SuccessBeyond

Helen’s academic career at Seneca goes back to 2005, the year she enrolled in the Early Childhood Education (ECE) program. Upon finishing ECE, Helen went on to take the Social Service Worker - Immigrants and Refugees (SSWI) program, during which she enjoyed being the Vice-President of the SSWI Club. A true Senecan at heart, she then decided to pursue the Honours Bachelor of Child Development (BCD) degree, graduating from the College in 2016.

"My education has helped me to think more critically of my roles as a citizen, service provider and educator," Helen says. "I have become more aware of the impact that various systems – such as the judicial, immigration and childcare systems – have on everyone in our society.”

Helen currently studies in the Master of Arts in Early Childhood Studies program at Toronto Metropolitan University and expects to graduate later this year.

“Now that I am pursuing graduate studies with competence and confidence, it’s clear that my Seneca degree gave me a good foundation from which to grow. Looking back, I am grateful for the knowledge and opportunities that the faculty provided me. For example, I got to work as a research assistant – a position that one of my professors, Dr. Sharon Quan-McGimpsey, created to support BCD students. It expanded my exposure to research and the academic community,” Helen says.

What Helen values at Toronto Metropolitan University is studying in the centre of a diverse community. “The faculty and colleagues in my program are very supportive and respectful of our diverse personal and professional experiences,” she adds.

Helen's advice to other students is to access available student resources and make connections not only within, but also beyond their academic programs.