How an employment centre became a classroom for Madison

By Madison Denault-King

Madison Denault-King is a high school co-op student at the Pickering Kingston Road YMCA Employment Centre. She is described by her staff partner, Scott, as someone who brought new perspective and always wanted to know the “why.” Her optimistic attitude was appreciated by staff, as she was always ready to have a good day!

I have really enjoyed my co-op placement at the YMCA. I have learned so much more than I would have ever learned inside of a classroom. The people, environment, and work that I have been exposed to at the YMCA has helped me grow into, I believe, a much different person than I was when I first started.

At the YMCA, I was exposed to new social interactions. I have had to assist members with their problems, or work with other employees in the centre with their work. When I first started, I was very nervous to work with anyone I did not know well, and would try to avoid doing that sort of work and opt for more independent work. However, as time went on, I became very comfortable talking to, helping, and socializing with others. Now, I am not afraid of doing these tasks and I have found that I enjoy doing them more than being by myself. When I have been working with a lot of people all day, I am happier and when I leave the YMCA, I am more social to people I walk by, people I see at the bus stop, and with the bus drivers.

As well as developing some more of my social attributes at the YMCA, I have found that I am better at being an independent worker. When I first started, I found myself relying a lot on the people around me to tell me what to do and to figure my schedule out for me. But with their help, I was able to start to be self-regulated and begin a schedule for myself and complete tasks I know how to do without being asked to do so. For example, when I come in I will sign in, tidy up the resource centre, check the workshop binder, complete confirmation calls, and sign onto a computer to check if I have received any important messages. After this routine, I ask the staff in the centre if there is anything I can do for them. With hard work and a lot of practice, I have become an efficient worker who completes work in a timely matter.

I am very proud of what I have accomplished while doing my co-op placement at the YMCA. I have had many new experiences and learned so much about what it is like to have a real job in a workplace I am interested in pursuing. I will continue to use these skills throughout my everyday life, and hope to develop them further after my placement is completed.

Last year, the YMCA partnered with over 1,500 student volunteers gaining training and development at the high school or post-secondary level. Visit our website to learn more about volunteer opportunities at the YMCA of Greater Toronto.