“It can be hard to remember that I am valued and cared about when I am unable to truly ‘see’ or talk to people I care about. When I feel this way, I look back on pre-COVID times and I remember all of the meaningful relationships I have at Pathways and it makes me feel less emotionally isolated.”
– Noah, Pathways Kingston graduate
Noah credits his supportive family for introducing him to the Pathways Program in Grade 9. Having seen his sister graduate from the program, his parents encouraged him to join. “They really were strict about me going to Pathways,” he shares. “They knew it was important for school and would grant me a lot of opportunities.”
Although attending post-secondary education was always part of Noah’s plan, Pathways staff helped him make concrete steps toward that goal. “My Pathways tutors helped me with some of my harder subjects like Math and Chemistry, and they also helped me adjust to high school and the workload overall.”
Beyond the academic support, Noah learned strategies for maintaining healthy relationships during one-on-one check-ins with Pathways staff. “If I was angry at my parents or friends, I knew that if I went to Pathways, they would give their full time and attention. That was a really important and valuable feeling.”
He still maintains those supportive relationships, which have served as a strong foundation when weathering challenges brought about by the current pandemic. “It can be hard to remember that I am valued and cared about when I am unable to truly ‘see’ or talk to people I care about. When I feel this way, I look back on pre-COVID times and I remember all of the meaningful relationships I have at Pathways and it makes me feel less emotionally isolated.”
Noah believes the Pathways Program instills confidence in young people to achieve their dreams. After reconnecting with classmates from his childhood through Pathways, he reflects on their growth and his own. “Having supports like Pathways really gives students confidence and encourages them to think about their future,” he says. As a result, Noah observes more and more students from his neighborhood being engaged in their community and pursuing higher education. “I think Pathways is one of the only organizations that is affecting real change in low-income communities.”
Currently studying at the University of Toronto’s Victoria College, he is considering urban planning as a potential career so he can help to address prevalent issues around urban inequality. The empathetic attitudes instilled in him by Pathways staff informed his values and continue to influence his choices. “Pathways really cemented my attitude of openness and my desire to be a good person. Everyone has a story and everyone deserves to be heard—we all deserve a fair shot.”
Noah graduated from Pathways Kingston in 2018. He is currently studying Political Science and Human Geography at the University of Toronto.