I decided to pursue the Social Service Worker program at Seneca because I wasn’t exactly sure which avenue of education to go down. After some research, I found that social work was the ideal platform to dive into more niche areas of study. This program gave me the time and experience I needed to explore what I really wanted to do with my life on a professional scale.

I loved going to school at Seneca. The King Campus was beautiful, and I not only connected with other students while there but have also stayed in touch with some professors. The learning environment was fantastic. Sometimes, while I am working into the evening, I wish I could go back and work in the library or on of the many workstations around the campus.

My most memorable experience at Seneca was having my program reimagined as an online model when COVID-19 started. Working together with my fellow students and professors, we made sure that we continued to have a positive educational experience. I am not sure if others were as lucky, but we took the situation and turned it into something that a lot of us were able to thrive in.

I banded together with a few of my friends in the program and we started to video chat after class and while doing projects together, which really solidified our friendship and our ability to work as a team. Others may not have had the same experience, but our group seemed to thrive.

As a mature student, time mattered to me. Being able to use my Social Service Worker diploma to transfer into a degree program was an amazing opportunity that I couldn’t pass up — and with the intensive bridge semester between the two programs, I did not feel behind jumping into the new program.

I had no idea what areas of social services I wanted to work in, and the Social Service Worker program opened multiple pathways for me to pursue. In the program, I learned how to study, write papers and really engage in a field that I was passionate about. Without these experiences, I would struggle in the Honours Bachelor of Mental Health and Addiction program.

The Honours Bachelor of Mental Health and Addiction degree program was much more intensive, but my diploma program provided me with the educational foundation that I required. I was able to take my interest in the field and apply a newfound work ethic towards developing skills and knowledge that are required to be a mental health practitioner.

Having both a diploma and a degree looks great on a resume. Pursuing both also allowed me to gain skills in multiple areas required to be a mental health practitioner.

Jump at the chance – a diploma is a great starting point, but my degree is where I learned what it meant to be a practitioner.

Pay attention to self-care – grinding won’t be worth it if we can’t make it to the finish line!

I have a private psychotherapy practice and work as a substance abuse counsellor at a mental health and addictions treatment centre. I also play guitar in a touring band and live happily in downtown Toronto with my partner and our rescue dog! I am currently pursuing an MSW and gaining experience in the field to be able to do so – but I am in no rush.

I would love to get a Master of Social Work at some point, but for now I am happy working at a treatment centre, developing my private practice and touring with my band.