Every year, students in TWU’s Human Services Certificate program help individuals, families, and organizations in practical ways. Through practicum placements within schools, non-profit organizations, and social services, TWU students develop skills in the helping professions while creating value for people around them who have various developmental, emotional, and educational needs.
“At this practicum, I learned what it looks like to be a counsellor in the school, how to create groups, as well as what it looks like to educate on certain topics in a school setting..."
Creating positive change
This year, several practicum students worked with youth. Samantha Wolff created friendship groups at Regent Christian Academy to better support children’s emotional needs, intellectual growth, and social well-being. Wolff describes her time at Regent Christian Academy as a great experience and one of her favourite practicum assignments, adding, “At this practicum, I learned what it looks like to be a counsellor in the school, how to create groups, as well as what it looks like to educate on certain topics in a school setting with a bunch of different ages from, kindergarten to grade 9.”
She describes her work, “I created different topics every week, which would teach a different type of lesson through an icebreaker, a game, and then I asked them some questions near the end. On the last day of each group, I was able to create a fun activity where they could remember the fun that we had.”
As she was completing her practicum, Wolff was affirmed of the difference that she had made at the school, when the school staff shared with her the positive changes in their students.
“Practicums in the HSCP program have been such a wonderful way of putting myself in a place where challenges invite me to see myself through new and beneficial perspectives, while channeling my growth mindset..."
Creating new resources
Other practicum students demonstrated innovation in creating new resources. Rebecca Angeline developed courses for kids with autism and helped her practicum supervisor to organize an event to create awareness for educational toys designed for diverse learners.
Angeline remarks, “Practicums in the HSCP program have been such a wonderful way of putting myself in a place where challenges invite me to see myself through new and beneficial perspectives, while channeling my growth mindset on effort over intelligence and talent, and relationally investing in and with people, with the goal of reaching out and being present in a posture of humility and love."
Encouraging generosity
While working with refugee youth and families at New Hope Community Services, one practicum student noticed how the youth loved sports but did not have enough sports equipment. She then wrote to local businesses and churches and invited them to support refugee youth and New Hope through donations of balls for sports. Through this practicum, the TWU student learned how resources and connections are crucial in making a positive impact for others.
Serving families and youth
Other practicum placements included organizations such as Inclusion Langley Society, which serves families with members who have developmental or support needs, intellectual disabilities, or autism spectrum disorder. Here, one TWU student created a keepsake book for foster children and their families. Through her practicum, she grew in her creative skills and use of design software, as well as gaining a deeper understanding of the foster care system.
Another student assisted in supporting a schoolgirl who had fetal alcohol syndrome, helping her develop skills and make friends. She did this by creating a lunch club to encourage youth to relate to one another positively, avoid bullying and gossip, and supported their academic skills through fun ways.
"It’s exciting to see how the Human Services Certificate Program has helped students empower individuals and families.”
Showing empathy
Two other students worked specifically in supporting people with autism. At a life skills centre for people with autism, one TWU student created a recipe book that could be used for a future cooking class. She simplified online recipes for low-functioning skill sets, tailoring the instructions to match the demographics and capacities of clients.
One student created a four-week educational course that complemented her client’s fixation on sea turtles and another client’s fixation on octopi. Through her practicum experience, the student learned more about life with autism. In aligning with her clients’ hyperfixations, the student showed empathy and appreciation for her clients.
Alexandra Dueck, sessional professor of Sociology and coordinator of the Human Services Certificate Program, remarks, “Every year, I am inspired by the students in this program and the ways they have used their gifts, creativity, and innovation to provide supports to their practicum placements."
"Agencies in our community often express how much they appreciate the youthful enthusiasm of our students and their meaningful contributions," she adds. "It’s exciting to see how the Human Services Certificate Program has helped students empower individuals and families.”
About TWU's Human Services certificate
The Human Services program develops graduates who put their experience and skills to work as knowledgeable and empathetic leaders. Learn more at TWU Human Services.
About Trinity Western University
Founded in 1962, Trinity Western University is a global Christian liberal arts university. We are dedicated to equipping students to discover meaningful connections between career, life, and the needs of the world. Drawing upon the riches of the Christian tradition, seeking to unite faith and reason through teaching and scholarship, Trinity Western University is a degree-granting research institution offering liberal arts and sciences as well as professional schools in business, nursing, education, human kinetics, graduate studies, and arts, media, and culture. It has campuses in Canada in Langley, Richmond, and Ottawa. Learn more at www.twu.ca or follow us on Instagram @trinitywestern, Twitter @TrinityWestern, on Facebook and LinkedIn. For media inquiries, please contact: media@twu.ca.