Tasha thought about entering the program for a year before registering. She knew it was important to ensure her personal life was in order particularly daycare arrangements. She feels taking this time to organize was important along with carefully thinking through the decision and asking herself, “Am I ready to be here?”

Her biggest concern before she started was “taking the bus to school”! She also has a documented learning disability in math and anticipates this subject will be the most challenging. She started in LBS 4 communications and 3 math and will have to complete LBS 5 math and OBS IV communications. Testing makes her anxious, but she is trying to take it as it comes.

Her family has been very supportive. Although her father is unsure of how to respond, her mother is “bragging” to her co-workers. Tasha knows she has to get rid of the negative influences in her life and look at the “big picture” especially her “long term” goals and how school fits in. She is able to work at home once the boys are sleeping.

During the first week, the best thing was proving to herself she could get to school and get things accomplished. The worst was a confrontation with someone from her past. She has made some new acquaintances and at the end of the first three weeks is still certain of her training goal and feeling more confident she can achieve it.

Tasha says, "Determination will be my foundation for success." Her teacher says, "Tasha is a pleasant person who appears to be committed to achieving her goal of entering the Drug and Alcohol Counselling Program. She seems grateful for the opportunity to return to school."

Kimberly Wilson, Conestoga

Kimberly, a 30 year old, has been out of school for 13 years. She lives with her partner and 17 year old stepson. Drug abuse resulted in Kimberly leaving school. She was never encouraged as a child to do well in school, but all that has changed. Now she is self motivated to do well. She has goals to work towards, a good support system and wants things in life. She recognizes that the first step is working on her education.

Kimberly is currently enrolled in the Focus for Change Program at the Waterloo Campus. She was especially interested in the self-esteem portion of the program. Kimberly thought about coming to school for five months before attending an information session. During this time, her “lack of self confidence surfaced”. She was afraid that by going back to school she would find the answer to the question of “ how smart” or “not smart” she is.

Kimberly’s most immediate barrier is money, but she also knows her lack of confidence holds her back. She is easily distracted and must often ask her teachers to repeat information. She knows that math and communications especially grammar will be a challenge, but she is confident in her verbal skills. She is starting in LBS 3 communications.