For St. Anne’s Catholic Secondary School student Erica, the biggest change since taking part in the Building Bright Futures initiative is knowing what she wants for her future.
Since she began working with her facilitator, Erica has gained a clearer picture of what she wants her future to look like. The support of her facilitator has also helped her take steps to make sure she can reach those goals.
“Before, I didn’t know what my future would be, or if I even wanted to go to college. But, now, I know that I want to go to college and start working,” Erica says.
Erica wants to study Early Childhood Education so she can have a career working with children. Together with her facilitator, Erica has identified the college program she wants to take through REACH Huron, and has worked with her school’s guidance counsellor to make sure she takes all of the courses necessary for that program.
Taking a tour of the college, and getting a chance to speak to staff and ask questions has also helped Erica feel more prepared for the future she’s planning.
Facilitation has also helped Erica to make connections to her community through volunteer roles. Erica has been volunteering at the local EarlyON Child and Family Centre, where she does activities with children and their families, cleans up, and helps support staff. She has also volunteered with Community Living – Central Huron, helping with its youth-focused Teen Talk and Food Lab events.
These roles have helped Erica build confidence, build her resume, and make connections within the field she wants to pursue.
When talking about how volunteering has made a difference in her life, Erica is enthusiastic. “It makes me feel good – especially working with EarlyON,” she says. “I think I’m going to work with kids later in life.”
Janice, Erica’s caregiver, says she’s noticed a big shift in Erica since taking part in the Building Bright Futures initiative. “I’ve noticed quite a difference in the self confidence that Erica has gained since we’ve had a facilitator, Janice shares. “Her positivity towards her current wellbeing has been wonderful. She’s even getting excited and hopeful about her future as she makes plans and goals, and explores options to reach them.”
Janice feels that the support from Erica’s facilitator has been very valuable for both of them. She has provided knowledge, understanding and support that has allowed them to take steps for Erica’s future. “It’s made an amazing difference just to know I don’t have to do this alone,” Janice says. “I had no idea so many services and supports were available.”
Going forward, Erica and her facilitator will continue to work toward reaching her goals, now that she and her family have a clearer vision of what is possible for her future.
