Now. Right now. I can’t think of a better place or time to get involved and work towards a more sustainable future. That’s why I’m grateful that Pathways helped me get here.
I’m currently a student at the University of Waterloo’s Faculty of Environment. Outside of classes, I volunteer for a club that promotes the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. My favourite part is writing the “Take Action” section for our monthly newsletter. I know people often think, “What can I do about this?” I really want to show them that there are simple starting points. It’s important to take that first step.
One of my first steps was to join Pathways in Grade 9. It’s a big part of the community here in Hamilton. The program gave me a quiet place to study every week, and everyone was always willing to help, whether to proofread something or explain a concept. Pathways was there for me until the very end of high school. I’m the first person in my family to go to university, so navigating the system was very intimidating. But Pathways staff really supported me. The program even paid for the application fees.
Pathways helped me open doors to new possibilities. Now, I feel it’s my turn to help others do the same. Graduating from high school helped me set my next goals. Now, I’m using the power of education to create a better future for the planet. A better future for all of us. That’s the Graduation Effect. It’s what your support makes possible. What will your next step be?
—Athena
Pathways alum
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Help more youth like Athena now