is more theoretical. I wanted the benefits of practical knowledge – that's what is important to me, the application of knowledge," he says.
Vishal arrived in Toronto in 2006 and immediately plunged into his studies at Centennial. He had no relatives in Canada; instead, he came with two friends and rented an apartment in the city together.
Vishal started in the three-year Business Administration program, but he stumbled at first. Unacquainted with the Canadian teaching style, his marks suffered. He also had to overcome his culture shock.
"Despite the fact there are many South Asians in Canada, international students undergo some culture shock when they come here, no question," he says.
Harking back to his boarding-school days, Vishal knew he needed to get involved in the student government, and began applying himself to both his homework and to the rigours of college politics. He campaigned hard and won the position of campus vice-president.
"Working for the Centennial College Student Association gives me some experience I can apply in the business world," Vishal says. "International students see me as an example of what you can do in this country."
Sitting on the Student Association board introduced Vishal to a whole new world of committee work, including being involved in the college's management hiring committees, as well as listening to students’ concerns and finding solutions.
Vishal was surprised by the responsibilities the student government has taken on, including a $4-million annual budget, managing the money it collects in student fees to spend on campus recreation and special events.
"The college relies on the Student Association to make student life better on campus. So we offer many services and special events for them," he explains. “We financed, built and operate the Progress Campus Student Centre, and now we’re in charge of the $27-million Athletic and Wellness Centre construction."
The work apparently agreed with Vishal and his successes became evident to everyone. When the position of Student Association President came up for election, he applied himself and won. Now he sits at the head table – the college's Board of Governors – where he gets to participate in top-drawer decisions of the college.
"It's taken me to the next step. I can provide better representation of our students, and I can tell you college administrators take my ideas very seriously," he says. His governance work complements the real-world lessons he's acquiring in his classes.
"The teachers here are great, and the learning experience in the classroom has been very useful," he says. "Back home, the teaching approach was very theoretical; it focused on what the textbooks say. Here, it's changing according to the economy. Everyday there's something new to learn."
Vishal graduated last June with a grade point average of 3.56. As Student Association President, he had the honour of addressing each of the graduating classes. When it came time to cross the convocation stage himself, the students erupted in applause.
"My grandparents traveled from India to witness my convocation. They saw first-hand how I lived and how I am thought of at the college." If there were any doubts about the value of a college education on the part of his parents and grandparents, they were erased that day.
Today Vishal is taking some accounting courses at Centennial while he serves as Student Association President. He'll be eligible for permanent residency in six months, and he's already committed to making Canada his home base as he begins his entrepreneurial venture, which he says will take him around the world.
Does he have any regrets about coming to Centennial College to learn his business skills, rather than attending a world-class university?
"None. I've had a very favourable experience coming here," Vishal smiles. "I highly recommend it!"
He attended New Era High School in Panchgani, India, where he lived and studied until the end of grade 10. Vishal completed grades 11 and 12 back home in Surat, achieving the second-highest grade point average in the province.
Given his excellent education, it would not be a stretch to say Vishal could look forward to being warmly received by any university anywhere in the world.
So why would he choose to go to Centennial College in Canada?
"I picked Canada as my destination because it has a stable economy and it has a reputation for welcoming immigrants," Vishal smiles. "And I chose Centennial because I liked the fact it was Ontario’s first community college, which suggests to me it is an established and successful learning institution."
Vishal had the means to go to any university he wanted, but decided to pursue a college education.
"University is more theoretical. I wanted the benefits of practical knowledge – that's what is important to me, the application of knowledge," he says.
Vishal arrived in Toronto in 2006 and immediately plunged into his studies at Centennial. He had no relatives in Canada; instead, he came with two friends and rented an apartment in the city together.
Vishal started in the three-year Business Administration program, but he stumbled at first. Unacquainted with the Canadian teaching style, his marks suffered. He also had to overcome his culture shock.
"Despite the fact there are many South Asians in Canada, international students undergo some culture shock when they come here, no question," he says.
Harking back to his boarding-school days, Vishal knew he needed to get involved in the student government, and began applying himself to both his homework and to the rigours of college politics. He campaigned hard and won the position of campus vice-president.
"Working for the Centennial College Student Association gives me some experience I can apply in the business world," Vishal says. "International students see me as an example of what you can do in this country."
Sitting on the Student Association board introduced Vishal to a whole new world of committee work, including being involved in the college's management hiring committees, as well as listening to students’ concerns and finding solutions.
Vishal was surprised by the responsibilities the student government has taken on, including a $4-million annual budget, managing the money it collects in student fees to spend on campus recreation and special events.
"The college relies on the Student Association to make student life better on campus. So we offer many services and special events for them," he explains. “We financed, built and operate the Progress Campus Student Centre, and now we’re in charge of the $27-million Athletic and Wellness Centre construction."
The work apparently agreed with Vishal and his successes became evident to everyone. When the position of Student Association President came up for election, he applied himself and won. Now he sits at the head table – the college's Board of Governors – where he gets to participate in top-drawer decisions of the college.
"It's taken me to the next step. I can provide better representation of our students, and I can tell you college administrators take my ideas very seriously," he says. His governance work complements the real-world lessons he's acquiring in his classes.
"The teachers here are great, and the learning experience in the classroom has been very useful," he says. "Back home, the teaching approach was very theoretical; it focused on what the textbooks say. Here, it's changing according to the economy. Everyday there's something new to learn."
Vishal graduated last June with a grade point average of 3.56. As Student Association President, he had the honour of addressing each of the graduating classes. When it came time to cross the convocation stage himself, the students erupted in applause.
"My grandparents traveled from India to witness my convocation. They saw first-hand how I lived and how I am thought of at the college." If there were any doubts about the value of a college education on the part of his parents and grandparents, they were erased that day.
Today Vishal is taking some accounting courses at Centennial while he serves as Student Association President. He'll be eligible for permanent residency in six months, and he's already committed to making Canada his home base as he begins his entrepreneurial venture, which he says will take him around the world.
Does he have any regrets about coming to Centennial College to learn his business skills, rather than attending a world-class university?
"None. I've had a very favourable experience coming here," Vishal smiles. "I highly recommend it!"
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Centennial College School of Community and Health Studies
When Graham Mitchell graduated from Centennial College's Paramedic program in 1992 the job market was in the doldrums of recession. So like many freshly minted college and university graduates, he found part-time work where he could.
It was during a contract with an air medevac service in Northern Ontario that Mitchell realized the extensive role private companies play in the public health-care system. He joined two partners who together purchased Parkview EMS, a small Toronto-based firm that had formed to provide medical emergency services at local horseracing tracks.
"Public services like Toronto EMS are mandated to respond to 911 calls, which means they may leave a stadium unattended," says Mitchell, explaining the rise of private EMS services that are now fixtures at major sports events and concerts.
They grew the business to the point where today Parkview provides emergency medical services at events hosted by the Air Canada Centre, Rogers Centre, Molson Amphitheatre, BMO Field and other facilities.
More recently, Orangeville-based Parkview found a new market in "aeromedical repatriation," providing travel insurance companies with physicians, nurses and paramedics to escort patients worldwide, typically bringing them home for treatment in Canada, the U.S. or England after a medical episode or accident.
Mitchell credits his excellent training at Centennial College for his successful career as a paramedic – and as an entrepreneur.
Centennial's School of Community and Health Studies is recognized for its innovation, high academic standards and faculty-led applied research in the area of healthcare and educational technology.
Since 1973, when the Ontario government transferred responsibility for nursing education from the province's hospitals to its nursing program college, Centennial has earned an enduring reputation for its health sciences programs.
The college teaches a full range of nursing programs, including a BScN Collaborative program with Ryerson University, Practical Nursing and RPN Bridging to University Nursing with flex options, and a Practical Nursing Certificate to Diploma program. The latter allow students to meet practice requirements in Ontario or upgrade their English communication skills while preparing for advanced training.
Programs are offered at the state-of-the-art Centennial Science and Technology Centre, which opened in 2004 on Morningside Avenue just south of Hwy 401. Students hone their skills in advanced lab and clinical simulation facilities – including a fully outfitted ambulance body installed in a classroom!
Students gain valuable experience through the college's extensive network of clinical placement opportunities at hospitals and other community facilities, while enjoying a personalized school experience.
In addition to nursing and paramedic programs, Centennial offers a range of certificate and diploma programs including Pharmacy Technician, Food and Nutrition Management, Esthetics, Workplace Wellness, Massage Therapy and related disciplines.
Working professionals can also choose from a wide variety of part-time continuing education courses delivered in the classroom or remotely.
Centennial College will afford you every opportunity to transform your interest into a satisfying career where you can make a difference – just like Graham Mitchell did. At every point along the way you have access to the knowledge, expertise and personalized attention that will allow you to become a true helping professional.
It was during a contract with an air medevac service in Northern Ontario that Mitchell realized the extensive role private companies play in the public health-care system. He joined two partners who together purchased Parkview EMS, a small Toronto-based firm that had formed to provide medical emergency services at local horseracing tracks.
"Public services like Toronto EMS are mandated to respond to 911 calls, which means they may leave a stadium unattended," says Mitchell, explaining the rise of private EMS services that are now fixtures at major sports events and concerts.
They grew the business to the point where today Parkview provides emergency medical services at events hosted by the Air Canada Centre, Rogers Centre, Molson Amphitheatre, BMO Field and other facilities.
More recently, Orangeville-based Parkview found a new market in "aeromedical repatriation," providing travel insurance companies with physicians, nurses and paramedics to escort patients worldwide, typically bringing them home for treatment in Canada, the U.S. or England after a medical episode or accident.
Mitchell credits his excellent training at Centennial College for his successful career as a paramedic – and as an entrepreneur.
Centennial's School of Community and Health Studies is recognized for its innovation, high academic standards and faculty-led applied research in the area of healthcare and educational technology.
Since 1973, when the Ontario government transferred responsibility for nursing education from the province's hospitals to its nursing program college, Centennial has earned an enduring reputation for its health sciences programs.
The college teaches a full range of nursing programs, including a BScN Collaborative program with Ryerson University, Practical Nursing and RPN Bridging to University Nursing with flex options, and a Practical Nursing Certificate to Diploma program. The latter allow students to meet practice requirements in Ontario or upgrade their English communication skills while preparing for advanced training.
Programs are offered at the state-of-the-art Centennial Science and Technology Centre, which opened in 2004 on Morningside Avenue just south of Hwy 401. Students hone their skills in advanced lab and clinical simulation facilities – including a fully outfitted ambulance body installed in a classroom!
Students gain valuable experience through the college's extensive network of clinical placement opportunities at hospitals and other community facilities, while enjoying a personalized school experience.
In addition to nursing and paramedic programs, Centennial offers a range of certificate and diploma programs including Pharmacy Technician, Food and Nutrition Management, Esthetics, Workplace Wellness, Massage Therapy and related disciplines.
Working professionals can also choose from a wide variety of part-time continuing education courses delivered in the classroom or remotely.
Centennial College will afford you every opportunity to transform your interest into a satisfying career where you can make a difference – just like Graham Mitchell did. At every point along the way you have access to the knowledge, expertise and personalized attention that will allow you to become a true helping professional.
Monday, November 9, 2009
Indian Immigrant Finds Her Own Path
Like so many recent immigrants arriving in a strange new land, Himani Shah resigned herself to toiling in a factory, exchanging her labour for some meager wages.
"It's really sad for a lot of newcomers," she acknowledges. "Many people come here with degrees and professional careers, but end up working in a factory or a kitchen just to make ends meet."
Shah landed in Toronto four years ago with a Bachelor of Computer Science diploma tucked into her luggage from the University of Gujarat in her native India. She had planned to attend university to complete a Master’s program in computer studies, but realized it was not so easy to enter university in Canada.
Shah found herself working in a factory, but yearned to return to an academic environment. "I was starving to go back to school," she recalls.
Living in Scarborough, Shah decided to visit a nearby campus of Centennial College to find out what kind of courses she could take at night to supplement her college education and become oriented to the Canadian job market.
As luck would have it, she met Ilia Nika, Information Systems Coordinator in the School of Engineering Technology and Applied Science. He was excited by her qualifications, recognizing the skills she had brought from India, and convinced her to re-examine her priorities.
Rather than take classes in the evening and work all day, Nika persuaded her to enroll in the college's Computer Programmer/Analyst program full-time during the day and work part-time in the evenings to earn an income.
"He showed me how I could get credit for some of my studies in India, which meant I did not have to take duplicate courses," she recalls. "With my advanced standing, I could take a three-year program in a year-and-a-half, and save some tuition money, too."
Shah quit her manufacturing job and enrolled in the Centennial program. To help with her family's expenses, she found an evening job at a local Tim Horton's coffee shop, which fit her schedule better. Still, it was not an easy adjustment.
"It was a tough time for me. I went to classes every morning starting at 8 am, then worked on my assignments after lunch for two hours, then rushed off to work at 3 pm," Shah recounts.
"I was on the run from 8 am until 11:30 at night. And when I wasn't working, I would stay on campus late at night to do my assignments because it was crowded and noisy in our family's apartment."
Despite the challenges, Shah flourished in her new learning environment. She had gotten her wish to return to an academic life.
"Education-wise, it's more advanced in Canada. You get the opportunity to learn with upcoming technology in advanced labs using up-to-date, helpful software. Ilia Nika and my other professors always made themselves available to talk about technology and how to solve problems in the workplace."
Shah took advantage of the college's cooperative education opportunities. Centennial students in business and engineering technology can get a job with an employer for four months per year, where they can practice what they've learned in a genuine work environment. The best part is, students are paid during their co-op placement.
"My first co-op assignment was with the Ontario Municipal Board, where I did computer programming and staffed the IT help desk. My second job was with new-media company ExtendMedia, where I did programming in Java and C-sharp."
"I developed good contacts through co-op, and implemented the skills I had gained in class in a real working environment," Shah beams.
She managed to make enough money during the co-op terms to lessen the need for grueling evening work. She left Tim Horton's and found a paid job on campus, tutoring fellow students.
"I discovered I love to talk to people and to teach them," Shah says. With more time to dedicate to her studies, her grades rose from a B average to a consistent A+ score in her final semester.
She also began seeking interviews with employers for a position after graduation. With her strong background and co-op work experience, she impressed the powers that be at Canadian banking giant CIBC, earning a position as a Solution Developer at the bank’s central data centre in North York.
The happy outcome was not just a matter of good fortune. Upon her arrival in Canada, Shah quickly concluded that individuals – both men and women – are free to choose their destinies here, rather than rely on their parents for shelter and an income.
"I realized I had to come up with my own means to find a career path," she says of those early days in her newly adopted country. "Of course, I had great support from my family when I started college. It was hard to balance my personal life with my studies and work."
Shah is philosophical about her rapid transformation after only four years in what initially seemed like a pretty intimidating place.
"My parents are very proud of me. Nothing is impossible if you really want it! It takes time. Dedicate yourself and you'll be successful." More degree programs & continuing education on Canadian college for career success.
"It's really sad for a lot of newcomers," she acknowledges. "Many people come here with degrees and professional careers, but end up working in a factory or a kitchen just to make ends meet."
Shah landed in Toronto four years ago with a Bachelor of Computer Science diploma tucked into her luggage from the University of Gujarat in her native India. She had planned to attend university to complete a Master’s program in computer studies, but realized it was not so easy to enter university in Canada.
Shah found herself working in a factory, but yearned to return to an academic environment. "I was starving to go back to school," she recalls.
Living in Scarborough, Shah decided to visit a nearby campus of Centennial College to find out what kind of courses she could take at night to supplement her college education and become oriented to the Canadian job market.
As luck would have it, she met Ilia Nika, Information Systems Coordinator in the School of Engineering Technology and Applied Science. He was excited by her qualifications, recognizing the skills she had brought from India, and convinced her to re-examine her priorities.
Rather than take classes in the evening and work all day, Nika persuaded her to enroll in the college's Computer Programmer/Analyst program full-time during the day and work part-time in the evenings to earn an income.
"He showed me how I could get credit for some of my studies in India, which meant I did not have to take duplicate courses," she recalls. "With my advanced standing, I could take a three-year program in a year-and-a-half, and save some tuition money, too."
Shah quit her manufacturing job and enrolled in the Centennial program. To help with her family's expenses, she found an evening job at a local Tim Horton's coffee shop, which fit her schedule better. Still, it was not an easy adjustment.
"It was a tough time for me. I went to classes every morning starting at 8 am, then worked on my assignments after lunch for two hours, then rushed off to work at 3 pm," Shah recounts.
"I was on the run from 8 am until 11:30 at night. And when I wasn't working, I would stay on campus late at night to do my assignments because it was crowded and noisy in our family's apartment."
Despite the challenges, Shah flourished in her new learning environment. She had gotten her wish to return to an academic life.
"Education-wise, it's more advanced in Canada. You get the opportunity to learn with upcoming technology in advanced labs using up-to-date, helpful software. Ilia Nika and my other professors always made themselves available to talk about technology and how to solve problems in the workplace."
Shah took advantage of the college's cooperative education opportunities. Centennial students in business and engineering technology can get a job with an employer for four months per year, where they can practice what they've learned in a genuine work environment. The best part is, students are paid during their co-op placement.
"My first co-op assignment was with the Ontario Municipal Board, where I did computer programming and staffed the IT help desk. My second job was with new-media company ExtendMedia, where I did programming in Java and C-sharp."
"I developed good contacts through co-op, and implemented the skills I had gained in class in a real working environment," Shah beams.
She managed to make enough money during the co-op terms to lessen the need for grueling evening work. She left Tim Horton's and found a paid job on campus, tutoring fellow students.
"I discovered I love to talk to people and to teach them," Shah says. With more time to dedicate to her studies, her grades rose from a B average to a consistent A+ score in her final semester.
She also began seeking interviews with employers for a position after graduation. With her strong background and co-op work experience, she impressed the powers that be at Canadian banking giant CIBC, earning a position as a Solution Developer at the bank’s central data centre in North York.
The happy outcome was not just a matter of good fortune. Upon her arrival in Canada, Shah quickly concluded that individuals – both men and women – are free to choose their destinies here, rather than rely on their parents for shelter and an income.
"I realized I had to come up with my own means to find a career path," she says of those early days in her newly adopted country. "Of course, I had great support from my family when I started college. It was hard to balance my personal life with my studies and work."
Shah is philosophical about her rapid transformation after only four years in what initially seemed like a pretty intimidating place.
"My parents are very proud of me. Nothing is impossible if you really want it! It takes time. Dedicate yourself and you'll be successful." More degree programs & continuing education on Canadian college for career success.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)