1 Education and Career Planning: T7etsminte re stselxmem (Strive Ahead)
Imagine having time and support to focus on yourself — your skills and talents, your goals and dreams. For three weeks from mid-September to early October, ten Indigenous students did just that at the TRU Lillooet campus. Participating in the newly restored Education and Career Planning (EDCP) course, offered by TRU’s University and Employment Preparation department, students focused on discovering what they already knew and what they wanted for their future.
“It takes courage to do the self-discovery these students embarked on, and I commend them for their bravery to really explore the future they want to create for themselves,” said course
instructor Associate Teaching Professor Christina Cederlof.
Through a series of self-assessments examining interests, previous knowledge, already developed skill sets, and personality and even multiple intelligences questionnaires—as well as interviews with trusted people, each student’s goal was to discover the career path that best suits them.
Students researched their professions of interest with the virtual (Teams) assistance of TRU librarian Melissa Svendsen. Through this part of the course, several students discovered how much they enjoyed doing research, especially when it related to their interests. Gabby Jim said: “Education and Career Planning is a great class for people to learn more about how to do research, discover what they are good at, and what they want to do in the future.” The course includes further development of communication skills, study skills, employer expectations, and how to live a healthy and full life, all aspects that will help students as they proceed with their professional and personal journeys. Students engaged in collaborative and self-reflective activities designed to enhance their abilities to function well in team and workplace settings. As one student observed:
“I really look forward to coming each morning to do all the activities we do and to learn more about myself.” – Kwelstatlecken Williams
The course offers elective credit for the Adult Graduation Diploma (AGD), which for many students served as the initial motivation for enrolling. However, as Shewan Cheechoo said:
“When I started the course, I was interested in the credit, sure, but within the first week I found I was even more interested in what I was learning about myself and what my future could look
like.”
As it turned out, half the class discovered—or rediscovered—their love of cooking and/or baking. This led to a Teams video conference with Kimbre Woods, Chairperson of the TRU Kamloops Culinary Arts program. Several students wanted to know what the journey to becoming a Red Seal chef or baker looks like, along with specifics about the Culinary Arts program at TRU Kamloops and the opportunities it provides for training and employment while learning the trade. Kimbre also shared insights from her own journey to earning both a Red Seal Chef and a Red Seal Baker certification. She recounted how her very first day in a professional kitchen fell on Mother’s Day, the busiest day of the year for restaurants, and how that experience confirmed her decision to pursue a career in the culinary arts. She explained that she thrives on the fast pace and variety that make each day in the kitchen unique.
Another student discovered that becoming an audiologist was the perfect fit. It combined technical expertise (working with equipment and technology) with the interpersonal aspects of a helping profession. Having already completed a year of university coursework at TRU Kamloops, the student had experienced academic success but recognized that this new direction aligned more closely with her interests and goals. Her next step was to explore how the credits she had already earned could be applied toward this new academic and professional goal.
Since many students’ educational paths involved relocating to the Kamloops campus, another Teams video conference was arranged with Cplúl’kw’ten (the Indigenous Student Gathering students and explain the supports available. They emphasized that TRU assists both prospective Indigenous students and those already enrolled at any TRU campus. Marie and Lex not only explained the services that Cplúl’kw’ten provides but gave virtual tours and introduced the staff and volunteers that make Cplúl’kw’ten a home away from home for many TRU indigenous students.
In addition to helping students to determine the next steps, EDCP prepares students for further post-secondary study. Gemel Williams shared the impact of the course on her plans for the future:
“This was the perfect course for me. The respectful environment really helped me boost my confidence and prepared me to seek out more courses that fit my personal goals. I feel 100%
more ready to pursue my chosen career path.”
Marie Sandy, Manager of Indigenous Student Services, and Lex Edwards, Indigenous Mentor and Communications Coordinator, were happy to virtually welcome the class.
This course was delivered in a block format—over three weeks, four full days per week. This structure had the added benefit of allowing students to get used to being back in school. It also gave them the space to focus primarily on themselves for three weeks, discovering what they already knew and what they wanted for their future. Accommodating different stages of life, in this class, the oldest student identified she was 61 years old, while the youngest students were 19. For mature students, EDCP can be a great opportunity to complete unfinished business— such as completing Grade 12 if that wasn’t previously available—or to uncover a lifelong goal or perhaps an encore career. For students who are new to university or for those who have already started university but haven’t chosen a particular program of study it can be the course that helps them find their direction, their path.
Karime Salazar Jolly, TRU Lillooet Coordinator, spoke to the value of having EDCP delivered on her campus: