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Student’s career path illuminated by work-integrated learning

In recognition of National Day of Work-Integrated Learning on March 26, we’re sharing this story about one of our accomplished students.

By combining her passion for helping people with her commitment to learning, Developmental Services Worker student Ritika turned a field placement into a life changing experience.

The international student from India embraced her Durham College (DC) program’s opportunities for work-integrated learning, including a 260-hour full-time position in a group home from October to December. There she worked with four clients, including a non-verbal individual. Faced with the unique challenge of supporting someone who couldn’t speak to her, she decided to learn American Sign Language (ASL). She even created a video to help staff and residents learn basic ASL signs, which became an invaluable resource for improving communication in the home.

“It allowed me to connect with him in a meaningful way, and it inspired me to keep on learning, improving and advocating for inclusion and better communication methods for individuals with disabilities,” said Ritika.

She also completed a 98-hour field placement with Community Living Ajax-Pickering & Whitby in early 2024, providing support to individuals with developmental disabilities, helping them with arts and crafts, cooking and recreational activities.

In addition to setting her up for career success, her fine work during her field placements has gained her national recognition. She was nominated for the Co-operative Education and Work-Integrated Learning (CEWIL) Canada and Emery-Dufault Student of the Year Awards for 2024, and was one of only four recipients of an Honourable Mention.

“This recognition means a lot to me, because it acknowledges all the hard work, dedication and passion I have put into my learning and placements,” she said. “This award is not just about me. It also reflects the support and guidance I received from my professors, my mentors and placement supervisors who helped me grow along the way.”

She is now completing her third placement, this time at St. Hedwig Catholic School in Oshawa. There, she works closely with children who need assistance with their daily activities.

“These learning opportunities have been extremely valuable. I’ve gained real world experience that a classroom alone could never provide,” she said. “I now feel more prepared, motivated and ready to make a difference.”

Her work-integrated learning experiences have reaffirmed her commitment to a career in the developmental services field. After two years at DC, she’s ready to graduate this spring and launch that career.

“I’m excited for the future and the opportunities ahead. DC has given me skills, confidence and memories that I will carry with me forever.”

Following in his parents’ DC footsteps

When Carter Graham began his studies in the General Arts and Science program at Durham College (DC) last fall, he was carrying on a family tradition.

Both his parents are alumni of the program. His father Andrew graduated in 2006 while his mother Michelle followed in 2008. So, when Carter was considering his own post-secondary options, the path was clear.

“We both had success with that program, and he was a little unsure of what he wanted to do,” explained Michelle. “It’s a good starting point.”

Students in General Arts and Science have the opportunity to study a wide range of subjects while earning credits that are transferable towards future post-secondary programs. At the same time, they strengthen the essential academic skills that they’ll need to succeed.

For Carter, the program has come as advertised. He’s immersed himself in the college experience while learning about a variety of topics, from the history of the universe to the history of video games.

“It’s been great,” said Carter. “I’ve met a bunch of people in my program that I’ve become friends with. All the teachers are really good, and everyone is very welcoming. I’ve taken some fun classes. It’s widened my knowledge on certain things.”

It has also helped him narrow his focus as he considers his future prospects. Having always had a passion for astronomy, for instance, he took a course on it to see if it merited further study.

His father had a similar experience in the program.

“It gave me a good overview of different things that I never got to study in high school,” said Andrew. “I didn’t know what I wanted to do, so it was a great way to get my foot in the door in college, try a bunch of things and see what interested me.”

For him, the journey took him to DC’s Advertising program, while Michelle enrolled in Child and Youth Care. Carter will also be extending his time at DC after graduation, having been accepted into the Trade Fundamentals program for this fall.

For each member of the Graham family, the General Arts and Science program proved to be an important steppingstone on their academic and professional journeys.

“It has great value,” said Michelle. “It helped direct me when I was unsure of what I wanted to do.”

It’s now done the same for her son.

“It’s definitely given me an insight on what interests I could study in the future,” he said.

Looking through the microscope with Biotechnology

Student spotlight – Kapri Nolan

After graduating from high school, Oshawa’s Kapri Nolan focused on raising her family. Once her kids were old enough, she started to consider a return to formal education, and remembered the passion she had always held for science.

After considering her options, she enrolled at Durham College (DC) in the Biotechnology – Advanced program. Now in her final semester, she’s excited for what the future holds, including a potential transfer to Ontario Tech University for further study.

In recognition of International Day for Women and Girls in Science on February 11, she spoke to us about her role models in science, her DC experience, career goals and more.

Why did you decide to study Biotechnology?

I started to think about what I really like, and science has always interested me. When COVID-19 was happening, I thought it would be really cool to be the person who made that vaccine. I started looking at programs that were science related, and saw that DC offered this one, and it actually tied into what I liked about vaccine development.

What is it about Biotechnology that fascinates you?

The things that I’m learning feel like something out of a movie. The idea of extracting DNA, like in Jurassic Park, is close to real science, and that amazes me. Biotechnology offers so many opportunities. You have a lot of tools, and you can do a lot with them. It’s always changing and growing.

Has the program met your expectations?

It has exceeded them! My first class was an introduction to biotechnology, and that’s where I learned that it’s more than I expected. My placement in the microbiology lab has grown my love for it as well. As time has gone by, I’ve gotten more excited about it, and I try to share my knowledge with everyone about it.

Have you had any influential role models in science?

My professors at Durham College – Jenny Cortez-Cordova, Bruce and Nadia Trieselmann – are absolutely amazing. They have so much passion and excitement in their classes.

What has been the best part of your time at Durham College?

I’ve loved learning, and the support from my teachers. And it’s been nice to get out of my comfort zone. When I was younger, I wasn’t social at all, but I forced myself into this situation where I have to be, and that’s made me enjoy it more.

Have any experiments or assignments stood out as particularly memorable?

One of my favorites was identifying unknown microbes in microbiology class. We had six to seven weeks of doing testing on them, and then we had to narrow it down out of a select number of species, and I ended up getting them right, so it was really nice.

Has studying biotechnology changed how you see the world?

I feel like everything I do now, I’m always blaming bacteria! When I see sicknesses, I can narrow it down a bit and look at the root cause more. When you grow up everyone is like, ‘you need medicine,’ but I’m seeing that there are natural things to defend yourself with that are actually more effective. It’s changed my thoughts on healthcare.

What do you want to do in science?

I’m hoping to do some kind of cloning – anything to do with DNA. They’re getting to the point where you can clone your own DNA, and they’re printing organs, so that’s something that interests me as well. I want to do something that’s beneficial to science, and the longevity of people’s health.

Why is DC a great place for women to study science?

It’s a really good school for science. I’ve never felt out of place or been treated differently. It’s a welcoming environment, and everyone works together as one big biotech family.

What advice do you have for women and girls who are interested in science?

Even if something seems intimidating or hard, the more you try, the easier it gets. The more time and passion you put into it, the easier it is to love it, and to learn it. It’s overwhelming at first, but once you get into it, it just becomes second nature.

Overcoming illiteracy to excel at Durham College

Vikki Pike has made a habit of overcoming the odds.

The first-year Durham College (DC) student has experienced learning difficulties from a young age. At 16, she was functionally illiterate and was told by her teachers that she would never graduate from high school.

Fast forward six years and she’s not only a high school graduate; she’s a college student.

The remarkable turnaround was fuelled by her unshakeable belief in herself, a tireless work ethic and the support of her family.

“Over the years, I’ve been diagnosed with mild intellectual disability and communication comprehension disability. But those labels don’t define me. They’re just stepping stones on my journey,” said the 22-year-old.

Due to her learning difficulties as a young student, Vikki had often been denied the opportunity to do the same work as her classmates. Her teachers explained they didn’t want to set her up for failure, but that reasoning didn’t satisfy Vikki.

“To me, not trying was the biggest failure of all,” she said. “I was ready to embrace the challenge.”

Working closely with her aunt Joy Prophet, she embarked on a life-changing learning journey. Studying every day and late into the night, she developed essential skills like counting, reading and writing.

She attended the Trillium Demonstration School in Milton and excelled in the Empower Reading Program. Not content to help only herself, she began to advocate for other kids with learning difficulties. She spoke to Ontario’s former Minister of Education Stephen Lecce, successfully lobbying for a second year of access to the Demonstration School program for her fellow students. She also volunteered with the Ontario Human Rights Commission on its Right to Read inquiry report and was influential in getting the English curriculum in Ontario schools updated with science-based teaching and proper testing for all students with learning differences.

Her accomplishments also include being nominated as an International Dyslexia Association Student of the Year.

Once she decided that college was the place for her, she pursued that goal with her trademark tenacity. She started her journey by achieving excellent grades in DC’s Academic Upgrading program. Then, she enrolled in the General Arts and Science program. The demands of a college program have been challenging, but with the help of her professors and DC’s Access and Support Centre, she’s making it work. She even has plans to extend her studies in the future with the Accounting – Business Administration program.

“My professors at DC are understanding and recognize my potential, and they’re providing the support I need to thrive,” she said. “The Access and Support Centre has been instrumental in my success. They offer resources that have made a significant difference.”

Since taking charge of her educational journey, she hasn’t looked back. She continues to challenge herself each day, both in and out of the classroom.

“Learning is a gift I cherish. I approach every class with eagerness to absorb as much knowledge as possible,” she said. “College is demanding, but I appreciate every learning opportunity and I am loving it.”

She also plans to continue advocating for her fellow ‘Slippsters’ – those who have slipped through the cracks of the education system.

“I want to ensure that no one else has to endure what I did,” she said.

“To other students with learning difficulties: You can achieve your dreams with hard work, perseverance, and self-belief. Use the support around you, ask questions, and don’t rush the learning process. Remember, it’s not how quickly you learn, but how much you learn that truly matters.”