Solomon is a graduate of the Pathways Lawrence Heights program, class of 2025. He is currently studying Business Administration and Marketing at George Brown Polytechnic, with hopes of owning a business in the trades.
Throughout high school, Solomon was deeply involved in many clubs and extracurricular activities—from running his school’s broadcasting channel, to doing a TEDx Talk, to helping organize workshops through the Black Student Alliance. However, as Grade 12 approached, figuring out what he wanted to do after high school became less clear. “I’ve always had a lot of interests, but the hard part was narrowing it down to something that made sense to me,” he explained.
With a friend’s encouragement, Solomon joined the Pathways Program. At first, his friends being in the program and the opportunity to receive a scholarship drew him in. But as someone who struggled with procrastination, he discovered that Pathways was exactly what he needed to build better habits. “Pathways became a space where I could just go and focus on my work and feel supported. It gave me structure and accountability, which I needed as a bit of a procrastinator.”
After attending several weekly check-ins and tutoring sessions, Solomon saw his grades improve, especially in Math—a subject he had struggled with in the past. “It was satisfying to know that I was getting something done every time I went to Pathways. I started to care more about my grades and felt more confident in myself.”
When it came time to explore careers, Solomon felt overwhelmed. That’s where he turned to Zainab, his Pathways support worker. “Zainab helped me figure out what was out there and gave me the confidence to believe I had options. She never rushed me; she just calmly helped me work through it all.” Together, they explored his options, and he discovered an interest in the trades.
Solomon’s interest in trades was inspired by the time he spent with his dad helping him fix things around the house, from mounting TVs to assembling bicycles. Mathias, another Pathways support worker, helped solidify Solomon’s choice by connecting him with his cousin, who is an electrician. “Talking to someone actually working in the trades made it feel real. That conversation opened a new door for me.”
Solomon was also curious about what it would take to run a trades business. “I’m interested in both sides,” he explains. “Learning a trade hands-on, but also using my business and public speaking skills to own or manage a company eventually.” With that in mind, Solomon chose to attend George Brown Polytechnic to study Business Administration and Marketing.
Before starting college, Solomon participated in a trades summer internship through the TDSB’s Black Student Summer Leadership Program. Solomon learned about the administrative side of trades, specifically construction project management.
His internship also included a research and presentation component, where Solomon explored how elitism in TDSB high schools affects the post-secondary pathways of Black students. “My research also opened up a lot of new opportunities. Since my first presentation at George Brown, I’ve been invited to present my research to students at U of T’s OISE JISC and to a class in TMU’s Department of Child Study. I’m grateful for such a continuously rewarding experience.”
Looking back at his experience at Pathways, Solomon sees the program’s value. “To me, Pathways means reassurance. It’s a place where you’re reminded that your future is possible. I went there as a procrastinator, and I left there as a scholar.”