Crystal's Story - Saint John Learning Exchange

I didn’t finish high school but worked for three years until 2016. I was laid off unexpectedly, but decided to look at it positively. I thought, ‘This is my chance. I have to do something.’

I had many barriers, including an anxiety disorder. But then I met with Dale. I felt so comfortable. I had spent so much time on EI. You feel the system is against you. But Dale was just a real person. He wanted to know what I wanted. I started the classes and the flexibility really worked for me. I could pick when and how much I attended.

I loved the small classes and the personalized approach. Everyone was at different stages. I didn’t feel judged. I was listening to peoples’ stories. In other situations, especially in school, I had always felt like an outsider. I’m the new kid – but at the Learning Exchange, everyone was the new kid. There can be a lot of shame. Shame from not completing school. They don’t want you to feel that at the Learning Exchange, though. They want to you get away from that, to move on.

I took my GED and it was tough. But we had worked on a plan. If I didn’t pass, we would know immediately, and we would work together on that.

Once I met Janelle, applying to post-secondary became a conversation. The New Brunswick College of Craft and Design was having some classes at the Saint John campus for a new one-year program. When I applied, I didn’t have my GED, it was a condition. Janelle was totally supportive – we took the leap together. Once the wheels were turning to apply for college, it was my focus. A future was possible, a career was possible. I began to build my confidence. And I got in.

Once I was there, everything was new again. But I had my experience at the Learning Exchange to draw upon. Even just the ability to reach out to my teachers and ask for help. I graduated and was accepted to study Photography at NBCCD in Fredericton. I’ve signed a lease. I’m ready to go. My experience at the Learning Exchange taught me that my dreams were actually tangible. Thinking about the future feels real for the first time.

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Taya’s Story

At just 17 years old, Taya knew exactly what he wanted: to work. While finishing his high school diploma, he was already thinking ahead, focused on building a future for himself. College did not feel like an option due to financial barriers, but that did not stop him from setting a clear goal. He wanted to enter the workforce and start building his independence. When a guest speaker from SJLE, Youth Workforce Coach Kassandra Goudreau, visited his learning site, Taya listened closely. After the presentation, he made the decision that would shape his path. He took her card and reached out. From there, Taya got to work. He took the steps needed to prepare himself for employment with support from Kassandra; securing key documents, opening a bank account, and building a resume and cover letter. In Taya’s words, she helped with “everything that a parent should do.” Along the way, he leaned into the support when needed, but it was his initiative and follow-through that kept things moving forward. “Having her (Kassandra) believe in me felt good,” Taya shared, “I never had someone believe in me like her.” That belief helped reinforce what Taya was already starting to see in himself. Soon, an opportunity emerged through SJLE’s partnership with the Insulators Union: a 12-week pre-apprenticeship training program designed to prepare participants for direct entry into the trades. After hearing about this, Taya did not hesitate. He attended the information session, learned everything he could, and committed himself to the process. Determined to make it happen, Taya earned his spot in the 12-week pre-apprenticeship training program. He showed up, put in the work, and completed the program, building both skills and confidence along the way. Today, more than six months later, Taya is part of the Heat & Frost Insulators Union 131. He now has his drivers license and bought his very own car! He continues to set goals for himself and take steps forward, including earning his driver’s license. Each step reflects his commitment to building a strong, independent future.

Crystal’s Story

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