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This month鈥檚 SHSM Student Spotlight proudly features Vincent, a standout student from Kennedy Collegiate whose passion for community, leadership, and growth has made a lasting impact on the Non-Profit SHSM program.
As a dedicated SHSM Ambassador, Vincent leads by example鈥攙olunteering at events like Parent-Teacher Interviews, representing the SHSM booth with confidence, and consistently stepping outside of his comfort zone to engage in trips, activities, and hands-on learning experiences. His leadership, paired with a kind heart and a can-do attitude, makes him a role model within the SHSM community.
Vincent sees SHSM as more than a program鈥攊t鈥檚 been a launchpad for personal and professional growth. From earning certifications like WHMIS, CPR/First Aid, and Communication Skills, to gaining real-world experience through Co-op at Habitat for Humanity ReStore, he鈥檚 built meaningful connections and a deeper appreciation for giving back.
His SHSM journey has shaped a new mindset: 鈥淓very little bit helps.鈥� And with every step, Vincent continues to show how small actions, when driven by heart and purpose, can create big impact.
We sat down with Vincent to hear more about his journey, the challenges he鈥檚 faced, and the advice he has for future SHSM students.
1. What interests you most about the Non-Profit SHSM program, and what do you think makes it unique compared to other pathways?
Something that had interested me about Non-Profit SHSM was the community involvement because I like to view myself as someone who helps others and getting a chance to experience forms of community involvement, which lead me to volunteering around our community. Having these types of experiences makes Non-Profit SHSM unique because it creates a whole stem of new pathways ready to be explored until you find the career that is right for you.
2. Why did you choose to enroll in the Non-Profit SHSM program, and what initially drew you to it?
I enrolled into Non-Profit SHSM because it allowed me to gain certifications that are specific to the career that I am chasing and had also allowed me to build meaningful connections with our community.
3. Can you describe a project, event, or volunteer experience in the program that you found particularly meaningful?
An event that was meaningful to me were my field trips as the SHSM Ambassador for my school because this allowed me to help and support others while advertising SHSM at the same time.
4. How has the Non-Profit SHSM program influenced your perspective on community work and leadership?
My perspective had been influence tremendously because it helped me build a mindset of "Every little bit helps" and has provided me opportunities to show myself as a leader that would've not been possible outside of SHSM.
5. What certifications or training have you completed through the SHSM program, and how do you think they鈥檒l support your future goals?
Within my time in this SHSM I have achieved many certifications such as WHIMIS, CPR/First Aid, Ethical Considerations, Communication Skills.
6. What are some challenges you鈥檝e faced in the program, and how did you navigate them?
Some challenges I have faced are maintaining a balance on my academics but, being in this SHSM sector had connected me to my teachers and allowed me to communicate my issues when they came up.
7. How have the program鈥檚 hands-on learning opportunities, like co-op placements or school events, contributed to your experience?
During my time in this program I have gained hands-on experience from taking Co-op at the Habitat for Humanity ReStore doing Administrative work. That experience had allowed me to build strong connections and further grow my appreciation for our community as well as allowing me to excel in the work field I wish to go in.
8. What advice would you give to other students thinking about joining the Non-Profit SHSM program?
Advice I would give to other students is to take the chance by joining SHSM because it was further grow your opportunities and better your knowledge about a specific work field.
9. Are there specific career paths or post-secondary opportunities you're considering because of your SHSM experience?
This SHSM experience has further encouraged me to explore more of the non-profit opportunities in businesses to further help out the community.
10. Is there anyone 鈥� teachers, mentors, family, or friends 鈥� you鈥檇 like to thank for supporting you throughout your SHSM journey?
The people I would like to thank are my two SHSM sector teachers Ms. Remetic and Ms. Poole and the Habitat for Humanity Windsor-Essex Team, because without them I would have never gained the knowledge and hands-on experience about non-profit.
Don鈥檛 miss out on more inspiring SHSM journeys! Check out last month鈥檚 Student Spotlight to learn about another student鈥檚 unique path and accomplishments through the SHSM program.
Stay tuned for next month鈥檚 feature as we continue to highlight the incredible stories of students shaping their futures across the GECDSB!