A Path to Purpose

At long last, graduation day arrived, and I was elated. I felt a mixture of relief and excitement – relief at completing the strenuous Business Technology Management Program at Ryerson (now Metropolitan University) and excitement about beginning my career journey. I was full of hope for a future ripe with opportunity, eager to pursue a field that I was passionate about.

It didn’t take long for my optimism to fade. Application after application, interview after interview – all ended in rejection. Over and over, I heard “not qualified” or “lacks experience.” I wondered, “How in the world can I gain experience when even entry-level roles require so much of it?” Feeling defeated, I continued working at the organization where I’d started two years before graduating, a role I’d taken thinking a reputable position might lead to future opportunities. Unfortunately, that was not the case, and I began to feel locked in a role where I was offered little guidance and where I felt undervalued and unfulfilled. I felt no sense of purpose, I began to dread going into work, and with little time or money to uplevel my skills, I felt completely stuck.

Everything changed the day I was introduced to Mary Falcone.

Mary was the program manager for Youth Programs at Caledon Community Services, where my sister had just completed LIFE for Youth. As a result of being able to work on things she enjoyed doing, she had become more confident, organized and focused. From what my family and I could see, she seemed significantly happier overall.