Elizabeth’s Story: A Helping Hand to our Students

Elizabeth, Mississauga’s Director of Education, encounters many students from all walks of life during her day. Elizabeth can understand most students’ situations, as English was not her first language and also because she went back to college while having 2 young children to take care of. Elizabeth knows all too well some of the challenges which students face when returning to study.

Whenever students are facing difficulties of any kind, they come to see Elizabeth. She helps them come up with different learning plans and methods to best meet their needs, while also working with the instructors to help support the students. Elizabeth explains: “When a student comes to me and they are having troubles because, for example they may have different requirements or requests, I work with the instructor to come up with a plan to help the student together.” Elizabeth notes that supporting her students to achieve their academic dreams is the priority.

Elizabeth has helped many students during her time at Anderson College, “There was a student who, despite facing many personal challenges, made it through the program successfully. The Mayor of Mississauga provided a certificate for her, so we gave it to her on her graduation day! This was a very memorable moment for all of us,” remembers Elizabeth. Another student she remembers fondly is Richard. Richard graduated from the Police Foundations program and became a Police Officer after graduating, “He showed up at graduation in full uniform. It was such a proud moment for us all!” she exclaimed.

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Elizabeth’s goal is to make the educational experience more positive and fun for all students. Some of the best ways to make learning more interactive is through extra-curricular activities, events or bringing in motivational speakers. These events help to build a team environment for students, especially among their classmates, as they are working so closely together throughout their programs. “I think these experiences change the dynamic and the atmosphere. These memories of the fun things we did together will be part of the memories out students will take with them when they leave,” said Elizabeth.

Constant support and motivation also play a great role in helping students to succeed in their studies. Elizabeth knows how to listen and encourage the students along the way, “ I always let them know that they are not alone and that we are here to support them!” she added. Given students have adapted to taking virtual classes due to COVID-19, one of Elizabeth’s main focuses has been on supporting students with how to adapt to the new way of learning, noting that “I spent a lot of time just listening, supporting and encouraging them, because we’re all in it together.”

Elizabeth remembers one particular student she worked closely with during the transition to virtual learning, “Every day, I would listen and encourage her to keep going and keep trying. Now she has also finished the program, and she got hired as a manager. This is such an inspiring story!”

After finishing the program, graduating and being hired, many students send Elizabeth thank you messages. For most students, the support and encouragement which was given during their time with Anderson College is what helped them to keep going and succeed. Elizabeth added, “I think that knowing we are there for them and that they can reach out to us any time means a lot to most of them.” For Elizabeth, helping students brings purpose to her work and life, “For me, my whole purpose in life is to help others and make a positive difference. If I know that I made someone’s day, then I feel like my day is complete.”