My name is Alison; a former student of Sprott Shaw College – Abbotsford. When I came to Sprott-Shaw I had an idea of what I wanted to do and that was work with Youth At Risk. However, I had no idea how I was going to afford the schooling to do it. I was one year divorced, had a daughter, had to sell my business and took a loss and because I was a business owner and I was not qualified for EI or welfare. I signed up for the local University but felt very overwhelmed with everything it required to get courses. I had been out of school for 18 years already. Upon searching Community Colleges I came across SSCC – Social Services Course. After going for an interview and checking out the course I felt this would help me in the direction I wanted to take. I had worked with Mentally and Physically Challenged when I was younger for many years but did not have any schooling to back it up and now a days you need certification. I always knew I could fall back on this training. After gathering everything I need to enter Sprott Shaw, they helped me obtain a student loan. I was set.
On the first day of school, I found myself quite nervous. I thought I was going to be in a class with young students out of high school. I was wrong. I met a great group of friends who were all in similar situations to me. I have never enjoyed school as much as I enjoyed this course. and the friends I made. I had the most amazing teacher (Shirley) who knew the material and was extremely knowledgeable in counselling. Which I found to be a huge relief as I was worried that the money I spent would be on a teacher that was just teaching the lesson plan.
I really found myself in the year that I was there. The instructors pushed us to do our best and to put effort and dedication into what we were learning. I managed to land some really great practicum’s where I was able to show off my abilities and when the end of school neared the graduate services officer was right there helping get resumes and job postings.
With my background and current schooling, I managed to obtain the job I was going after.
Thank you Sprott Shaw, I am forever grateful. It was money well spent!
Alison S.
Youth Care Worker/Teacher Assistant
Abbotsford School District #4
