SuccessBeyond

When I was applying to colleges and universities in high school, I was eager to find a suitable school to pursue my career in education.

I attended Seneca’s Open House where I learnt about students’ experiences. They shared information on the structure of classes, campus opportunities and career pathways. The way Seneca prepares their students interested me greatly and I did not hesitate to send in my application.

After months of intense research on all postsecondary schools and school visits, I decided to attend Seneca and it was the best decision I have ever made.

I did the Early Childhood Education (ECE) diploma first. Throughout the program, I developed various skills and was given many opportunities to learn about pedagogy, critical theories and policies related to the field.

After graduating in 2018, I decided to pursue the pathway into the Honours Bachelor of Child Development (BCD) degree program. I learned how to conduct research, the foundations of teaching and about the diverse needs of children among other things. It helped prepare me for my career and learn about other educators in different institutions.

My experiences at Seneca were extraordinary! The four-and-a-half years of hard work, commitment and dedication to my programs was indeed worth it. The amazing professors, convenient campus location and daily events, learning opportunities and supportive students truly made my studies memorable.

I knew I wanted to be a teacher, however, I wanted to build on my connections, expertise and learning style.

My ECE professors and former students recommended the BCD program. They said it would prepare me for a career in teaching. I knew it was the right program for me. What interested me the most was the fourth-year thesis, in which students write about a topic of their choice.

In my 5^th semester of the BCD program, I knew I wanted to become a registered teacher in Ontario. I have a passion in working with children especially in a classroom setting.

I want to implement my own learning strategies and tools to help students learn at their own pace in a structured environment. I also want to be part of their journey toward success.

My Seneca degree prepared me with several teaching theories and tools to implement in the classroom and an understanding of the potential challenges I may encounter as an educator. I also learned about teacher-child interactions, planning and delivering lessons and a child-care focused curriculum. In addition, professional writing strategies, placement opportunities and the importance of critical social theories and practices were covered.

With Seneca’s application, students needed to have a GPA of 3.0 to pathway from the ECE program or from another postsecondary institution, all through the Ontario Colleges website.

With the Bachelor of Education application, a minimum GPA of 3.0, final transcripts, written statement of intent, two references and a resume/CV must be included in your application. It takes the university a few short months to review it and make a final decision. Maintaining your grades and preparing a statement of intent based on your own experiences and personal philosophy is important to be considered for the program.

I believe every individual has their own goals and life desires. My credentials have helped me get great job opportunities and I truly value having both a diploma and a degree.

Take your time, plan your days and set goals for yourself. This will benefit you in the long run. Organize yourself and stay on task. I know it can be stressful and challenging at times, however, it will all be worth it. The harder you work for something, the greater you will feel when you achieve your goals.

I’m an Occasional Teacher with the York Catholic District School Board and the Toronto Catholic District School Board. I am also looking to shift into higher education with a postsecondary institution to support prospective students with an interest in education and postgraduate programs.

My short-term goal is to continue working as an Occasional Teacher and to take on a new role as an academic advisor/recruiter with a postsecondary institution. My long-term goal is to hopefully obtain my master’s degree in education.