Talon is an alumni of the Pathways Program in Vancouver, Class of 2021. He is currently an Entrepreneur running his own property service business. In his spare time, he likes to make music and is also taking on the role of a Pathways Alumni Ambassador.
Support, community, and education—these words come to Talon’s mind when asked what the Pathways Program means to him. “School didn’t always come easy to me growing up. But it felt reassuring to have support with any subjects I was struggling with. The staff helped me take school more seriously.” What also helped was having a network of students hold each other accountable to get work done.
Talon always had a strong work ethic, starting with volunteering at a community centre in his neighbourhood on the Downtown Eastside of Vancouver. Some of his volunteer work included leading sports activities, teaching students how to cook, and leading a Boys Club.
Talon hadn’t thought about his career plans until Grade 11, when a guest speaker who worked in the trades visited his class and talked about his experience in the field and the options available to students. “Working in trades wasn’t something I decided on my own. I was intrigued by the presentation and told myself to try it out for two weeks and see how I feel.” Pathways helped him take the first step in his trades journey by helping him explore his options when figuring out what to do after high school. After some consideration, he decided to go with plumbing.
The following year, Talon enrolled in Tupper Tech, a program for Grade 12 students wishing to pursue an apprenticeship in the trades. This experience was a new challenge for him—from the 4 a.m. wake-up calls to working with people twice his age. “It was tough at first, but I found it eye-opening. Getting used to a new schedule and dealing with different personalities helped me develop thicker skin.”
After graduating from high school, Talon continued working as a plumber while going to Pacific Vocational College for training. Things were going well until he hit a roadblock—in 2022, he was laid off from his job. But once again, with hard work and motivation, Talon bounced back and decided to form his own property service business. “I just picked up my cleaning tools and got to work. My business relies on door-knocking, which comes easy to me since I consider myself outgoing.”
When Talon isn’t working with his hands, he exercises his creativity by making hip-hop music. “Being Indigenous and growing up in the Downtown Eastside of Vancouver, I’ve been exposed to a lot of poverty, violence, and addiction in my community and my own family. Writing about it makes me feel better.”
What initially began as a hobby progressed into something bigger—Talon has now performed over 40 shows in his community. “Without the struggle, I wouldn’t be where I am now. And my hope and message in my music is that you can chase your dreams, no matter your circumstances.”
Talon feels grateful to have the opportunity to take risks and tap into different avenues despite his environment. “Pathways is part of my story; I wouldn’t be who I am today without it. I’m proud to call myself a first-generation tradesman, musician, and entrepreneur. I’m breaking all the cycles.”