糖心vlog传媒HSW student Kristy Salter (left) worked with Port Alberni Transition House manager Cindy Blake as one of her practicum opportunities.
糖心vlog传媒educational assistant student Kristy Salter is giving back by learning to support others through the same challenges she faced herself.
Salter鈥檚 son has severe differing abilities, which led to many trips to BC Children鈥檚 Hospital and working with a variety of therapists and support workers.
鈥淭hese people had a major impact on my life with how they helped me and my son,鈥� said Salter. 鈥淚 always wanted to give back and help other children or people, especially families that are going through the same thing I did.鈥�
With the support of her husband and children, Salter returned to the classroom herself so she could help support others.
鈥淲hen I looked into the program, I thought it was exactly where I needed to be, and I was right,鈥� she said. 鈥淢y instructors have been so supportive, and my classmates as well. It鈥檚 a great community to be a part of.鈥�
NIC鈥檚 Human Services certificate in Port Alberni includes a focus on Indigenous cultural and curriculum content, which had a profound effect on Salter.
鈥淚t changed my perspective and how I looked at life in general,鈥� said Salter. 鈥淚t can be very emotional, especially if you鈥檝e lived some of it, but you need to learn it and understand it. It鈥檚 made me a more empathetic person.鈥�
The program has also expanded her thoughts as to the direction she wants her career to go once she鈥檚 done her program in June.
鈥淵ou can go in so many directions,鈥� said Salter. 鈥淵ou can continue on and get your diploma in human services, go into social work, go into child and youth care, mental health and addictions 鈥� the options are really endless.鈥�
Before graduating, Salter and her classmates will be taking part in a long practicum, where they will be able to put into practice the skills and knowledge they gained in their program.
鈥淚鈥檓 so excited to be able to get out there and make a difference in someone鈥檚 life, the way others made such a difference in mine,鈥� she said.
The next intake of the Educational Assistant/Community Support Worker, Indigenous Focus program begins in September. Learn more at .
Media Contact C: 250-207-6946 media@nic.bc.ca