Healthy Communities • YMCA Employment Programs
How YMCA’s Learning Opportunities Program Unlocked Krystal’s Post-Secondary Plan
06 September 2018 - by YMCA of Greater Toronto
Before joining the YMCA’s Learning Opportunities Program (LOP) at the North York Dufferin Street YMCA Centre, Krystal knew she wanted to do more with her life despite being told repeatedly that she could not achieve post-secondary education. As a single mother, she says, “I wanted to do better for my daughter.” Although she had obtained a high school diploma, Krystal needed more credits to proceed to higher education. She contacted the Literacy Access Network, and was referred to YMCA LOP. At the YMCA, Krystal was welcomed by Tara Pishghadam, Literacy Specialist, and Jacqueline Gibson, Program Coordinator.
Krystal joined the program with the goal of improving her skills in writing and interpreting information. Along with Tara and Jacqueline, Krystal sat down to plan the path to her personal goal: Post-Secondary Education in an Early Childhood Education (ECE) program. With enthusiasm, she attended LOP classes every day and was also matched with a tutor for an hour a week. As she progressed through the program, Krystal overcame her challenges by breaking them down into manageable pieces. Outside of class hours, Krystal spent an hour each day working on her own with resources and tools shared by Tara and Jacqueline.
Within a year, Krystal successfully applied for and passed the entrance exam to the Academic and Career Entrance Program (ACE) at Seneca College. The following year, she was accepted into its Early Childhood Program (ECE) program. Krystal is currently completing her fourth semester, and is very thankful to Tara, Jacqueline, and other YMCA staff for their support. “If you want to achieve something in life, you have to look for it. You can’t sit, and expect it to come to you,” Krystal says.
The Learning Opportunity Program has been supporting people 18 and older, for over 11 years. Krystal wants people to know that, “The YMCA LOP is really good, and people should take the opportunity. You don’t have to be scared because there are other people struggling. Don’t let fear be a block in your life or your career.”
YMCA LOP is one of many Employment Service support programs offered by the YMCA of Greater Toronto. To learn more about the services that are available and to find a centre near you, please visit.
Krystal joined the program with the goal of improving her skills in writing and interpreting information. Along with Tara and Jacqueline, Krystal sat down to plan the path to her personal goal: Post-Secondary Education in an Early Childhood Education (ECE) program. With enthusiasm, she attended LOP classes every day and was also matched with a tutor for an hour a week. As she progressed through the program, Krystal overcame her challenges by breaking them down into manageable pieces. Outside of class hours, Krystal spent an hour each day working on her own with resources and tools shared by Tara and Jacqueline.
Within a year, Krystal successfully applied for and passed the entrance exam to the Academic and Career Entrance Program (ACE) at Seneca College. The following year, she was accepted into its Early Childhood Program (ECE) program. Krystal is currently completing her fourth semester, and is very thankful to Tara, Jacqueline, and other YMCA staff for their support. “If you want to achieve something in life, you have to look for it. You can’t sit, and expect it to come to you,” Krystal says.
The Learning Opportunity Program has been supporting people 18 and older, for over 11 years. Krystal wants people to know that, “The YMCA LOP is really good, and people should take the opportunity. You don’t have to be scared because there are other people struggling. Don’t let fear be a block in your life or your career.”
YMCA LOP is one of many Employment Service support programs offered by the YMCA of Greater Toronto. To learn more about the services that are available and to find a centre near you, please visit.
