Alicia Wedemire
Faculty of Applied Health & Community Studies
Degree: Child and Youth Worker
Year of graduation: 2009
Giving back to her community has been part of Alicia Wedemire’s life since her high school days. Raised in Brampton just down the street from the Davis Campus, Alicia attended basketball and volleyball summer camps at the college. Subsequent volunteer stints with the Brampton Minor Basketball Association (BMBA) and the Peel Children’s Aid Society sparked her interest in working with at-risk young people. Alicia didn’t have to look far to pursue her career goals. Sheridan’s newly established Child and Youth Worker program seemed tailor-made for her.
Sheridan opened the door to several eye-opening experiences for Alicia, including a two-month placement in Brazil, and a position as a camp counsellor at the Mishkeegogamange native reservation in Northern Ontario, following graduation.
Today, Alicia works as an Educational Resource Facilitator at Ridgeview Public School in Brampton with children who benefit from alternative teaching strategies and individualized support. “Nourishing strong collaborative relationships is a major priority during my interactions with students,” says Alicia.
Whether she is working with students on a one-to-one basis or in groups helping them develop social skills, Alicia is passionate about her role. “I love my career because I am given multiple opportunities to learn and laugh with children. The most rewarding aspect of my work in a school is being able to continue a positive helping relationship over the years as children continue their education.”
Although supporting youth in the community is a gratifying career, says Alicia, new Child and Youth Worker graduates must take steps to avoid burnout. “Use your enthusiasm to motivate young people to take on new challenges, but ensure that self-care is part of your daily routine.”
For her part, Alicia maintains her involvement in basketball, viewing the sport as both an enjoyable activity and a way to continue supporting her community. In March, 2013, she received an award for 15 years of service to the BMBA as a player, coach and dedicated volunteer. It is a most fitting recognition, as Alicia was the BMBA’s first scholastic grant recipient 10 years ago.
Sheridan opened the door to several eye-opening experiences for Alicia, including a two-month placement in Brazil, and a position as a camp counsellor at the Mishkeegogamange native reservation in Northern Ontario, following graduation.
Today, Alicia works as an Educational Resource Facilitator at Ridgeview Public School in Brampton with children who benefit from alternative teaching strategies and individualized support. “Nourishing strong collaborative relationships is a major priority during my interactions with students,” says Alicia.
Whether she is working with students on a one-to-one basis or in groups helping them develop social skills, Alicia is passionate about her role. “I love my career because I am given multiple opportunities to learn and laugh with children. The most rewarding aspect of my work in a school is being able to continue a positive helping relationship over the years as children continue their education.”
Although supporting youth in the community is a gratifying career, says Alicia, new Child and Youth Worker graduates must take steps to avoid burnout. “Use your enthusiasm to motivate young people to take on new challenges, but ensure that self-care is part of your daily routine.”
For her part, Alicia maintains her involvement in basketball, viewing the sport as both an enjoyable activity and a way to continue supporting her community. In March, 2013, she received an award for 15 years of service to the BMBA as a player, coach and dedicated volunteer. It is a most fitting recognition, as Alicia was the BMBA’s first scholastic grant recipient 10 years ago.