Ange graduated from Pathways Lawrence Heights in 2017. She then studied Psychology and Human Resources at York University and now works as a Global Consultant for an employee assistance program.
“At the end of the day, I wanted to make sure that I was able to help people.” This is what Ange said when she reflected on her Pathways experience. Like many high school students, she was figuring out what she wanted to do after high school. At first, she didn’t have a clear path, but being part of Pathways helped her explore her interests and imagine new possibilities.
One of the biggest turning points for Ange was a career fair hosted by Pathways. “I wasn’t sure what I wanted to pursue, and it felt like everyone else already had it figured out,” Ange shared. “Hearing from people in different professions opened my eyes to careers I’d never considered. It gave me hope that I’d find something that felt right for me.”
Mentorship also played a significant role. “My support worker, Mabel, was truly the highlight of my Pathways experience,” she said. “I left our meetings feeling happier and motivated.” Mabel worked hard to provide Ange with accommodations, such as a French-speaking tutor, since she attended a French high school. She also supported her through every challenge, including university applications and navigating student loans. “I couldn’t have done it without her,” Ange said.
By Grade 12, Ange decided to study Psychology, inspired by her conversation with a Social Worker at the career fair. She went on to graduate summa cum laude with an Honours bachelor’s degree in psychology and a minor in Human Resources from York University.
Today, Ange works as a Global Consultant for an employee assistance program, where she helps connect employees with resources like counselling, financial aid, support groups, and more. “What I love about my job is that I get to make a difference, which was my goal. I truly admired Pathways’ holistic approach to helping students, and I find it fulfilling that I get the opportunity to assist employees holistically in my current role. I knew firsthand how valuable that support was, so it’s incredible that I get to also help others similarly.”
Now, Ange is giving back to the organization that helped her. Each year, her workplace runs an impact project where they choose a program to support, and this year’s theme was education. “I immediately thought of Pathways and pitched the program to my engagement manager because I really loved the mission and wanted to support it,” she explained.
Ange and her team plan to organize tutoring and mentoring opportunities for Pathways students, including mental health workshops and career presentations. Her colleagues, including clinicians, project managers, and executives, will lead the workshops to give students insight into different professions. They’ve also secured a $1,000 USD donation to purchase school supplies.
“For me, it’s come full circle,” Ange reflected. “Pathways gave me so much, and now I have the chance to give back. That feels incredibly special.”