Where Are They Now?
Where Are They Now Series
WHAT YEAR WERE YOU A CAP TEAM MEMBER?
2017
TELL US ABOUT YOUR CAREER PATH SINCE LEAVING THE CAP TEAM.
I have since gone on to work at Eureka! science camp in Kamloops BC. I also work while in school in a lab that studies Risky Behaviours and Borderline Personality Disorder that is run at UVic. My valuable time with the CAP team allowed me to develop the public speaking and confidence needed to work with people of all different backgrounds and deal with stressful situations as they arise.
WHAT IS YOUR CURRENT JOB TITLE?
I am currently a student and I am attending the University of Victoria. I am in the 3rd year of my degree, studying psychology. And I plan to graduate with honours and go on to attend graduate school where the goal is to become a pediatric clinical psychologist specializing in concurrent disorders.
WHAT WERE YOUR CAREER GOALS WHEN YOU STARTED WITH THE CAP TEAM?
My career goals when I started the CAP team were the same as they are now. I knew I wanted to be a pediatric clinical psychologist and I knew I wanted to work with at-risk individuals. Working with the CAP team allowed me to gain insight and knowledge into at-risk individuals in our society and which resources may best work for their rehabilitation and safety.
This insight is crucial going forward in my future career as I need to know how to work with those who come from all walks of life. This position taught me empathy and understanding for which I am eternally grateful.
HOW DO YOU FEEL YOUR EXPERIENCE ON THE CAP TEAM HELPED YOU ACHIEVE YOUR GOALS?
I feel the CAP team allowed me to explore my desire to work with at-risk populations. I loved getting to know the individuals of downtown Kamloops and hearing their stories was the highlight of my time on the CAP team. Also, the training I received about resources and how to deal with certain situations in regard to at-risk individuals prepared me for my future career path in mental health.
WHAT WAS THE MOST VALUABLE SKILL LEARNED ON THE JOB?
The most valuable skill learned on the job was how to engage with those who may be entirely different from yourself. Sometimes the thought of stepping out of your comfort zone and engaging in conversation with others who are unlike you can be scary, but it is so worth it. You will learn empathy and grow to see how everyone’s differences are why the world is so beautiful. The people I met while working at the CAP team have forever changed my outlook on life and I still think about them to this day.
WHAT WAS YOUR FAVOURITE PART OF THE PROGRAM?
My favourite part of the program was getting to know all of the amazing people in downtown Kamloops! From business owners to the characters that hang out downtown there are so many amazing people to meet. They truly made the job spectacular as well as the comradery felt while being on the team!
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU OFFER CURRENT AND FUTURE CAP TEAM MEMBERS?
I would offer to not be afraid to try new things. This job will make you step out of your comfort zone in more ways than one. You will have to be willing to expand your horizons and open up your heart to new situations. Sometimes the job may feel overwhelming and sometimes a sad situation will occur downtown, but you need to see these days as teaching experiences. I learned so much in my summer on the CAP team and I would trade any of that knowledge for the world.
Additionally, if you’re interested in learning more about the CAP team, check out our website here. Moreover, you can find us on Facebook here.