Living his Passion to Work with Children and Youth

Ethan dreamed of working with children, helping them to better their lives, to unleash their full potential, and he was willing to work hard to achieve that dream.

Watch his full interview or keep on reading to know more about his experience:

We’re so grateful Ethan chose Anderson College as a place to pursue his passions and to have had the opportunity to hear about his experience and his advice for future students, firsthand. At the time of this interview, Ethan is enrolled at Anderson in the Child & Youth Care with Addictions Support Worker (CYC) program. He heard about the college through our advertising campaigns and with some help from our admissions advisor, found the ideal program fit.

“The admissions advisor … helped me a lot with what I wanted to do. I just basically told them that this is the kind of field I want to go into. [Their response was], “Well, this is a program that is very successful; it’s turned out a lot of great students in great job placements”.

This helped Ethan make his decision, “And I can tell you, it’s been one of the best experiences of my life.”

He shared a little about the flow of his days, and the impact the teachers and our staff have had on him.

“My classes [run] from 9 am to 1 pm, Mondays to Fridays, and the teachers I’ve had have been absolutely fantastic. [They are] good role models in my life and have taught me many things not only about the CYC program that I’m in, but also … about life, how to dress properly and … just how to carry myself in the daily world as well.”

We asked Ethan what he’s loved about his experience. He shared that he’s learned a lot of information about “how to deal with children, their psychological problems and how to deal with them in the proper manner.”

“But … one of the best things about the class itself is the family atmosphere. You’re made to feel like it’s family … it’s very welcoming and I appreciate that very much!”

“The faculty and administration staff are very helpful [too]. Anything that you need at all, whether it be [about] books, [a parking pass] or just advice … they’re always ready to help with a smile on their faces.”

Of course, we’re thrilled to hear that, as we really do feel this way about our team and all the students we have the opportunity to journey with. We truly hope that students feel supported as they gain the skills to become in-demand employees in a field that they’re passionate about.

One of the most important aspects to help students achieve their goals is a solid job placement where they can use the skills they’ve gleaned in the classroom and apply them to real life. We asked Ethan about his placement.

“Currently, I’m on placement at Catholic Central High School. I’m a counsellor there … and will go from school to school [helping]. How I was introduced to this was, I went to Mary at career services. She was very helpful … gave me many options on what I could do and [offered] me guidance to find what I wanted to do. After a lot of consideration, I knew that this was something that I wanted to go into … I couldn’t be happier with my placement, and I hope to do this in the future.”

We asked Ethan what advice he has for future students …

“Work hard … you have to put in the work, you have to put in the effort… and then, as long as you are very passionate about what you want to be, it will work out for you in the long run. And this is a great opportunity, a great school, and it’s definitely a great place to be.”

In wrapping up our time spent with Ethan, we asked if he had anything else to add …

“It’s always been my dream to work with children ever since a very young age … to help them with their struggles and help them become a better version of themselves. Anderson College really helped me … and they’ve given me all the tools to succeed. They’ve given me opportunities and I’m extremely grateful for everything … I’m proud to say that I truly know what I want to do with my life.”

We’re thrilled for Ethan, and extremely proud to have him as a student in the CYC program. He will undoubtedly have a powerful impact on the next generation, doing precisely what he loves to do … helping youth become the very best of themselves.

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Are you considering working with youth or looking to pursue a future taking your career and life to new levels? If so, take the “Anderson College Career Training Readiness Quiz” and determine how best to match your interests and passions to a study program.

If you’re ready to join the Anderson family and start your Child & Youth Care with Addictions Support Worker career or explore one of our other 30+ programs, book a virtual appointment to speak with an admission advisor. We’re here to help you every step along the way.