Chelsey was in high school when she learned about Booth University College at a University Fair. She recalls how she was helping with set up and had time to speak with an Admissions Councillor from Booth UC, and specifically about the Psychology program. From that conversation, Chelsey was drawn to Booth UC for the small class sizes and the opportunity to build relationships.
“Everyone was so welcoming,” Chelsey explains. “It has its own close community where you can be yourself.” She found, compared to other campuses she had visited, Booth UC was not intimidating and easy to get to know people. “The staff wanted to get to know you as a person and your school goals.”
Chelsey completed her practicum at Siloam Mission with a focus on mental health. After graduating, the upheaval of COVID-19 meant that one of her jobs ended because the organization she was working for shut down. She took some time to regroup and worked part-time as an online writing tutor. Eventually, Chelsey reconnected with her mentor at Siloam Mission and has been working at Siloam full time since last July.
“There are many factors that contribute to homelessness, and I appreciate the honesty and resiliency of the people I work with at Siloam Mission.” Using the problem-solving and critical thinking skills she developed at Booth UC, Chelsey assists clients while learning more about what it means to be human, to struggle and then pick yourself up.
“Booth UC bestowed upon me a wealth of analytical and critical thinking skills with which to navigate the grass-root systems embedded in our community. The foundation Booth UC helped me build is the reason why I understand how psychology intersects with trauma and addiction,” she describes. “It is the reason I am equipped to help my community get back on its feet in times of need.” Chelsey is also grateful she can inform people about the resources and other organizations in Winnipeg that provide needed services to vulnerable communities. She is truly helping to make a difference.
