Sarah Smale was already a Durham College (DC) alumna, graduating from the Paralegal program in 2008, when she decided to return to school at age 42 for a graduate certificate in Victim Justice and Interventions.
Working in criminal law since earning her first diploma she’d gained a lot of experience as a paralegal and even as a law clerk. But after struggling to find a new job in her field recently, Smale decided to add to her skill set with the two-semester program that focuses on helping to support victims of crime.
With courses that include Victim Assistance Strategies, Victimology: Theory and Practice, and others that focus on specific groups including women, children, men and Indigenous Peoples, the program is tailored to one of the aspects of her career that Smale already found the most interesting: helping people.
“I’d love to find a position that brings everything that I have together. For example working at a shelter, as a court liaison, helping people through criminal and family law processes,” says Smale.
The second time around, Smale says her learning experience is both similar and different. Paper syllabus copies have largely been replaced with online versions, and a campus that used to be surrounded by farmer’s fields is a lot more developed. OSAP funding is still available, something that not everyone knows is also an option for mature students. She’s also surrounded by younger classmates, which Smale says some days makes her feel older than she is, but other days is inspiring.
“One of my classmates announced last week that she was celebrating her last day as a teenager. But it’s great that there’s an energy, the same that I had in my 20s too,” she says, joking that she feeds off their enthusiasm.
Smale says being in class again is also pushing her to absorb new information daily that she knows will help her future career. “It feels like I’m retraining my own brain — no matter how much you read, it’s not the same experience as you get actually going to school.”
While she says being a mature student “feels like a step forward and a step back at the same time,” she has no regrets and encourages others to take the plunge.
“Go for it, I’d say. It’s difficult to do, and there are still some days where I’m thinking ‘what have I done with my life that I’m back in school,’ but it’s also a great experience.”
Did you know more than 60% of Durham College students are mature students? Whether you’re exploring career options, seeking a career change, or enhancing your skills, we’re here to guide you toward your educational goals. Learn more about how we support your unique needs.
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