Work & College Preparation

Redirection Through Education - Work Entry Program

A 180 degree turn-around through RTE

I had no direction. I trusted no one. I felt abandoned, helpless and frightened of life. I had been unable to work for several years and was living as a recluse with no friends, family or social outlets. My doctor referred me to a social worker who suggested I try RTE. I went there, attended the mandatory information session, and then filled out a short questionnaire to take with me to the interview. I entered the program with skepticism. I found myself among a large group of people, many of whom seemed strange to me. I felt defensive, out of place and embarrassed. I could not imagine ever being a part of this group. I resigned myself to complete the first three-month phase and I registered in the College English course. I had achieved
Grade 8 only and felt that to gain a college credit would give me personal satisfaction. I also registered in the E-course; I was computer illiterate and was curious how they worked.

Classes were informal. Students formulated rules and guidelines regarding confidentiality, respect and acceptance. Given the diversity of the students, it is to the students' and the teachers' credit that these rules were seldom breached. A safe and intimate climate was established that helped the members of the group share fears, experiences thoughts and feelings. The first phase provided me with a very special opportunity to watch, listen and learn from my classmates. Through them I began to understand myself. For the first time, I understood that I was caught in the clutches of a mental illness that was dominating and disrupting every aspect of my life. With the sensitive and supportive direction of the staff, and the splendid curriculum, we began to be more caring of ourselves and more supportive of others. I lost my feelings of defensiveness. For the first time in my life I felt I was an accepted, respected, contributing member of a group.

My counsellor commented that I seemed extremely sensitive, intuitive, and responsive to the feelings and emotions of others, and it was from this observation that I decided to become a Child and Youth Worker (CYW). But how could a Grade 8 dropout complete a three year program? I have learning disabilities. I cannot learn from books. How would I support myself? I fell into a deep depression but continued to attend classes and completed Phase 2. My depression deepened and became life-threatening. Through it all, the RTE staff, my peers, and especially my counsellor provided me with the support, time, space, and encouragement I needed to work through my irrational fears and beliefs. By the end of Phase 3, I had finally completed the English and Computer courses. This proved very advantageous when I started the post-secondary Child and Youth Worker Program. More importantly, through my time at Redirection Through Education I had overcome many of my debilitating emotional traumas and gained the necessary confidence and skills to carry on with a gratifying, productive and meaningful future (I have recently completed the first year of the CYW with a 3.72 GPA I have been hired part-time by the Toronto Public School Board to tutor grade 6 and 7, and 8 learning-disabled children in a classroom setting). My life has undergone a 180 degree change for the better.

RTE Student

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Contact the program office at 416-415-5000, ext. 2315.

E-mail .

For updated information and course descriptions, call 416-415-2000 (TTY 1-877-515-5559) or 1-800-265-2002.

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Revised: August 12, 2008